content: '''Tywin Lannister''' is a fictional character in the epic fantasy series ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' by American novelist George R. R. Martin, and its television adaptation ''Game of Thrones''.
  Introduced in ''A Game of Thrones'' (1996) and subsequently appeared in ''A Clash of Kings'' (1998) and ''A Storm of Swords'' (2000), Tywin Lannister is the ruthless patriarch of House Lannister of Casterly Rock, and father to Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. He is the Warden of the West and the Lord Paramount of Westerlands, the wealthiest region of the Seven Kingdoms, and was twice the Hand of the King, making him one of the most powerful political figures in Westerosi history. Tywin's cruelty towards his youngest son Tyrion, whom he has despised since the latter's childhood for being a dwarf, is a primary influence on Tyrion's character arc in both the novels and television show.
  Tywin is portrayed by veteran English actor Charles Dance in the HBO television adaptation and has received acclaim from critics for his performance and characterization.