Characters of Dragon Age

This list of characters describes notable characters who appear in the Dragon Age universe. This list describes only major protagonists, antagonists, and party members that appear in the series, although these storylines feature much larger supporting casts consisting of dozens of minor characters.

Characters in Dragon Age: Origins

Protagonists

The Warden

The player character and main protagonist whose race, first name, origin, gender, and class are chosen by the player. There are six possible Warden origin stories: Human Noble of House Cousland, Mage (Human Mage Amell or Elf Mage Surana), City Elf Tabris, the Dalish Elf Mahariel, the Dwarf Noble of House Aeducan or the Dwarf Commoner Brosca. Regardless of origin, the Warden ultimately joins the famed Grey Wardens and sets in motion the plans to counter the Darkspawn threat in Ferelden. The character is referred to simply as "The Warden" in most material, and occasionally by surname.

While the Warden does not appear in Dragon Age II, the character has an effect in the storyline, and depending on origin will actually have connections to some of the party members. (e.g. the Human Mage Amell is a relative of Hawke, and Mahariel was a member of Merrill's first clan).

Mabari War Hound

Mabari War Dogs are a prized and essential part of the Fereldan military. These trained hounds can easily break lines of pikemen, pull knights off of horses, and, when in a pack, may stir panic among even the most hardened of soldiers.^[1]

Dog (the dog's default name) will always have a maximum approval rating and will never leave the main character under any circumstances. If the player is a Human Noble, Dog joins the player's party in the origin story during a small sidequest. If the player is not a Human Noble, or if he or she did not complete the side quest during the Human Noble origin, then the player may acquire Dog through a sidequest at Ostagar by speaking with the kennel master. After the battle, a random encounter will show Dog being chased by a group of Darkspawn, and upon defeating the Darkspawn, the player may either accept or refuse Dog as a party member. Dog may be given any name by the player. If Dog is not acquired at Ostagar, the player may recruit it in the Return to Ostagar DLC.

Dog has no personal quest, however, having him “mark his territory” at certain “landmarks” in different areas affords him a “Mabari Dominance” buff, augmenting his strength, willpower and constitution attributes while remaining in that area.

Alistair

Voiced by: Steve Valentine^[2]

Alistair is a young warrior who was recruited by Duncan into the Grey Wardens not long before the player's own recruitment. Alistair had previously been in training at the Chantry, where he was to become a Templar. Because of his Templar training, he is hesitant to trust blood mages and apostate mages outside of the Circle. He exhibits a wry and irreverent sense of humor.^[1]

He joins the player's party early on in the game at Ostagar and will not leave the party under any circumstance, save one: If the player allows Loghain to undergo the Joining ritual to become a Grey Warden during the Landsmeet, Alistair will object and permanently depart. Alistair is a romance option for female characters, and depending on the choices and origin of the Warden, they can potentially become the King and Queen of Ferelden. Alistair favors doing the "right" thing, and will disapprove greatly of actions which do not conform to his ethical standards.

Upon reaching Redcliffe Village, Alistair reveals he is the illegitimate son of King Maric and a servant, and thus by blood he is technically heir to the throne of Ferelden, a fact which appalls him. However, his mother was Grand Enchanter Fiona, a former Grey Warden and lover of King Maric. Alistair's personal quest involves a search for his apparent half-sister, Goldanna. Ultimately, she is found in Denerim, a major city in Ferelden, and is unexpectedly rude and shows no sign of affection towards Alistair due to his royal heritage. Afterwards, the player may choose a certain dialogue choice which results in Alistair becoming "hardened", which will affect his subsequent actions in the game.^[3] Depending on the choices the player makes over the course of the game, Alistair can become King of Ferelden, with or without Anora or the player as his Queen (Only a female Cousland may become Queen, but a hardened Alistair will accept the offer of other origins being a mistress, even if he is ruling with Anora).

Alistair returns in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening should he become King after the events of Dragon Age: Origins. As long as he survived the events of Dragon Age: Origins, he will make a cameo appearance in Dragon Age II. If he was crowned King of Ferelden, he will arrive in Kirkwall during Act III, concerned with the growing tension between the mages and the templars, particularly with the threat the Knight-Commander of the templars, Meredith Stannard, poses to the city itself. If he remained a Grey Warden he will appear with other Wardens during the Qunari rebellion at the end of Act II, staying neutral in the conflict, only fighting when attacked. Should he be exiled by the Warden at the Landsmeet, he will appear during Act I and II as a drunk patron of the Hanged Man tavern, visibly bitter at his fate during Origins.

He is also a major protagonist in the digital comic series The Silent Grove, Those Who Speak and Until We Sleep, whose plot follows BioWare's own canon in which Alistair is king of Ferelden. The story tells his quest to find his father Maric with the help of Isabela and Varric Tethras. He eventually finds Maric, who was captured by a Tevinter Magister who used Maric's blood to enhance his power. After taking down the Magister, Alistair is forced to put his father out of his misery upon realizing that he was now unable to survive without the Magister's apparatus to which he was attached. He then returns to Ferelden to rule the kingdom the best he can.

Morrigan

Voiced by: Claudia Black^[4]

Morrigan is a shapeshifting apostate mage, raised and taught by her mother, Flemeth, in the wilds of Ferelden.^[1][5] Her appearance in Dragon Age: Origins was based on a model named Victorria Johnson.^[6]

Morrigan joins the player's party early in the game in the Korcari Wilds, shortly after the battle at Ostagar. She is a romance option for male player characters. Morrigan is quick to show her disapproval of actions that benefit people she sees as worthless and which do not further the Warden's personal cause, such as helping a beggar or settling a dispute in Lothering. Her outlook on life is best described as "survival of the fittest" and she will approve if the Warden's choices match her beliefs. Aside from leaving because of a low approval rating, Morrigan may also leave the party near the end of the game before the slaying of the Archdemon. She reveals that a Grey Warden need not die in order to slay the Archdemon as long as the Warden, Alistair, or Loghain (if he has replaced Alistair) impregnates Morrigan with a child, who will then carry the soul of the Old God upon the Archdemon's death and thus spare the life of the Grey Warden who dealt the final death blow.^[3] If the player refuses to sleep with Morrigan (or is female) and does not ask Alistair/Loghain to do the deed, she will become infuriated and leave the party permanently. Morrigan's storyline is concluded in the September 2010 DLC release Witch Hunt; the Warden tracks Morrigan down two years after the Blight's end, finding her activating an artifact that will transport her to an unknown location and claiming that Flemeth is still alive regardless of the players previous actions (this is explained in Dragon Age II). The player is given the choice of stabbing Morrigan (causing her to fall through the artifact), letting her go, or (if the player romanced Morrigan), going with her.

Morrigan's personal quest involves a search for Flemeth's Grimoire, a book of spells and secrets from which Morrigan intends to learn. The player is tasked with the slaying of Flemeth, who, according to Morrigan, is a demon who gives birth to a daughter and then, as Flemeth nears death, takes over the body of her offspring. This cycle repeats, and thus Flemeth lives on as if immortal. Upon Flemeth's the completion of the quest (the player has the choice to either slay Flemeth in combat or let Flemeth go and lie to Morrigan), Morrigan appreciates the effort and may even offer the player to 'join her in her tent' (provided the player is not already in a relationship with another party companion).

It is confirmed that Morrigan will return in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Although she will not be a full party member, she plays a significant part in the story.

Leliana

Voiced by: Corinne Kempa^[2]

Leliana is a bard from the Orlesian Empire. She is a member of the Chantry and chooses to join the player's party after receiving what she believes was a vision from the Maker, the god of the Chantry.^[1][5] Her appearance in Dragon Age: Origins was based on Alleykatze, a model.^[6]

Leliana joins the player's party at Lothering early on in the game as a rogue. She is highly religious and believes in doing the right thing. She is bisexual, and thus a possible romance option for both male and female players. In one case, she will attack the player, which results in her death, if the player chooses to defile the Urn of Sacred Ashes, the remains of the prophet Andraste, during the main questline.

Leliana's personal quest involves a former relationship with a woman named Marjolaine, her old mentor and lover, who framed Leliana for an act of treason that Marjolaine herself committed. Upon reaching her home in Denerim, the player may either kill Marjolaine or cause her to leave the city. After completing the quest, the player may choose a certain dialogue choice that will "harden" Leliana.^[3][7] Leliana is the protagonist in the Dragon Age: Origins DLC Leliana's Song, which deals with her past with Marjolaine.

She appears in Dragon Age II as an agent of the Chantry during Sebastian's personal quest to investigate the growing tension between the mages and templars in Kirkwall which she believes is the result of outsides forces intervening. By the end of Dragon Age II, she is also revealed to be a member of the Seekers and Cassandra's ally in their search for the Warden and Hawke. She is also seeking out the Warden (who has disappeared by the events of Dragon Age II), believing her old ally can prevent the war Hawke's actions have unleashed.

Leliana appears in the novel Dragon Age: Asunder as a minor character and an agent of the Divine Justinia V in Orlais, seeking a solution to the ongoing Mage-Templar War following the events of Dragon Age II. It is revealed that she is the Left Hand of the Divine, therefore the head of espionage in the Andrastian Chantry. She assists several of the major characters during the course of the novel as they struggle to determine the future of mages in Thedas. She attends and sings at Wynne's funeral near the end of the book.

She also appears briefly in the novel Dragon Age: The Masked Empire.

It is confirmed that Leliana will return in Dragon Age: Inquisition as an adviser to the Inquisition.

Sten

Voiced by: Mark Hildreth^[2]

Sten is a bronze-skinned Qunari giant who is wary of revealing his true name to members of the race his people twice attempted to conquer (Sten is actually his rank in the Qunari army, which is the equivalent of a commander; Qunari do not use individual names as other races do, though they are given them at birth for records). Four centuries ago, the Qunari landed on the shores of Thedas, possessing an alien philosophy and iron determination toward forcing lesser cultures into enlightenment. They conquered only a small area of Thedas, Par Vollen, which in turn allowed them to study their human foes more carefully and eventually send missionaries and explorers into the southern lands after the last truce.^[1]

Sten may join the player's party early on in the game as a warrior. He is found imprisoned in a cage at Lothering and is seemingly left for dead. Upon learning that Sten had murdered a family of farmers and that he regrets such an action, the player may choose to persuade the Revered Mother of the Lothering Chantry to release the Qunari into their custody, thus freeing Sten. If the player chooses not to free Sten, the player will not be able to recruit him once they complete at least one quest in the main questline, as Lothering will be overrun by the Blight soon after the player's departure from the village, presumably causing his death.

Sten will approve if the Warden makes logical choices, such as tricking an armorer into making armor for the player if the player tells him that they'll look for his daughter. He doesn't mind the Warden making decisions he does not agree with, as long as they make decisions quickly. He will disapprove if the Warden is indecisive or deceiving. Further in the game, when searching for the Urn of Sacred Ashes, Sten may confront the player about their level of commitment to the task at hand. If the player treats Sten in a rude way, Sten will challenge the player for control of the party, and upon his defeat, Sten may be ordered to leave the party.^[7]

Sten's personal quest involves a search for his lost sword, Asala (Qunlat for "soul"). It is revealed that he was the only survivor of his scouting party, and had panicked when he found it missing, and murdered the family that had rescued him in grief. He explains that if he were to return to Par Vollen without his sword, he would be executed, as a Qunari's sword represents their soul. Taking the player through a chain of different individuals to speak to, the quest ultimately leads the player to Dwyn in Redcliffe Village, who has possession of the sword. Upon its retrieval, the sword may be given to Sten and he will appreciate the player's efforts and calls the player "Kadan", the Qunlat meaning "person one cares about".

In the digital comics Dragon Age: Those Who Speak (which states that Alistair is king of Ferelden and that Hawke killed the Arishok in Dragon Age II), Sten is revealed to be the new Arishok and captures Alistair, Isabella, and Varric Tethras. When the three try to escape, the Arishok confronts Varric and Alistair. The fight turns into a duel between the Arishok and Alistair, who ultimately overpowers the Qunari. Instead of delivering the final blow, however, Alistair offers to form an alliance with the Arishok against their common enemy: Magister Aurelius Titus, who was apparently involved in King Maric's disappearance and seeks Alistair for his blood. The Arishok agrees, and Alistair, Varric, Isabella, and the Arishok sail to Titus's stronghold.

Wynne

Voiced by: Susan Boyd Joyce^[8][9]

Wynne is a Senior Enchanter of the Ferelden Circle of Magi and a powerful spirit healer. She believes wholeheartedly in what the Circle stands for and has been a vocal advocate in the idea that, through discipline and education, mages can learn to control their gifts and use them to serve mankind. When word of King Cailan’s call to arms against the Blight had reached her in the tower, Wynne readily volunteered to go to Ostagar.^[1]

Wynne may join the player's party at the Tower of the Circle of Magi. After the player manages to restore order in the Tower, Wynne asks to join the party, and the player may either accept or refuse her offer. Wynne is a firm believer in all that is righteous and is quick to disapprove of evil-doings, especially those involving blood magic. Her approval can be gained by helping people and avoiding bloodshed whenever possible. If the player is accompanied by Morrigan, Wynne may attack the player, depending on how the player answers Morrigan when she expresses disgust for the Circle. There are two occasions within the Tower in which Wynne will attack the player if they choose to risk killing innocents. Another incident takes place during Connor's rescue at Redcliffe Castle. If the player is a mage and chooses to enter the Fade, they may convince the demon within to teach him/her the blood mage specialization, which results in Wynne attacking the player upon their return to the real world. Finally, if the player decides to defile the Urn of Sacred Ashes, Wynne will attack him/her if she is in the party; if she is not, she will leave the party shortly after the player returns to the camp.

Wynne's personal quest involves the player noticing her tiring easily. After speaking to Wynne about her needing rest, the player will encounter two 'random' events, the latter of which shows the entire party, save Wynne, being knocked down by an attack from Darkspawn. Wynne will then obtain a new power that will be available for use, Vessel of the Spirit, and saves the party. Upon completing the quest, the player learns that Wynne had actually lost her life in the past and is now living with the aid of a benevolent spirit from the Fade. Furthermore, Wynne reveals information about a past apprentice, who may be found in the Brecilian Forest amongst the Dalish Elves. Choosing to seek out the apprentice will result in the player receiving an amulet that improves the Vessel of the Spirit power.^[7]

Wynne returns in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening where she asks the player to help find and inform a friend of hers about an upcoming meeting with the mages.

She is also a main character in the novel Dragon Age: Asunder, which takes places several months before Cassandra Pentaghast's interrogation of Varric in Kirkwall. In the novel, she accompanies Shale to an abandoned Grey Warden outpost in Orlais where a Tranquil researcher named Pharamond is investigating the nature of the Rite of Tranquility. According to Wynne, Pharamond’s research might give insight into how to return Shale to her original female dwarven form. After Pharamond informs them that he might have found a way to reverse the Rite of Tranquility, a conclave is held to which Wynne attends. The conclave, however, is interrupted by the announcement that Pharamond has been murdered. Wynne supports Rhys's (her estranged son fathered by an unknown templar) attempt to clear his name after being framed for the murder and, along with Shale, Cole, and Leliana, helps free the mages who were imprisoned for their opposition to this injustice. She dies saving knight-captain Evangeline by transferring the spirit that was keeping her alive into her.

Oghren

Voiced by: Steve Blum^[2]

Oghren is a dwarf from the House of Branka (formerly House Kondrat) and was once a promising member of the Warrior Caste.^[1] He is the ex-husband of the only living Paragon as of Dragon Age: Origins, Branka, and joins the player's party while the player is in Orzammar, one of only two remaining dwarven cities at the time the story of Dragon Age: Origins takes place. Oghren is a drunkard who, aside from falling down halfway into conversations, is rather flirtatious.

Oghren joins the player's party in Orzammar as the player is about to embark for the Deep Roads, a series of paths and crossroads overrun by darkspawn that lead to neighboring, and abandoned, Thaigs, or dwarven cities, in a search for the Anvil of the Void. Oghren enjoys battle noticeably more than all other party members, and for this reason will disapprove if the Warden makes choices that he deems 'cowardly', such as refusing to kill a dragon or attempting to negotiate with werewolves. Although Oghren may attempt to leave the party when his approval rating is low enough, the player may twice^[7] try to persuade Oghren to stay. If the persuasion attempt fails, the player may then engage Oghren in battle and either keep him in the party upon his defeat or outright choose to kill him.

Oghren's personal quest involves a past relationship with a female dwarf, Felsi, who eventually moved to the surface world and is currently employed at the Spoiled Princess tavern near Lake Calenhad. The player, upon speaking with Felsi, may either portray Oghren as a sort of heroic figure or insult him. Depending on whether or not Felsi falls for Oghren once again, he will either appreciate the player's actions or disapprove greatly of their insults.

Oghren returns in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening as a party member. After the events of Origins, he settled down with Felsi and had a child with her. Eventually, however, he felt bored with the complacency and made his way to the Warden-Commander in order to become a Grey Warden himself. At some point in the game, Felsi will come by the fort and get into an argument with Oghren for leaving his duties as a husband and father. Oghren can later be convinced to play a part in his child's upbringing, however.

