content: 
  == Character description ==
  Oberyn Martell is the youngest brother of Prince Doran Martell, the ruler of the southern principality of Dorne.  He is a hot-headed, forceful, and lustful man with a quick wit and a barbed tongue.  He is a formidable fighter, and is nicknamed "the Red Viper" due to his preference for red clothing, as well as the rumor of him using poisoned weapons in duels.  He has travelled the world, served in the famous mercenary company Second Sons before founding a company of his own, and briefly studied poisons and dark arts as a novice at the Citadel, managing to obtain six links of the maester's chain before quitting due to boredom.  He is bisexual and has eight illegitimate daughters, collectively known as the "Sand Snakes".  He was very close to his older sister Elia, and seeks revenge for her death.
  Oberyn Martell is not a point of view character in the novels.  His actions are directly witnessed and interpreted through the eyes of Tyrion Lannister, and is later mentioned via the chapters of his niece Arianne Martell and Areo Hotah, the bodyguard of his brother Doran.