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Serving Hand of the King to three separate kings, Ser Otto Hightower has been a major player in the turbulent history of House Targaryen. Though his allegiance and ambition have also brought him down, his political deftness and strategic sense have determined the fate of Westeros. Driven by sadness and resentment at the loss of his son, King Aegon II decides tragically in the second season of House Of The Dragon to substitute the merciless Ser Criston Cole for Otto Hightower Hand of the King.
Often a driving factor behind the power and influence of the Targaryen dynasty is Otto Hightower, a man of political shrewdness and experience. Many rulers have followed his counsel and direction, but his desire to pass the kingdom to his granddaughter Alicent caused conflict and finally resulted in his being removed from Hand Of The King. Driven by grief and a hunger for vengeance, Aegon II perceives Criston Cole's willingness to act as a more desired characteristic than Otto's measured approach, therefore marking a turning point in the Dance Of The Dragons.
The plot of House of the Dragon revolves heavily on Otto Hightower's discharge. He has been instrumental in determining the course of events that resulted in the civil war; his absence leaves a hole in the King's advice. Otto's leaving also marks a change in the power relations in the field. He is a sharp strategist, hence his absence will probably be felt as the Dance Of The Dragons is being performed. His leaving King's Landing is also evidence of the brittle character of authority in Westeros. The political terrain is always changing, hence people in charge have to be alert in maintaining their place. George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood reveals his fate, which points to a far from over political impact. From the shadows, his slyness and ambition will still guide the path of the conflict.
Although Otto's political career is closed with his leaving Oldtown to supervise the schooling of Alicent and Viserys' youngest son, Daeron, his absence represents more than just a change of scenery. With his political power probably still guiding the Dance Of The Dragons, his leaving King's Landing represents a major turning point in the war.
The controversial choice King Aegon II made to substitute Ser Criston Cole as Hand of the King for Otto Hightower is Otto Hightower was a master strategist with a sharp awareness of the political terrain, even if he was a merciless and manipulative politician. Conversely, Criston Cole lacks the political skill and forethought Otto has but is a devoted warrior with a strong sense of justice. Common in the universe of Game of Thrones and its predecessor, House of the Dragon, Aegon's choice is motivated more by emotion than by strategic thought.
For the Dance of the Dragons, Ser Criston Cole's substitution for Otto Hightower might have major effects. Aegon II had been kept in a good position by Otto's political deftness and cunning, but Criston Cole's impulsiveness and lack of political experience could prove to be a big liability. Already a violent struggle, the Dance of the Dragons may get more carnage and instability in the realm depending on Aegon's hasty choice.
The events of House of the Dragon have been greatly shaped by the man of great ambition and cunning Otto Hightower. The struggle between Rhaenyra and Aegon has resulted from his political deftness; the Dance of the Dragons has been defined in part by his strategic vision. Otto approaches politics with slyness, pragmatism, and a readiness to control events to suit him. He is a master of mystery, deft at negotiating the convoluted social and political systems of Westeros.
Otto's political plan centers on ensuring his family owns the Iron Throne. Long an advocate of Alicent Hightower, he has helped her to be positioned as a possible heir to the kingdom using his clout. Even attempting to displace Rhaenyra as heir, he has deftly controlled circumstances to discredit her claim. Though Otto Hightower's political games are evidence of his intelligence and ambition, his unrelenting quest of power finally brought him down.