Zevran

Voiced by: Jon Curry^[2]

Zevran is a male elf from Antiva who excels in the ranks of one of the most infamous guilds of thieves and assassins in all of Thedas, the Antivan Crows.^[1] Loghain and Howe hire Zevran and his men with the intention of killing any Grey Warden survivors of Ostagar.

Zevran may join the player's party after one major part of the plot has been completed. He will be found during a random event in which the Antivan Crows have set up a trap for the Wardens. He is the sole survivor of a failed attempt to assassinate the player, forcing the player to either kill him, let him go or allow him to join the party. Zevran is bisexual, and thus a possible romance option for both male and female players. Like Oghren, Zevran may be persuaded to stay in the party up to two times should he decide to try to leave the party. If the player engages Zevran in fight, he will be killed.^[7]

Although Zevran has no personal quest, there will be a point before the Landsmeet where the player meets Taliesin, an Antivan Crow and former friend of Zevran. Depending on Zevran's approval rating, Zevran may side with the player and fight against Taliesin or vice versa, thus leaving the party and being killed. If Zevran is in a romance but has a moderate approval rating, he may choose to not fight in the battle depending on the player's dialog choices, but will stay with the player's party. Zevran is practical to the point of ruthlessness, and will generally approve if the Warden does whatever it takes to gain the strongest possible allies against the Blight. He may voice his disapproval if the Warden tries to help people he sees as weak, but his actual approval rating rarely changes based on the Warden's decisions. The exception to this is the Warden's treatment of elves. Despite the fact that he claims to think of himself as Antivan first and an elf second, choosing to harm elves will lead to a significant loss of approval with Zevran. He also objects if the Warden agrees to destroy the Circle of Magi, asking why they should be slaughtered when he was spared, but he can be persuaded to go along with the plan without a loss of approval. He feels a bond to the Dalish, and having him in the party can offer a different option than usual when settling the dispute between the Dalish and Werewolves

Provided he survived the events of Dragon Age: Origins, Zevran appears in Dragon Age II during a quest in Act III, where he is being hunted down by his former comrades from the Antivan Crows. The player can either turn him in to the Crows or help him fight them. He will also sneak himself into the battle against Meredith should the player assist him.

Shale

Voiced by: Geraldine Becker^[10]

Shale is an ancient and mighty stone golem who comes from the DLC The Stone Prisoner downloadable content.^[11] Shale has a negative perception of humans and living beings after a life of servitude to a former master and having been stuck in place in the village for a long duration, as well as a hatred of birds due to being target of defecation.^[3]

In order to have Shale join their party, the player must first complete a quest in the Village of Honnleath and learn an activation code for the golem. Later in the story, the golem will attack the player if they choose to side with Branka in a quest pertaining to the Anvil of the Void. If Shale is not in the player's party at that time, it will confront the player upon their return to the party camp and will leave the party unless persuaded otherwise.

Shale's personal quest involves a search for answers to its past. The quest leads the player to a long forgotten city, Cadash Thaig, where the player finds a monument. Upon observation of such monument, the player finds out that Shale was formerly Shayle of House Cadash, a female dwarf who had volunteered herself, amongst other dwarven volunteers, to become a golem.

If Shale's approval rating is moderate at the end of the game, it is revealed in the epilogue that Shale has changed the way she thinks about 'fleshy beings'. In fact, it even states that it will search for ways to restore its former dwarven self.

Shale also makes an appearance in Dragon Age: Asunder, accompanying Wynne to an abandoned Grey Warden outpost in Orlais where a Tranquil researcher named Pharamond is investigating the nature of the Rite of Tranquility. According to Wynne, Pharamond’s research might give insight into how to return Shale to her original dwarven form. When Shale and Wynne arrive at the fortress, they find it overrun by demon-possessed corpses. As Wynne leaves to find help in Val Royeaux, Shale disguises itself as a simple statue and stays behind to ensure nothing escapes or enters the fortress. It later helps Wynne, Cole, and Leliana in freeing mages who had been unfairly imprisoned, and it destroys the phylacteries of all the mages in the White Spire.

Supporting characters

Duncan

Voiced by: Peter Renaday^[2]

Duncan is the unofficial leader of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, and the only Warden tasked with finding recruits. He recruits the player to join the Wardens and serves as the player's mentor early in the game, before perishing at the battle of Ostagar.^[12][13]

Cailan Theirin

Voiced by: Peter Bramhill

Cailan Theirin is the current king of Ferelden at the start of the game. He is the son of Maric Theirin, who drove the Orlesian Empire from Ferelden. He is married Anora Mac Tir, the daughter of his father's best friend, Logain Mac Tir. Cailan has little interest in politics, but is a good man and a courageous warrior who believes in fighting for the right cause, as well as having much respect for the Grey Wardens. While some considered him foolish and a child playing at being a king, Cailan was also seen as a moral and idealistic king, willing to make alliances with former enemies for the good of Ferelden. He was also close to his men, as he would talk and drink with his soldiers in camp. In addition, he insisted that he fight alongside his forces and the Grey Wardens, despite the danger to his person.

He dies at the battle of Ostagar toward the beginning of the game; while fighting in the thick of the battle with the Grey Wardens to bolster his men, an ogre broke through the lines, seized Cailan and crushed him to death. Alistair is his illegitimate half-brother. A subsequent DLC, Return to Ostagar, involves retrieving Cailan's corpse (which the darkspawn have mutilated and crucified as a monument to their victory) and belongings from the battlefield, and also reveals that Cailan was planning on divorcing Anora in favor of marrying the Orlesian empress, Celene I, a plot that may have contributed to Logain's betrayal.

Flemeth

Voiced by: Kate Mulgrew

Flemeth is the legendary "Witch of the Wilds", a powerful ancient, transcendent and apparently immortal shape-shifting mage affecting the appearance of an eccentric old woman or a high dragon depending on the situation. At the start of the game, she gives the player and their group of Grey Warden recruits a set of ancient treaties and advice for their future. She later rescues the player and Alistair from Ostagar, and commands her daughter Morrigan to accompany them on their subsequent journeys. As part of Morrigan's personal quest, the player may choose to attack Flemeth (in which case she transforms into a powerful dragon), or simply agreeing to spare her and allow her to leave in exchange for her Grimoire. Flemeth makes an appearance at the start of Dragon Age II, saving Hawke (the player) and their party from Darkspawn while sporting a new, more menacing look. Later in the game it is revealed that regardless what happened in Dragon Age: Origins, she survived by putting a part of her soul in a medallion that she then gave to Hawke in exchange for safe passage to Kirkwall. The Dalish elves living near Kirkwall then use the amulet to restore her. She warns Hawke and company that the world is about to change before departing. Flemeth appears again in Dragon Age: Inquisition, encountering the Inquisitor and Morrigan whilst they're searching for a way to defeat Corypheus. If Morrigan's son Kieran exists, Flemeth meets with him and, if he has Urthemiel's soul, extracts it. If Kieran does not exist, Flemeth is only curious to see who drank from the Well of Sorrows. In all cases, Flemeth reveals that she is possessed by what's left of the Elven goddess Mythal, and that she has been working throughout the centuries to give the goddess the justice that was denied to her. At the end of Inquisition, Flemeth has a discussion with Solas, who is similarly the vessel of the Elven god Fen'harel, She is last seen having her power, and possibly the soul of the Old God, drained by Solas, leaving her fate unknown.

Queen Anora Theirin (née Mac Tir)

Voiced by: Mika Simmons

The current Queen Consort of Ferelden and Loghain's daughter. Unlike her husband, Anora is a heavy player in politics and wants to protect the kingdom and its people, though it is clear she believes herself entitled to the position of Queen. When Loghain takes over the kingdom as Regent, she supports him at first. However, after witnessing his disastrous and paranoid political choices, she starts doubting him and confronts him about Cailan's death. Horrified to learn that her father did indeed leave her husband to die at Ostagar on purpose, thus triggering the civil war and leaving Ferelden extremely vulnerable to the Darkspawn horde, she opposes her father's plan but is kidnapped by Arl Rendon Howe to prevent her speaking at the Landsmeet. After the player rescues her, Anora will support the Grey Warden against her father during the Landsmeet as long as her position as Queen of Ferelden is secured by supporting her right to rule, either as queen regnant, as Alistair's queen or by marrying a male Warden if he is a Human Noble (though the Warden is perfectly free to lie to obtain her support and then betray her once her usefulness is over). If Anora is deposed, her fate is not revealed; she is presumably imprisoned or executed off-screen.

