7 things to know about characters before starting Dune: Prophecy

In the enormous expanse of Dune: Prophecy, the story begins 10,000 years before Paul Atreides becomes the protagonist. This prequel explores the complex politics of the Imperium, which correlates the fervent power struggle of the Harkonnen and Atreides families, along with the mysterious Bene Gesserit Sisterhood.

The talented cast, featuring Emily Watson as the formidable Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen and Travis Fimmel as the mysterious soldier Desmond Hart, brings these characters to life with depth and complexity. The show introduces a host of compelling figures: Princess Ynez, determined to carve her path amid court intrigue, and Keiran Atreides, who wrestles with his family's legacy.

Sister Jen, portrayed by Faoileann Cunningham, adds an unpredictable layer that keeps viewers guessing. The tension simmers, with betrayals lurking around every corner. As alliances shift and threats loom, understanding these characters becomes crucial for navigating the complex narrative ahead.

With its rich storytelling and character-driven drama, Dune: Prophecy promises to captivate audiences. Before diving in, exploring seven essential insights about these characters will provide a solid foundation for this captivating saga!

The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, The House of Atreides, and 5 other facts about characters in Dune: Prophecy

1) The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood

A still from Dune: Prophecy (Image via Warner Bros. Pictures)

In Dune: Prophecy, the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood becomes a significant presence in the galaxy, influencing the political scene through their expertise in truth and deceit. This origins story delves into the Sisterhood's beginnings on the rain-drenched planet of Wallach IX, where women are educated as skilled Truthsayers.

The show includes a strong ensemble, with Emily Watson playing Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen, working to redeem her family's image and enhance the Sisterhood's power. Next to her is Olivia Williams, playing the role of Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen, who struggles with her personal goals and allegiances. The interaction among these characters enriches the story, exposing the intricacies of authority and faith within the Sisterhood.

2) The House of Atreides

The House of Atreides is a central figure in the story of Dune, representing the concepts of nobility and honor in a world full of conflict. Their history of bravery and heroism during the Butlerian Jihad is the reason why they got their name. Their past is deeply connected to House Harkonnen due to the long-standing rivalry.

This feud ignited long before Paul Atreides emerged as a pivotal figure. The series Dune: Prophecy introduces Keiran Atreides, portrayed by Chris Mason, a sword master and a key player in the unfolding drama. House Atreides thrives on their lush home planet, Caladan, contrasting sharply with the oppressive regime of the Harkonnens on Giedi Prime.

The tension escalates as Valya Harkonnen seeks revenge for her family's disgrace, rooted in accusations of cowardice against her ancestors. This vendetta fuels the narrative, making it essential to understand these characters and their motivations before diving into Dune: Prophecy.

3) Desmond Hart

Desmond Hart shines as a crucial figure in Dune: Prophecy, introducing mystery and peril to the story. Portrayed by Travis Fimmel, he is a warrior who managed to survive a dangerous encounter with a sandworm on Arrakis. Instead of dying, he gains incredible powers, including the ability to use pyrokinesis to destroy enemies from the inside.

His loyalty to Emperor Javicco Corrino enhances his character's depth. Hart's abilities are surrounded by secrets, which make him valuable while also posing a possible danger. He challenges the manipulative Voice of the Bene Gesserit, demonstrating his individual strength. This resistance suggests more profound ties to the sandworms and the lore of the universe.

As the events play out, doubts about Hart's real character and motivations persist.

4) House Corrino

House Corrino is a central player in Dune: Prophecy, ruling the Imperium for an astonishing 10,000 years. Led by Emperor Javicco Corrino, portrayed by Mark Strong, and his ambitious wife, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May), this house embodies political intrigue and power struggles. Their daughter, Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), is determined to carve her own path, seeking knowledge from the Bene Gesserit while navigating an arranged marriage.

The Corrinos are not just rulers— they are also schemers, constantly balancing alliances and rivalries. Javicco’s reliance on his Bene Gesserit advisor creates tension with Natalya, who craves a more active role in governance. Meanwhile, Constantine, Javicco's illegitimate son (played by Josh Heuston), adds complexity to the family dynamics.

As the story unfolds, the intricate relationships within House Corrino reveal the fragility of their power.

5) House Harkonnen

House Harkonnen is a powerful presence in Dune: Prophecy, filled with sinister goals and a desire for payback. Valya Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson, leads this family in their quest to restore their reputation, following accusations of cowardice from House Atreides. The deep-seated rivalry stems from historical accusations that continue to haunt Valya's family.

In the show, Valya and her sister Tula (played by Olivia Williams) are committed to transforming their family's heritage. They supervise the education of young women training to be Bene Gesserit sisters, exerting power and influence discreetly. Their final objective is to seek vengeance against the Atreides for what they believe are insults to their family.

The intricacies of House Harkonnen are portrayed as a power struggle that transcends simple evil. Understanding the motivations of characters driven by ambition and a thirst for recognition is crucial to understanding the complex network of alliances and enmities in this epic saga.

6) The Landsraad

The Landsraad plays a vital role in Dune: Prophecy, as it embodies the gathering of powerful families who influence the destiny of the Imperium. It is like an assembly of influential households, each having its own goals and conflicts. This long-standing establishment acts as a check on the Emperor's power, making sure that no one family can control it without facing repercussions.

In the prequel, the Landsraad is portrayed as a center of scheming and deception. Under the leadership of Emperor Javicco (played by Mark Strong), House Corrino faces intricate dynamics as it contends with challenges posed by House Harkonnen and other adversaries. The rivalry among these factions creates a backdrop for discord, with alliances changing constantly.

Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) and Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) are crucial players in this political chess match. Comprehending the Landsraad is crucial as every choice made in this council resonates across the universe, shaping fates outside its walls.

7) Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen

Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen is a formidable presence in Dune: Prophecy, portrayed by Emily Watson. As the leader of the Bene Gesserit, she embodies ambition and cunning, determined to restore her house's tarnished legacy. Valya's rise to power is steeped in intrigue— she eliminated her predecessor, Dorotea, using the deadly power known as "The Voice," showcasing her ruthless nature.

In Dune: Prophecy, Valya oversees the training of young women destined to become Bene Gesserit sisters, aiming to manipulate political outcomes from behind the scenes. Her vision includes placing a Bene Gesserit on the throne, specifically targeting Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) for this role.

This strategic move is designed to prevent a catastrophic reckoning foretold by her mentor, Raquella. Valya's character is not just about power, it’s about navigating a treacherous landscape of alliances and enmities.

As the intricate web of alliances and rivalries unfolds in Dune: Prophecy, understanding these key characters is essential for navigating the epic saga. With power struggles and hidden agendas at play, the journey promises to be as thrilling as it is complex.

Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay