Just when you thought you'd finally got a handle on who everybody was in Game of Thrones, they go and chuck a whole load of new names and faces at you. Before season five kicks off, we thought it wise to try and familiarise ourselves with some of the new characters being introduced this series, along with the actors who play them.

Nymeria Sand

Remember Oberyn Martell, the free-lovin’, fast-fightin’ Prince of Dorne who had his skull caved in last season by The Mountain? Well, it turns out he had quite a few illegitimate children, who are affectionately known as the Sand Snakes (Sand is the surname for bastard-born children in Dorne). Nymeria (also known as Lady Nym) is the second oldest Sand Snake, and is set to go on a little trip to King’s Landing this season to take a vacant seat on the small council. She is played by Jessica Henwick, who has starred in Spirit Warriors, Balsa Wood and will be in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.

Obara Sand

Obara is played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, which is just about the most Game of Thrones-friendly surname we can think of. As the eldest Sand Snake, Obara is none-too-thrilled about her father’s death, so expect a wee bit of drama from her. Film buffs will recognise Castle-Hughes for her role in Whale Rider, which earned her an Oscar nomination.

Tyene Sand

Yes, another Sand, Oberyn sowed his seed alright – this time with a septa (kind of like the GoT equivalent of a nun). Doran sends Tyene, played by New Yorker Rosabell Laurenti Sellers, to Kings Landing in order to try and befriend the new High Septon.

High Sparrow

Did someone say a new High Septon? Jonathan Pryce plays the devout High Sparrow - a man determined to aid the sick and poor, who draws a large following with him and means certain trouble for the Lannisters. You might recognise Pryce from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Wolf Hall and Terry Gilliam's 1985 masterpiece Brazil.

Doran Martell

As head of the house Martell, this fella is also the Prince of Dorne and the Lord of Sunspear. His sister was Elia (the murdered wife of Rhaegar) and his brother was Oberyn. He has a bad case of gout, and therefore has difficulty moving, but as he’s not too happy about the Viper’s death in King’s Landing, he’s bound to seek revenge in some way. He’s played by Alexander Siddig, who has appeared in 24 but who's best known as the adorkable Dr Julian Bashir from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Areo Hotah

This chap is Captain of Doran Martell’s guard, and he follows a pretty simple motto: ‘Serve, Obey, Protect’. Expect him to get badass should Dorne demand it. He is played by Deobia Oparei, who has previously starred in Moulin Rouge, Doom and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Game of Thrones season five premieres on Sky Atlantic, Mon 13 Apr at 9pm