Zathrian

Voiced by: Tim Russ

Zathrian is the Keeper (a position that is a combination of tribal chief and shaman) of a clan of Dalish Elves. He recruits the player's party in the elimination of the werewolves and their leader, Witherfang, a white wolf who is the source of the lycanthropy curse plaguing the Brecilian Forest. The player locates Witherfang in an old elven ruin and learns that Zathrian himself is responsible for the curse (created to take revenge on a party of humans who murdered his family), which affects both the werewolves and, unfortunately, the Dalish elves as well when they become infected through injuries. Depending on which path the player chooses to take upon meeting Witherfang, the player may side with the Dalish Elves and help Zathrian eliminate the werewolves and take the heart of Witherfang, side with the Dalish Elves and persuade Zathrian to release the curse and thus end his own life in the process, or side with the werewolves and persuade Witherfang to lead an attack on the Dalish camp to annihilate the elves and thus recruit the werewolves as allies in the upcoming battle with the Archdemon.

Bhelen Aeducan

Voiced by: Wally Wingert

The Third Prince of Orzammar and Dwarf Noble PC's younger brother. Cunning, ruthless and intelligent, Bhelen wants to end Orzammar's isolationism and abolish its rigid caste system for the good of his people. Bhelen is also responsible for the Dwarf Noble PC's exile so he may becomes next in line for Orzammar's throne. If the player chooses him as the new King of Orzammar, Bhelen will end Orzammar's isolation, abolish its caste system and improves the welfare of his people. His reign is seen as bringing a new Golden age for his kingdom, but Bhelen is forced to become a dictator when rebel dwarfs nobles resist his policies and try to assassinate him.

Lord Pyral Harrowmont

Voiced by: Robin Sachs

A friend and confidant of the previous King of Orzammar. Despite being a traditionalist, he is an honorable man and wants to prevent Bhelen to take throne due to the latter's schemes including being responsible for the Dwarf Noble PC exile. If the player chooses Pyral as the new King of Orzammar, the kingdom becomes more isolated due to his traditionalist policies, leaving Orzammar a kingdom condemned to continue its slow decay.

Arl Eamon

Voiced by: Graham McTavish

Eamon Guerrein is the Arl of Redcliffe, husband of Lady Isolde, brother of Bann Teagan, and father of Connor. He is first mentioned in Lothering as deathly sick from an incurable illness; in truth, he has been poisoned by an assassin of Loghain's. He is also the maternal uncle of King Cailan and therefore Alistair. He is later revived by the Warden by giving him the Urn of Sacred Ashes and becomes instrumental in helping the Warden rally support for his cause, both against Loghain and the darkspawn.

It is also implied that Eamon was privately urging Cailan to divorce Anora, as Eamon believed her to be barren and incapable of giving Cailan an heir to continue the Theirin bloodline, which may have factored into Loghain's motivation to assassinate him.

In Dragon Age: Inquistion, Arl Eamon is said to have retired, with his brother inheriting both his lands and his position.

Riordan

Voiced by: Stephane Cornicard

Riordan is an Orlesian Grey Warden who, due to being born in Ferelden, was sent as an advance scout by the Orlesian support forces when they were turned away by Loghain. Riordan was a friend of Duncan having gone through their Joining together. During the final battle in Denerim, he confronts the Archdemon alone and succeeds in wounding it enough to give the player a chance to slay it, though Riordan perishes before he can join the final fight.

Antagonists

Loghain Mac Tir

Voiced by: Simon Templeman^[2]

Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir is one of the main antagonists of Dragon Age: Origins. He was King Maric's right hand during Ferelden's war against the Orlesians. First seen at Ostagar, he is introduced as the general who provides strategies for Maric's son, Cailan, in the defense of the realm from the Blight. However, during the battle, after the signal is given for Loghain to launch an attack on the darkspawn's flank, he strays from the plan and retreats from the field, along with his army, leaving both the King and the Grey Wardens to their deaths. For the majority of the game from then on, Loghain takes up residence in Denerim and appoints himself regent to his daughter, Queen Anora and becomes the de facto ruler of Ferelden. He uses the Grey Wardens as a scapegoat, blaming his traitorous actions at Ostagar on the Wardens (simultaneously outlawing the Order in Ferelden, putting a price on the head of any survivors and closing the border to Warden reinforcements from Orlais) and demands Ferelden's nobility submit to his rule. The nobility, either disbelieving Loghain's explanation of the disaster at Ostagar or feeling that, given his common birth and the alacrity with which he had taken the regency in the aftermath of Cailan's death, Loghain was opportunistically grabbing a throne he had no claim to, refused to acknowledge Loghain's authority and demanded that he resign the regency; Loghain's refusal to do so and heavy-handed tactics to force the people to fall into line instigate a civil war between his forces and those of Ferelden's nobility. Loghain's primary motivation for betraying Cailan was his belief that the Blight was a hoax perpetrated by Orlais to facilitate a new Orlesian invasion of Ferelden (as he believed Orlesian troops invited by the Grey Wardens to combat the Blight would refuse to leave once the darkspawn were defeated) and because he suspected Cailain intended to divorce Anora in favour of a political union with Empress Celene. Many of his detractors argue that his hatred of Orlais (born as a result of his youth spent fighting the occupation and losing his family to Orlesian oppression) is blinding him to reason, to the point where he focuses all his military forces on strengthening Ferelden's border with Orlais and violently brutalizing any who object to his paranoid decisions while the darkspawn rampage unchecked across the country.

Loghain may join the player's party as a warrior very late in the game, during the Landsmeet. After the player and Loghain duel each other, the player may choose to either have Loghain executed for his crimes or inducted into the Grey Wardens. Allowing Loghain to live will force Alistair to leave the party in disgust and will allow Loghain to join the player's party as a new Grey Warden. Choosing to have Loghain killed will result in Alistair staying, but Anora refusing to marry whomever killed her father. It is possible if the player has hardened Alistair through his personal quest to have Alistair still marry Anora and rule as king while keeping Loghain alive, in this path Loghain still replaces him as a party member. Loghain is aware the Joining was meant to be a death sentence, and is willing to sacrifice himself to kill the archdemon, seeing it as a way of making amends for his mistakes.

Loghain makes a small cameo appearance in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening should he survive in Dragon Age: Origins where he informs the player he is, ironically, being sent by the Grey Wardens to Orlais for aid, and commands the player to treat his daughter well, if the player married Anora.

Arl Howe

Voiced by: Tim Curry

Rendon Howe is the Arl of Amaranthine, as well as later the self-appointed Teyrn of Highever and Arl of Denerim. Howe is an ambitious, amoral and self-obsessed man who is determined to gain power by any means necessary. He is Loghain's closest advisor, providing a shrewd and calculating political aid to Loghain, and serves as a secondary antagonist to the Warden (particularly Wardens of Human Noble origin, since Howe murdered their family to usurp the title of Teryn of Highever). Howe is notorious for using any means to achieve his desires, including authorizing torture, slavery and mass murder, but this proves his downfall when he takes Queen Anora hostage to stop her speaking out at the Landsmeet: the Warden breaks into Howe's Denerim estate to rescue her and Howe is killed in the process.

Urthemiel

The second and final main antagonist of Dragon Age: Origins. An ancient and powerful dragon, Urthemiel was worshipped once as one of the Old Gods of the Tevinter Imperium; known as the "Dragon of Beauty", he was the patron deity of artists, musicians and poets. But that changed when the Architect found and accidentally used Grey Warden blood on him in an experiment deep below the earth; this backfires and Urthemiel was tainted as an archdemon, a terrifying and deranged monster able to control the darkspawn hordes. As the final antagonist of the story, Urthemiel unleashes the might of the darkspawn on Ferelden, causing untold death and destruction before finally being slain at the battle of Denerim. With the archdemon's death, the darkspawn are routed and the Fifth Blight ended. At his death, Urthemiel's soul has two paths to take- it can transfer into the body of the nearest darkspawn or Grey Warden (killing both in the case of the latter), or it can transfer into Morrigan's son Kieran, if the Warden and Morrigan performed the ritual that would allow his soul to transfer into Kieran. If that latter is performed, then Flemeth, Morrigan's 'mother' and the Elven Goddess Mythal in corporeal form, will take Urthemiel's soul from Kieran, leaving him to grow up a normal boy. Flemeth's plans for Urthemiel's soul remains unknown.

Characters in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening

Protagonists

The Warden Commander

This character can either be the Grey Warden from the previous game or a new Grey Warden from the Orlesian empire.

Oghren

Voiced by: Steve Blum

The only character to carry over as a party member from Origins, Oghren is the same drunken, womanizing, warrior dwarf as before. He's a heavy hitter, and his skill set favors two-handed weapons. He joins the player's party after the player arrives at Vigil's Keep only to find it overrun with darkspawn. He asks to become a Grey Warden and easily survives the Joining without fainting. Throughout the gameplay, the player can return to Vigil's Keep and click on the cask of alcohol behind him in order to engage in some dialogue, and potentially gain (or lose) approval rating. His personal quest involves talking to him after his new wife makes a visit to reprimand him about leaving her and their child behind to become a Grey Warden.

