Peter Claffey, the actor behind Ser Duncan the Tall, has a deep appreciation for the character he plays in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. When asked what he admires most about Dunk and what he would like to incorporate more of in his own life, Claffey immediately highlighted one quality: Seeing the good in people.
Quick read:
- Peter Claffey wants to see more good in people
- He deems Dunk to be brave
- He calls Dunk a loyal person
Ser Duncan the Tall in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Image: HBO
Seeing the good in people: Even when it’s hard
In an interview with Film Inside, Claffey’s words:
“He tries to see the good in people a lot more. I wish I could try to see the good in people a little bit better, for sure.”
In the harsh, distrustful world of Westeros, Dunk consistently chooses to look for decency and potential in others. He gives people the benefit of the doubt, offers second chances, and judges them by their actions rather than their background. This optimistic lens is rare and Claffey finds it both admirable and personally aspirational.
Courage that sometimes crosses into recklessness
Peter Claffey also praised Dunk’s bravery, noting that it occasionally pushes the character into danger:
“He’s incredibly courageous. He’s brave. He allows… sometimes probably too brave, his moral compass… sort of ends and his kind of commitment to chivalry and honour sort of gets him into some tricky spots.”
Dunk’s sense of right and wrong, his dedication to chivalric ideals drives him to protect the vulnerable and stand firm even when the odds are against him. That same moral stubbornness can lead him into difficult, even life-threatening situations, yet Claffey sees it as a core part of what makes Dunk compelling.
Reliable, loyal, and deeply likeable
Claffey summed up Dunk’s overall character in warm, straightforward terms:
“He’s a very likeable guy and a loyal person and somebody that you could definitely rely on for sure.”
Dunk is far from perfect. He can be overly trusting, stubborn, and occasionally naive but those flaws make his strengths feel authentic and earned. People gravitate toward him because he radiates dependability and quiet integrity.
His ability to see the good in others isn’t naive optimism, rather it’s a deliberate choice that frequently comes at a cost. Claffey’s wish to adopt more of that perspective himself adds a relatable, human touch: even the man who embodies Dunk recognises how challenging it can be to live with that level of faith in people day-to-day.
In the end, Dunk’s greatest strength lies not in his size or skill with a sword, but in his stubborn belief that goodness exists and is worth defending, even when the world keeps trying to prove him wrong. Peter Claffey sees that clearly, and hopes to carry a little more of it with him beyond the set.
