Tyrion Lannister: what can we expect for the Game of Thrones character in season 8

For an irreverent antagonist with a penchant for prostitutes, Tyrion Lannister really managed to steal our hearts.

Tarred by his stature (to Westerosi) and surname (to Lannister-loathing viewers), it was easy to write Tyrion off as one of many 'noble' Casterley Rock sociopaths.

Nonetheless, the discerning dwarf took no time at all to become many viewers' favourite character – even series author George RR Martin says Tyrion is his favorite character.

With Game of Thrones finally back on our screens for its season 8 showdown, here's your need-to-know guide to Tyrion Lannister - the Machiavellian Imp who always seems to be at the centre of the action:

Who is Tyrion Lannister?

Tyrion Lannister is the youngest child of Lord Tywin Lannister and younger brother of twins/lovers Cersei and Jaime Lannister. His mother. Joanna Lannister, died giving birth to him - a tragedy for which both his father and sister have held him in contempt.

As a largely outcast dwarf, Tyrion built an armour of wit and intellect to overcome daily prejudice and abuse. That, alongside a decent helping of booze and cynicism.

Later, his abduction by Catelyn Stark - for a crime he did not commit - served as a catalyst for the War of the Five Kings.

Unfortunately, things didn't get much better for the scorned political genius. After escaping he returned to King's Landing, where he was appointed Hand of the King (to his terrifying nephew, Joffrey),  and was quickly demoted (to Master of Coin) after defending his family from the warmongering of Stannis Baratheon.

Later framed for Joffrey's murder, he was put on trial to which he responded with revenge. Tyrion murdered his father with a bow and arrow and strangled his father's lover (Tyrion's ex) Shae, before fleeing to Essos.

Who is Peter Dinklage, who plays him?

The New Jersey-raised actor was born on June 11, 1969 and made his film debut alongside Steve Buscemi in low-budget indie Living in Oblivion (1995). The following year he appeared as a building manager in the crime drama Bullet, which starred rapper TupacShakur.

Born to average-sized parents, Dinklage has achondroplasia - a genetic condition that affects bone growth. A person with this form of dwarfism usually has a normal-sized head and torso but short limbs. He is 4ft 5".

“As an adolescent, I was bitter and angry, and I definitely put up these walls," he told MSNBC. "But the older you get, you realize you just have to have a sense of humour. You just know that it’s not your problem. It’s theirs."

In October 2017 Dinklage purchased the rights to the film adaptation of Joe R. Lansdale's novel, The Thicket.

Dinklage is married to theatre director Erica Schmidt. The couple have a daughter together.

What's happened to Tyrion so far in Game of Thrones?

Season 1

Journeying in the North, Tyrion was framed for the attempted murder of Bran Stark. Facing trial by combat, he was defended by the sellsword Bronn, who became his companion and bodyguard. Tyrion rejoined his father Tywin’s forces and impressed with his tactical acumen. His father sent him on to Kings Landing, to keep an eye on King Joffrey.

Season 2

As Hand of the King, Tyrion was in his element among the intrigues of the capital. Nonetheless he clashed with his sister, Cersei, and struggled to reign in Joffrey’s viciousness. Although he defended the city successfully against an attack by Stannis Baratheon, he was betrayed by his kinsmen and relieved of his command.

Season 3

Tyrion was married to Sansa Stark in a political match. He continued to clash with Joffrey and with Tywin.

Season 4

Joffrey was poisoned at his wedding feast and the blame fell on Tyrion. He was defended in a trial by combat by Oberyn Martell, but the over-confident Martell was killed by The Mountain. Facing death, Tyrion was surprised to be rescued by his brother Jaime. However, on the way out he could not resist confronting his father for betraying him, finally murdering him with a crossbow. He quickly stowed away on a ship away from Westeros.

Season 5

Depressed, Tyrion intended to drink himself to death. However, his companion Varys persuaded him to seek out Daenerys Targaryen. Kidnapped along the way by Jorah Mormont, then captured by slavers, Tyrion met Daenerys sooner than expected as a slave in the arena. Daenerys appointed him her adviser.

Season 6

With Daenerys missing, Tyrion and Varys used their cunning to root out her enemies in the city of Meereen. With the Dragon Queen’s return, they decisively crushed the slave-masters’ assault.

Season 7

Tyrion hits Dragonstone with Daenerys, Missandei, Varys and Grey Worm to start planning the Mother of Dragons' conquest of Westeros. When Mlisandre visits to tell them of Jon Snow's coronation, he encourages Daenerys to make an alliance. When reunited with the "bastard of Winterfell", Tyrion encourages Jon to bend the knee and barters with Daenerys to let Jon mine the dragonglass under Dragonstone. When his military plan to seize Casterley Rock goes array and results in the loss of another ally, tensions with Daenerys heighten and - after nearly watching his brother burn alive in the Battle of the Goldroad - urges Daenerys to help Jon capture a wight to prove their threat to Cersei.

Tyrion eventually sneaks into King's Landing and encourages Jaime to convince Cersei to parley with Daenerys and Jon. Once the wight is captured, the collective meet at Dragonstone and - after many tense conversations - Cersei eventually agrees to ally in the fight against the undead.

Season 8

Though intended as a tender moment, Tyrion reuniting with sort-of-wife Sansa called his character into question for trusting Cersei would help their united cause. At the same time, his sister sent Bronn off on a mission to kill both her brothers. As the Battle of Winterfell approaches Tyrion seems quite sure he's going to die, even telling his brother Jaime, “at least Cersei won’t get to murder me". Nonetheless, by staying put (and strong) in Winterfell's crypts, Tyrion managed to survive the Battle and share a few rather lovely moments with Sansa in the interim.

Will Tyrion die in Season 8?

Peter Dinklage certainly seems to thinks so. The award-winning actor told Vulture: "I think he was given a very good conclusion. No matter what that is — death can be a great way out."

In a separate interview with Entertainment Tonight, he also suggested things would end "beautifully for my character whether it be tragic or not."

To add fuel to a very unwanted fire, Game of Thrones producer Steve Kullback was  caught saying he couldn't tell the media "what episode Tyrion dies…or doesn’t" while backstage at this year's Creative Arts Emmys.

With Bronn heading towards the Lannister brothers (under Cersei's killer instruction), we fear Tyrion's near-inevitable death may happen far sooner than any of us can prepare for.

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