Mhairi

Voiced by: Alix Wilton Regan

A human female warrior who serves as the player's escort to Vigil's Keep. Mhairi, who starts with the champion specialization, is a recent recruit to the Wardens and has yet to undertake the joining when she enters your party. After defeating the Withered, she takes the joining alongside Oghren and Anders (if the player chooses to conscript the latter into the Grey Wardens). Of these three, Mhairi is the only one who does not survive the joining. Mhairi has no personal quest and though the player can raise her approval via gifts, there are no gifts which will trigger a dialogue with her.

Anders

Voiced by: Greg Ellis(Dragon Age Origins: Awakening), Adam Howden(Dragon Age 2) and Adam Leadbeater (as Justice)

A wise-cracking human apostate mage. He has escaped the Circle of Magi at least seven times, only to be brought back by the templars. He was in the midst of being brought back to The Circle once again when darkspawn attacked at Vigil's Keep. When the Warden-Commander arrives, the templars all lie dead around him, presumably killed by the darkspawn (Anders' first words to the Warden-Commander when met in this compromising position are "I didn't do it"). When more soldiers and the monarch of Ferelden arrive, another templar accuses him of murder, instead. From here, the player has the option of conscripting him into the Grey Wardens in order to save him from execution. His personality is reminiscent of Alistair's, but he comes with the "spirit healer" skill set and tactics, very similar to Wynne's. During his personal quest, he asks the player to help him find his phylactery and destroy it. If helped, Anders is somewhat surprised and very grateful for the Warden-Commander's help, and his approval rating increases significantly.

In Dragon Age 2 Anders left the Grey Wardens and has a hidden clinic in Dark Town in Kirkwall. Hawke first meets Anders when Varric tells them about a Grey Warden with a map of the Deep Roads. Hawke must help Anders's mage friend Karl to receive the map. When they meet Karl, they get attacked by templars and Anders releases the power of Justice. Later on he tells Hawke that in between Awakening and the beginning of Dragon Age 2 he allowed Justice to possess him and they want to have justice against the Circle of Magi. However Justice became more "vengeance" than "justice" after their joining. Later in the game Hawke must do personal quests for Anders to help mages to escape the Circle. During which he unknowingly threatens a mage girl and could even kill her if Hawke either doesn't have enough rivalry or friendship points to stop him or they choose not to. Later he tells Hawke that he has a potion to cure him from Justice, and convinces Hawke to collect ingredients for a bomb that will be later placed in the Chantry. The bomb will be created whether or not you help him.

Later on while Hawke argues with the templars and the mages, Anders blows up the chantry. It is discovered that Knight-Commander Meredith had previously sent for the right of annulment, an order to kill all the mages in the Kirkwall circle, but after the destruction of the Chantry she activated it with out approval from the divine. Before the final battle, Hawke can choose to kill Anders, to let Anders go, or to convince him to help with the battle.

Nathaniel Howe

Voiced by: Simon Chadwick

The son of the late Arl Rendon Howe, traitor to Teyrn Bryce Cousland of Highever and the Grey Wardens. He is a rogue with the archer specialty, and has talents to bypass traps and locks. Nathaniel is found in the dungeons of Vigil's Keep after the darkspawn attack, awaiting the Warden's judgment. He snuck into the Keep, which was part of his family's former arling, in order to kill the Warden-Commander. However, once inside, he had a change of heart and decided only to try steal back some of his family's belongings. He was caught, and it took four Grey Wardens to imprison him. The player can decide to have him executed, let him go (if released he later finds the player and asks to join the Grey Wardens), or force conscription into the Grey Wardens. He is fairly repulsed by the idea, and makes his hatred of the player abundantly clear, but will go through with it and survive the Joining. In the beginning he blames the Grey Wardens for his father's death and his family's fall from grace, claiming that his father was merely on the wrong side of the war. During the events of Origins, he was away at the Free Marches, and has lost contact with most of his family that did not die. He learns that his sister still lives and is now living in the city of Amaranthine. If he finds his sister she will confront him about his blind love for their father. She explains that Arl Howe brought things down on himself and his family, and that he was all in all a lying, traitorous murderer. After the meeting he comes to terms with this, and tells the player he no longer blames the Grey Warden for the downfall of Howes and his father's death.

Depending on the choices made at the end of Dragon Age: Awakening, he may appear in Dragon Age II after his sister, Delilah, travels to Kirkwall during Act III, fearing her brother has perished along with the other Wardens in the Thaig that Hawke and Varric had re-discovered in Act I.

Sigrun

Voiced by: Natalia Cigliuti

A somewhat naive dwarf rogue, formerly a member of the Legion of the Dead, a Dwarven order with the same primary task as the Grey Wardens. She specializes in dual weapon wielding and points must be added to get her the lock picking and trap detection talents. The player finds her in the thaig Kal'Hirol, which has been opened up by a giant chasm in the ground, caused by the Blight or other darkspawn activity. Her entire squad was killed during their investigation of the darkspawn incursion in this thaig, but she ran away and survived, which she repeatedly expresses guilt over throughout the game, as the Legionaries are considered already dead and therefore should not value their lives anymore. The Player offers to help her redeem herself by inspecting the thaig with her, and after the player makes it all the way through and kills the brood mothers present, eventually a dialogue option allows the player to offer her a place in the Grey Wardens. She will accept after some minimal encouragement and survive the Joining, which must be initiated by talking to the seneschal at Vigil's Keep. After raising her approval to a high enough level, her personal quests triggers in Amaranthine where she bumps into someone from her past.

Velanna

Voiced by: Grey DeLisle

A Dalish elf mage who was the Keeper of her clan before it was wiped out by the darkspawn. She opens up the new Keeper talent tree which gives her some new unique abilities. The player meets her in the Wending Wood, while investigating the mysterious attacks on the human-run caravans passing through there. It turns out that it is she who has been attacking the caravans, but it is because she was tricked by the darkspawn into believing that it was humans who attacked her tribe and kidnapped her sister, not the darkspawn themselves. Upon confronting her at the ruins of her tribe's camp, the Warden has the choice of killing Velanna for the murders she has committed or explaining the situation to her. Once the player gets things settled with her, she joins your party and the player goes into the Silverite Mine to find her sister and kill the present darkspawn. The player meets the Architect, and find out that Velanna's sister had joined him of her own free will. Once the player makes it through the mine, Velanna demands that the player let her become a Grey Warden so she is better able to fight the darkspawn and find her sister again. If her approval rating is high enough, a random encounter on the world map will trigger and more of her past actions will come to light.

Justice

Voiced by: Adam Leadbeater

A Fade spirit of Justice who accidentally possessed the body of the dead Grey Warden, Kristoff, after being forced from the fade with the rest of the party by a Pride demon and taking hold of the nearest vessel.. During the course of the game Justice undergoes arguably the most evolution as a character. He begins as a benevolent spirit that aspires to Justice as its only attribute, knowing and caring little for the world outside the fade beyond viewing everyone who does inhabit it with condescending pity. As the player journeys with him, he begins to experience the Kristoff's memories, and after a particularly distressing visit from the late Kristoff's wife he starts questioning his identity. If the player chooses to help Justice track down Kristoff's wife he will resolve that whatever time he has left will be spent fighting to protect the love and beauty he has discovered in the material world.

Antagonists

The Architect

Voiced by: Jamie Glover

An intelligent, sentient darkspawn emissary, the Architect is different from the rest of his kind in that he has free will: he does not suffer from the darkspawn's compulsion to find the Old Gods, corrupt them into archdemons and start Blights. His goal is to release all the darkspawn from this compulsion, and he will do anything necessary to achieve this. The Architect is highly intelligent, but has little understanding of other races and is completely devoid of morality; to the Architect, the end always justifies the means, regardless of the cost. At the game's climax, the Architect offers an alliance with the Warden-Commander for the greater good: he explains his research has shown him that by exposing the darkspawn to the blood of a Grey Warden, the darkspawn are freed from the call of the Old Gods, preventing them from starting a Blight. The Warden-Commander must decide whether to ally with the Architect in the common cause of stopping the Blights, or killing him for his many crimes (though if they ally with him, the Mother tells the Warden Commander that it was the Architect's experiments that caused the events of Dragon Age: Origins, though the Architect insists freeing Urthemiel was an accident and he never intended to start a Blight).

