Oberyn Martell aka "The Red Viper" and Ellaria Sand
Season 4 brought House Martell to King's Landing, in particular Oberyn Martell aka "The Red Viper" and his paramour, Ellaria Sand. Season 5 will bring fans to Dorne. HBO

"Game of Thrones" fans were treated to the premiere of Season 4 this past Sunday, and with the "Two Swords" premiere, came the introduction of a new character, the Red Viper. The new face in Westeros comes with a long history. The Red Viper, who is known royally as Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne, is a major reason why Season 4 of "Game of Thrones" will be a tumultuous and vengeful ride. And while the character was created by the author of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, George R.R. Martin, Pedro Pascal, who portrays the Red Viper in the HBO TV series, may be drawing on some real life inspiration. Since news of the casting for Season 4 was revealed by show runners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, the similarities between actor Pedro Pascal and his on screen character, Oberyn Martell grew, but since his first appearance in the premiere episode, the similarities between the Pascal and his Westerosi counterpart are downright striking. Don't believe us? By the end of this fun-filled list, you will totally be convinced.

They both come from "foreign" countries. Pedro's on screen character hails from Dorne, more specifically he is the Prince of Dorne's capital Sunspear. The area is the southern-most part of Westeros and thus the hottest region, however the region has an abundance of rivers which provide enough water for fertile lands. Dorne provides many exotic products to the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, mainly its Dornish wines. Pedro Pascal most likely knows something about the complexity of a good red wine, because the actor, himself, was born in Chile. But that's not all, Pascal left his birth place, like the Red Viper and set his sight on something more cosmopolitan. Pascal moved to New York City in 1993, he studied at the revered NYU Tisch School of the Arts, the Red Viper also left home for schooling, in his youth the young Prince was fostered at Sandstone, until he was discovered in bed with the lover of the ruling Lord. Following multiple years of travel, the Red Viper arrive sin King's Landing, (the Westerosi equivalent to the Big Apple) in order to take care of unfinished business.

Like is Red Viper character, Pascal is a determined and well experienced professional, however his is in terms of the theater instead of tournaments. While his name was unknown before being cast on "Game of Thrones," Pascal has had success on other hugely popular TV shows, namely "The Good Wife," "Red Widow" and "Graceland." Even the show runners believe he is perfect for the role, "We found a fellow who can handle the job description and make it seem effortless. He wasn't easy to find and he won't be easy to stop," show runners David Benioff and D. B Weiss confirmed of the casting. His character on "Game of Thrones," Oberyn Martell is also a man who allegedly can't be stopped. The Red Viper has an older brother, Doran, who in addition to be the ruling Lord of Sunspear, holds a close relationship with his younger brother. In a quote describing Oberyn, Doran states "Oberyn was ever the viper. Deadly, dangerous, unpredictable. No man dared tread on him."

Last but not least, like his character, Pascal feels free in his skin and isn't shy about hiding his sexuality. His character who notably engaged in the series, first ever on screen orgy in his series premiere in "Two Swords" is a passionate lover and fighter, who hides nothing. In an interview with Vulture, Pascal discussed upcoming nude scenes for the Red Viper in Season 4, and like his on screen counterpart, Pascal isn't afraid of a little skin. He commented, "Nobody asked me to hide anything. I was all in. When does "Game of Thrones" ever fail you in terms of like not going all the way with something? They give you candy from both sides. I'd insist upon it!"

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