The Architect is also a character in the second novel, Dragon Age: The Calling. Much as in Awakening, the Architect wished to free his darkspawn brethren from their compulsion by killing the Old Gods; however, he believed the mortal races and darkspawn would never see eye-to-eye even were they freed from the Old Gods. Viewing the Grey Wardens, who share the same taint as the darkspawn, as a middle ground, the Architect planned to spread the taint across Thedas in order to create a similar state among the mortal races, even knowing that thousands of people worldwide would die and the survivors would be tainted; he believed the chance of peace between humanity and darkspawn was worth the high cost. The Grey Wardens, including a young Duncan and King Maric, thwarted the scheme, however the Architect escaped justice. Several of the Grey Wardens agreed with his ideas, however, and allowed their taint to be "quickened", turning them into ghouls.

The Architect may receive brief mentions in Dragon Age II, depending on player choices. Although the character is not addressed directly in Dragon Age: Inquisition, codex entries heavily imply that the Architect, like Corypheus, is one of the original magisters who entered the Golden City and were cast out as the first Darkspawn.

The Mother

Voiced by: Dee Dee Rescher

A broodmother (a woman corrupted into a monster that breeds more darkspawn) freed from the call of the Old Gods by the Architect, the Mother was driven insane by the realization of what she had become and the loss of her purpose to find the Old Gods. Calling to her other darkspawn freed by the Architect but dissatisfied with him, and a horde of unchanged darkspawn, the Mother simply wishes to destroy everything in Ferelden, mortal or darkspawn, and her armies now ravage both Amaranthine and the Deep Roads, fighting against the forces of the Grey Wardens and those loyal to the Architect. The Mother has no greater goal than utter destruction: she simply wishes to destroy everything in the world in the hope it will grant her release. After defeating the Mother's armies, the Warden Commander confronts the Mother in her lair and slays her in a final battle, truly ending the Fifth Blight.

Characters in Dragon Age II

Protagonists

Hawke

Voiced by: Nicholas Boulton (Male) and Jo Wyatt (Female)

Hawke is the family name of the main protagonist of Dragon Age II, a human who lived in Lothering during the Blight in Ferelden. Hawke escaped the darkspawn invasion by fleeing north to the Free Marches, eventually rising from an impoverished refugee to become the Champion of Kirkwall and ultimately, an outcast again. The player decides Hawke's gender, appearance, personality, combat specialization, political affiliation and given name, although the latter is never used. Unlike the Warden from the first game, Hawke's origin story is fixed and differs only slightly as a result of the class chosen. Hawke reappears in Dragon Age: Inquisition, having gone into hiding following the events of II. They work alongside the Inquisition to investigate the actions of the Grey Wardens in Orlais. Players could recreate their own custom Hawke using an in-game editor, and import their personality, class and accomplishments using the Dragon Age Keep.

Varric Tethras

Voiced by: Brian Bloom

Varric is a surface dwarf, a member of Dwarven merchant's guild and a known associate of Hawke. The video game's intro shows him captured and interrogated by Cassandra Pentaghast, an inquisitor and Seeker of the Chantry (a fictional equivalent of the Catholic Church); thus Varric becomes the narrator of the Dragon Age II story. Varric first meets Hawke roughly a year after the Hawke family has arrived in Kirkwall and makes them a partner in an expedition into the perilous region of The Deep Roads. They remain close friends until the end of the game, when they are inevitably separated.

The Tethras family was once part of the noble caste in Orzammar, until Varric's father was caught fixing Provings. Such was the disgrace and danger to the family that the household had no choice but to leave for the surface. Varric was born a year after House Tethras left for the surface, so he has no love for the Dwarves living underground.

Varric is a black sheep amongst dwarves; his appearance, attire or conduct resembles that of no other dwarf in the game. He is a playable character of the Rogue class and wields Bianca, a crossbow which is unique in the game. He likes storytelling especially when he has the chance of deviating from factual accuracy to make the story more interesting. Twice he dares risking such a feat in his narration, triggering the wrath of his interrogator.

Varric appears in the Dragon Age digital comics series The Silent Grove, Those Who Speak and Until We Sleep. In the Silent Grove, Varric accompanies Isabela and Alistair in the latter's quest to find out the whereabouts of his father King Maric to Antiva City where they infiltrate the headquarters of the Antivan Crows. Varric disarms the traps inside before the trio are confronted by Prince Claudio Valisti. Back at a brothel, Varric discusses what is to come next with Alistair.

Varric assists in the infiltration of Velabanchel prison, opening the gates. However, he inadvertently alerts the Antivan Crows, causing a huge battle to ensue. After escaping Velabanchel, Varric once again discusses Alistair's intentions. He accompanies his companions into the Tellari swamps, where they are attacked by a high dragon, before being met by Yavana, who calms the beast. After speaking with Yavana, the trio are attacked by Claudio Valisti and his men. Alistair allows himself to be dragged away in exchange for Varric and Isabela's lives. The pair return to the Silent Grove and Varric convinces Yavana to help with Alistair's rescue. The witch places a mysterious enchantment on Varric and Isabela, and merely says that the two will "play their part" when Varric asks what she will gain from the bargain. Varric then storms Valisti's camp alongside Isabela, rescuing Alistair.

They go to a ball in a city in Tevinter Imperium where Titus is expected to show up. Varric there has a friend, Magister Maevaris Tilani, who is the widow of Varric's cousin, Thorold. She helps Varric and his companions by asking Lord Devon to keep Isabela's ship off the registry. When the brawl finished Isabela managed to capture one of the Titus' men alive whom they took back to the pirate ship. Varric interrogated the minion and tricked him into revealing to Varric that Titus is in Seheron.

However, when the ship was sailing towards the Magister's stronghold, two Qunari dreadnoughts showed up an after a short fight Alistair, Varric and Isabela along with the crew was captured and was sent to a Qunari prison. Sten is revealed to be the new Arishok following the previous' death at the hands of the Champion of Kirkwall.

When Isabela managed to escape from her cell, she freed Alistair and Varric before she went to free her crew as well. Alistair and Varric then fought their way out of the prison, only to encounter Sten in the exit holding a giant maul and since Varric didn't have his Bianca with him to assist effectively, the fight ended up in a duel between Alistair and Sten. Varric then tried to go back and find another way out but as soon as he opened the door to enter the prison again, he found a large number of Qunari guards waiting. He cunningly told them that their Arishok is in an honorable duel with Alistair so both Varric and the guards started watching the duel instead.

When Alistair defeated Sten, he refused to kill him and instead invited him to help him in his quest against their mutual enemy, Magister Titus. Sten agreed to the invitation of the King of Ferelden so Isabela got back her pirate ship and her crew and along with Alistair and Varric started sailing to Titius stronghold in Seheron accompanied by two Qunari dreadnoughts and Sten. Varric infiltrates the stronghold, frees Tilani -who had been taken prisoner- and finds Marric. However, after taking down Aurelius, the party is forced to kill Maric out of mercy. They then all go their separate ways.

Varric will return as a full party member in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Bethany Hawke

Voiced by: Rebekah Staton

One of the Hawke twins and a mage. She fled Lothering to escape the Blight with her family. Dependent on player's class, either Bethany or her twin brother Carver will die protecting their mother from an ogre as they flee the darkspawn onslaught of Lothering.

If Bethany survives and the player brings her to the Deep Roads, she dies unless Anders is also brought along, who will persuade the Grey Warden, Stroud, to enlist her, effectively saving her life. If left behind, Bethany is captured and forced into the Kirkwall Circle of Magi, a quarantine facility meant to separate mages from the normal populace. In either case, Bethany will not be available until the end of the game or during certain DLCs.

Bethany employs magic in combat. Her specialty is Force Magic which involves the use of telekinesis to hurl, knock down, stun and harm enemies.

Carver Hawke

Voiced by: Nico Lennon

The elder of the Hawke twins, Carver specializes in two-handed swords. He is generally at odds with his elder sibling, due to their having taken over their father's role after his death, and possibly due to Carver being the only non-magical child in the family. He fled Lothering to escape the Blight with his family. Dependent on player class, either Carver (if the player is a rogue or warrior) or his twin sister Bethany (if the player is a mage) will die protecting their mother from an ogre as they flee the darkspawn onslaught of Lothering.

If Carver survives and the player takes him on the Deep Roads expedition, he will contract the Taint and die unless Anders is also taken, whereupon Carver can join the Grey Wardens. If he is left behind, he joins the Kirkwall Templars, the military branch of the Chantry trained to control the mages under their watch. In either case, Carver will not be available until the end of the game or during certain DLCs

Carver takes the anti-magic combat specialization of the Templars, allowing him to prevent enemies from using special techniques.

Aveline Vallen

Voiced by: Joanna Roth

Aveline is the daughter of an exiled chevalier from Orlais who was born in Fereldan and served in the army of King Cailan before his death. She and her templar husband Wesley meet the Hawkes on their flight from Lothering; Wesley dies during their escape in a mercy killing by either Hawke or Aveline to stop the Darkspawn taint from turning him into a ghoul. Aveline joins the Hawkes in escaping to Kirkwall, where she eventually becomes a member of city guard. She is later promoted to the Captain of the Guard after exposing the former Captain's corruption.

Aveline is one of the two companions with whom the player cannot initiate a romance, although she can be flirted with and will give Hawke a kiss. During the course of the game, she falls in love with Donnic, a guardsman under her command, and can marry him with the player's encouragement.

Originally a warrior specializing in two-handed weapons, Aveline switches to a single-handed sword and shield when her husband falls in battle during the Prologue and remains such throughout the game. Her default specialization is to serve as a tank, attracting and absorbing hostile fire.

Isabela

Voiced by: Mika Simmons in Dragon Age: Origins; Victoria Kruger in Dragon Age II

The former captain of the pirate ship The Siren's Call and previously a minor character in Dragon Age: Origins, she resides in Kirkwall after being shipwrecked and can be enlisted into player's party. Unbeknownst to all, Isabela is the main reason behind the military presence of the Qunari race in Kirkwall as she stole a much-craved artifact from the Qunari. Depending on the players choices, she may return the artifact to the Qunari Arishok (commander-in-chief). The Arishok, however, demands that she be taken prisoner as well. The player can either comply, duel the Arishok or engage the entire Qunari force in combat.

Isabela is scantily dressed and promiscuous. However, she confesses that as a ship captain, she must part with promiscuity and treat men under her command with extreme charisma as to not to give them a chance of mutiny. She holds little respect for laws and considers monetary gain the only reason to embark on an adventure. The only exception however is the lucrative business of slaves trade which, much to Aveline's surprise, Isabela considers evil. She is another rogue character but prefers daggers and stealth in combat, or provoking enemies to attack her at severely weakened penalties.

Isabela is a major character of the digital comics Dragon Age: The Silent Grove, Dragon Age: Those Who Speak and Dragon Age: Until We Sleep with the second providing her with more background. The plot follows Alistair - who is King of Ferelden - as he searches for his father, former King of Ferelden Maric Theirin, with hers and Varric Tethras' help. It is revealed that Isabela's birth name is Naishe, however, when she became a pirate the first ship's captain she served under began to call her "Isabela", his "little beauty", as a joke. She eventually adopted the name as her pseudonym. She is originally from Rivain, but has traveled extensively throughout the world of Thedas. Her mother converted to the Qun during the Qunari occupation of Rivain and sold Isabela into marriage with an associate of the Antivan Crows, Luis, when she refused to convert. Luis was a rich man, buying Isabela many fine things, however the marriage was loveless and she was treated as his "plaything". She ultimately had Luis assassinated by Zevran Arainai after he asked her to "entertain" his friends. She then stole Luis' ship, and took up the pirate's life. Isabela became extremely promiscuous, and soon became a feared raider—the "Queen of the Eastern Seas".

In The Silent Grove, Isabela accompanies Varric and King Alistair to Antiva City, where they infiltrate the headquarters of the Antivan Crows. After meeting Prince Claudio Valisti - a former "business partner" of Isabela's late husband - Isabela warns Alistair to not trust a word Claudio says. Isabela assists in infiltrating Velabanchel, and - along with Varric - holds off the Antivan Crows while Alistair goes after his target. Isabela captains the ship she and her companions use to escape Velabanchel, later navigating through the Tellari swamps. She is the first to attempt to defend Alistair from attack from Yavana's high dragon.

While leaving the swamps following their meeting with Yavana in the Silent Grove, Claudio pierces her with an arrow and kidnaps Alistair in exchange for Isabela and Varric's lives. Isabela swears to hunt Claudio down and kill him. After retreating to the Silent Grove, Isabela demands that Yavana save Alistair. The witch replies that it is not her concern, but Varric bargains with her and Yavana heals Isabela's wound. The two then storm Claudio's camp. Isabela engages Claudio in a duel with him taunting her with her past and allegations. Isabella, however, kills him.

In Those Who Speak, Isabella and her companions travel to a Tevinter city and attend a ball, where she meets a person she appears to be familiar with - Lord Devon. She seems to have a long-lasting hatred for him. Devon in his turn is surprised that she is alive. In a conversation "eye-to-eye" he mentions that Isabela owes him and threatens to reveal to Alistair what happened at the Venefication Sea. She intimidates him into silence by drawing out her dagger. Finally, Aurelian Titus arrives. Alistair confronts him, but he flees, leaving his minions to fight for him. The last of them occasionally wounds Devon. Isabela knocks Devon's offender unconscious to the floor, but as he is muttering thanks she stabs Devon in his chest. She tells her companions that he was killed by Titus's man.

She is eventually captured by the Qunari (with Sten as their new Arishok) along with Alistair and Varric. She is interrogated by a qunari named Rasaan who tries to forcefully convert her to the Qun. She escapes, frees Alistair, Varric and her crew before defeating Rasaan. She then sails with her companions and the kunari, with whom Alistair forged an alliance, towards Magister Aurelius Titus' stronghold. They eventually find Maric but are forced to kill him out of mercy after taking down Aurelius. Isabela and her companions then go their separate ways.

Isabela appears as a downloadable character in the Dragon Age: Inquisition multiplayer.

Merrill

Voiced by: Erin Matthews in Dragon Age: Origins; Eve Myles in Dragon Age II

Merrill is a mage and the "First" to the Keeper of her Dalish clan. She originally appeared in the Dalish Elf origin story in Dragon Age: Origins, at a time when her clan was traveling through Ferelden. The clan travelled north to escape the Blight shortly afterwards and settled at Sundermount, a peak to the north of Kirkwall. Merrill is a companion and potential love interest for Hawke.

Hawke recruits Merrill when Keeper Marethari (whom Hawke was dealing with due to a debt owed to Flemeth) requests that Hawke escort her to Kirkwall, due to Merrill's desire to leave the clan. Merrill's obsession with restoring an ancient magical mirror known as an eluvian (seen in Origins) and her use of blood magic to do so have caused a rift between her and her clan; she views it as an artifact which could help the Dalish regains their lost history and culture, while the Keeper thinks it's too dangerous. She eventually requests Hawke to help her requisition a needed tool from the Keeper in exchange for a service to the clan, which the player can later refuse to give to her. In Act III she requests that Hawke to help her contact the demon that gave her power in order to finish restoring the mirror. Knowing that it is trap, the Keeper intervenes and allows the demon to possess her, leading to her death. This causes a confrontation with the clan, and depending on Hawke's decision it can either end up with Merrill being banished from the clan or the slaughter of the clan.

Despite her rich knowledge of Dalish history and magic, Merrill is ignorant to the non-Dalish world around her. Her naivety and inability to consider broader repercussions of her actions leads to much of the tragedy in her life; however, by the end of the game, she is shown to have learnt from it. Merrill develops strong friendships with Isabela and Varric, and has adversarial relationships with Anders and Fenris.

Merrill uses magic in combat, and her specialization is "Dalish Pariah", a combination of nature magic and blood magic.

Anders

Voiced by: Greg Ellis (Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening), Adam Howden (Dragon Age 2) and Adam Leadbeater (as Justice in Dragon Age 2)

Anders is a Grey Warden mage and returning companion from Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening. Prior to Dragon Age II, Anders agreed to host the spirit Justice, another Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening companion, to help mages fight for freedom from the Chantry. He is a companion and potential love interest for a Hawke of either gender.

Anders is first seen in Kirkwall's Darktown giving aid to refugees, healing them free of charge. He convinces Hawke to help rescue a friend from the Templars in return for maps of the Deep Roads, but finds him turned Tranquil (effectively lobotomized). In his anger, it is revealed that Anders merged with Justice and unintentionally turned him into Vengeance. As such, Anders struggles to maintain control of his own body and mind. He may then be enlisted into player's party. Over the course of the game, Anders has adversarial relationships with Fenris (who detests Anders's status as an abomination), Merrill (whom Anders tries to call into account for her blood magic), and Sebastian (whom Anders antagonizes on religious grounds). Anders will usually develop feelings for Hawke even if they do not initiate a full romance with Anders.

During the third act, with or without Hawke's assistance, he destroys the Kirkwall Chantry, killing the Grand Cleric and several others. This in turn leads Knight Commander Meredith to invoke the Right of Annulment, sparking a war between the Templars and the Mages. Hawke has the option of executing him for his crime, banishing him, or ordering him to fight and make amends. However, choosing to spare him will enrage Sebastian, who demands justice for the slain Grand Cleric. If Anders is spared and banished, he still returns; if Hawke sides with the Templars, in most cases he will attack Hawke and is slain, whereas if Hawke sides with the mages, he asks to help, an offer that can be accepted or refused. If refused, realizing he is no longer welcome, Anders bids Hawke good luck and leaves for good.

Anders is very compassionate and loves to help the downtrodden. Anders detests Kirkwall Templars. He uses magic in combat and his specialization is a variation of Spirit Healer. Through it, he heals wounded allies, rises fallen allies and channels the power of Vengeance to boost his own damage.

Fenris

Voiced by: Gideon Emery

Fenris (birth name Leto) is a Tevinter elf and former slave who lost his memory due to the lyrium (a hazardous liquid metal with magical properties) being infused into his flesh, rendering him averse to physical contact but also giving him superhuman combat abilities. He escaped his master, Danarius (a Tevinter magister), and has been hunted ever since. He is a potential companion and love interest for both a male or female Hawke.

The name Fenris means 'Little Wolf;' this is the name Danarius gave to him after he won a competition and was appointed Danarius' personal body guard. Up until a certain point in the game, Fenris has no memory of his past name, Leto, and remains with the title.

In Act III, Fenris manages to contact his sister, Varania, having been told of her existence by one of his master's pupils in Act II. The meeting, however, turns out a trap set up by his former master. Hawke can either turn Fenris over to Danarius, thus losing him permanently, or defend Fenris and engage in combat against Danarius and his thugs. After killing the magister, he can either spare or kill Varania. If she is allowed to live, she later reveals that Fenris actually asked and competed for the lyrium markings to save her and his mother from slavery.

Fenris is a pessimist who is unable or unwilling to live a happy life. For seven years, he lives alone in an abandoned dilapidated mansion whose roof is in tatters and its floor strewn with corpses. His favorite pastime, as Varric pointedly puts it, is brooding. Magic in general is the scapegoat which Fenris does not lose the opportunity to criticize and vilify. He often verbally spars with mage companions, particularly Anders. He and Merrill are on less-than-friendly terms, but he tolerates her - barely. In spite of this, he will respond positively to the advances of a mage Hawke.

Fenris employs two-handed melee weapons in combat. His specialty is known as Tevinter Fugitive and involves channeling the power of the imbued lyrium to improve combat efficiency, with properties similar to a reaver, allowing Fenris to move faster and do more damage as he gets hurt.

Sebastian Vael

Voiced by: Alec Newman

A character only available through The Exiled Prince DLC. An archer of noble birth, Sebastian was a brother of the Kirkwall Chantry until his family was murdered. Depending the player's choices throughout the three acts, Sebastian may stay a brother of the Chantry or leave it to attend political concerns.^[14] Sebastian is a romantic interest for a female Hawke only.

During the climax of the game, Sebastian is a character with a unique point of view: Whereas the concern of everybody else is whether to side with the mages or the Templars (as well as how to justify their choice), Sebastian's concern is that Anders has committed genocide and must be punished. If Hawke disregards this concern, Sebastian leaves, promising vengeance. If Hawke executes Anders, Sebastian regards them worthy of following and follows them in combat.

Sebastian uses bow and arrows as weapon. His specialization, Royal Archer, increases his combat effectiveness in one-on-one fights.

Tallis

Voiced by: Felicia Day

Tallis is a female Elven Ben-Hassrath assassin who works for the Qunari and is only available through Mark of Assassin DLC. Tallis was formerly an Elven slave until the Qunari took the slaves and she converted to the Qun, where she was given several names before becoming Tallis (Qunlat for "To Solve"). Tallis also appears as the lead character of Dragon Age: Redemption, a six-part webseries. Tallis is voiced by and modeled after Felicia Day, who also stars as Tallis in the webseries.^[15]

Tallis is different from other companions: She is only available as a mandatory companion when the player is playing the main quest of Mark of the Assassin DLC during which no other quests outside the DLC may be played. Once the said quest is completed, Tallis leaves for good.

Tallis is a rogue character and uses daggers in combat. Unlike Isabela, however, Tallis also employs unique throwing knives for ranged attacks. Her combat specialty called Infiltrator allows her to win close quarter encounters with a single foe.

Antagonists

Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard

Voiced by: Jean Gilpin

Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard (mainly referred to as Meredith) is the commander of the Templars in Kirkwall and the antagonist of Act III of Dragon Age II. She is the ruler of Kirkwall in all but name; the viscount of Kirkwall, Marlowe Dumar, dares not oppose her and Grand Cleric Elthina, her superior in command, does not do so. Following the viscount's death, Meredith assumes control over the city, and prevents any vote to elect a new Viscount to proceed. Kirkwall quickly becomes a police state that Meredith rules with an iron fist, giving free rein to her cronies amongst the Order to do as they please in abusing the mages and dominating the civilian population of the city.

As the game progresses, she evolves from having extreme views on controlling mages, to a paranoid delusions that all members of the Circle of Magi are blood mages and all who defy her are under their influence. During the climax of the game, Anders blows up the Chantry and openly announces his own guilt; Meredith, however, invokes the Right of Annulment, an order to kill every member of the Kirkwall's Circle of Magi, despite the fact all of whom had no involvement in the destruction. After a devastating war, it is revealed that Meredith has purchased an idol made of a previously-lost red variation of lyrium recovered by Hawke and Varric in the Deep Roads in Act I, which was taken and later sold by Varric's brother, Bartrand. The red lyrium has granted her superhuman abilities, but has also caused her insanity, as it did to Bartrand and began to do to Varric. Hawke is forced to fight Meredith as the game's final boss and kill her.

First Enchanter Orsino

Voiced by: Jim Ward

Head of the Circle in Kirkwall, he clashes constantly with Meredith over her treatment of mages and growing power in the city. Their most consistent topic of unrest is the thought that the mages use blood magic (which, Orsino admits, he never uses until the final battle), a fact they debate over in every dialogue together and even when they reference each other for missions. During the final battle he reveals that he had links to the deranged necromancer Quentin (who murdered Hawke's mother and several other women in Kirkwall) and, in desperation from the advancing Templars, uses blood magic to use the dead bodies surrounded him to transform into a monstrous Harvester. He is finally killed by Hawke, regardless of which side Hawke chooses to fight for.

The Arishok

Voiced by: Rick D. Wasserman

Leader of the Qunari stranded in Kirkwall after their ship was wrecked in a storm chasing after Isabela, who stole their relic. Despite the Qunari's history as foreign occupiers, he states he has no intention of conquering Kirkwall, as he has a demand to satisfy of their religion, the Qun. He is sickened by the people who inhabit Kirkwall and after tensions between his people and the residents boil, he attempts to take Kirkwall by force, killing the viscount. During the climax of the invasion in the Viscount's Keep, Hawke must deal with the Arishok. If Isabela returns the relic, he can leave Kirkwall with it, and her. Refusing to let him take her will cause the Arishok to duel Hawke. If Isabela does not return, Hawke can still duel the Arishok if Fenris is present, or if the Arishok has a high opinion of Hawke. If the duel is refused, or none of the prerequisites are met, Hawke and his party will kill all of the Qunari, including the Arishok.

Corypheus

Voiced by: David Sterne

Introduced in the Legacy DLC, Corypheus is an ancient and powerful Darkspawn held in a prison deep within the Vimmark Mountains. Corypheus is one of the original Magisters- mages from Tevinter that broke into the Maker's Golden City centuries ago to claim it for their own selfish, power-hungry reasons. Their actions turned the city black and turned the Magisters into the first Darkspawn. He was able to be locked into the prison and put into a 1000-year sleep though unknown means, with it being magically resealed by Hawke's father 30 years before the events of Dragon Age II. In the Legacy DLC, he is able to influence both Janeka and Larius, two Grey Wardens in charge of guarding the prison. Larius was able to keep Corypheus from corrupting him, though Janeka wasn't so lucky. Larius wishes to kill Corypheus to end this while Janeka wants to turn him into a weapon. Corypheus also enticed a Dwarvin Carta to attack Hawke and either his sister Bethany or brother Carter, depending on who survived the prologue of the game, to get their blood to release him. It failed, so Hawke and his companions, with Bethany and Carter as potential party members, travel to the Vimmark Mountains, where they are trapped by magical barriers. After meeting Janeka and Larius, he is told that the only way out is through Corypheus. Siding with either Janeka or Larius, which results in the other being killed, Hawke releases Corypheus, who is confused by the modern world. Hawke & Co then fight Corypheus, seemingly killing him. Unknown to Hawke, Corypheus' soul transferred to either Janeka or Larius, who leaves after imparting some menacing words. Corypheus would go on to be the main villain for Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Characters in Dragon Age: Inquisition

References