Dragon Age: Origins/Characters/Non Playable Characters

NPCs from Dragon Age: Origins.

Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir


"Lords and Ladies... Stand with me and we will defeat even the blight itself!"

A hero throughout Ferelden, Loghain is the general of the army brought to fight the Darkspawn at Ostagar. His plans, however, are a little different from what King Cailan expects. Voiced by Simon Templeman.

"Loghain:"
 * Anti-Villain: He's not nearly as one-dimensionally evil as he seems at first.
 * The Atoner: He realizes what he's doing is wrong, but until he is subdued, Cognitive Dissonance prevents him from stopping his heinous acts.
 * Co-Dragons: Howe and Cauthrien are this to him.
 * Deadpan Snarker: Not surprising, considering that nobles resent the fact that a farmer's son was elevated above them all.
 * Face Death with Dignity: If you choose to execute him, though if Alistair is the one to face him in the duel, he's killed before he really has the chance to choose a way to face the inevitable.
 * Fallen Hero: He gave up everything to restore Ferelden, and as a result began to resent the very people he won it for.
 * Fantastic Racism: Hates Orlais since they invaded his homeland.
 * Figure It Out Yourself:
 * Freudian Excuse: He hates Orlais because There's also a major element of Green-Eyed Monster regarding Loghain's relationship to Maric.
 * General Ripper: His paranoia over the Orlesians is the cause of his betrayal.
 * Glorious Leader
 * Hypercompetent Sidekick: While being The Lancer to Cailan, he's the one who single-handedly manages the war effort with his "boring" strategies.
 * I Did What I Had to Do: He justifies his more horrific actions with this argument. For example, he claims that he abandoned Cailan because it was impossible to save him without taking too many casualties to fight the darkspawn. Of course, he and Cailan never really got along...
 * I Need a Freaking Drink: When Arl Howe, presents the assassin he hired to kill the Grey Wardens, Loghain can be seen draining his chalice.
 * Informed Ability: His legendary tactical genius. Apparently, he pretty much won the Fereldan rebellion against Orlais singlehandedly, and background characters throughout the game will be heard to remark on all the military victories he wins against the bannorn in the civil war. The only tactical move the player will actually see him make, however, is his decision to abandon Cailan at Ostagar, a staggeringly stupid move that nearly destroys the nation.
 * During the Fereldan civil war after Ostagar several NPCs note that Loghain is doing unfortunately well against his opponents that aren't bowing to his coup. He really is a strategic genius, but his grasp of politics and public relations are abysmal.
 * It Has Been an Honor: Should Loghain  one of the parting words you can give Loghain is, "For what it's worth, I salute you."
 * It's Personal: Orlais invaded his homeland, true, but he has a far more personal Freudian Excuse for being the way he is.
 * Large Ham
 * Love Hurts:
 * The Lancer: Was one to Maric, currently serves as Cailan's.
 * Meaningful Name: Mac Tir, in modern Irish, translates roughly to "son of the land", apt given his patriotism.
 * Milking the Giant Cow: Surprisingly, in battle: he seems to like the Rally move (which requires this along with a Skyward Scream) a little too much.
 * The Obi Wrong: Up until the Landsmeet, he's the one leading Ferelden's defense and managing the entire war effort.
 * Eerie Pale-Skinned Brunette: Black hair, almost sickly pale skin... no wonder some fans suggested Alan Rickman as a possible live-action candidate.
 * Papa Wolf:
 * In Return to Ostagar, its implied
 * Pet the Dog: Literally,
 * Precision F-Strike: In Return to Ostagar,
 * Tall, Dark and Snarky:
 * Tragic Hero: Can be interpreted this way, especially if you consider his backstory.
 * The Strategist: A military planner of great renown, having acted as a commander and planning campaigns for the kings Theirin since before Ferelden independence.
 * The Uriah Gambit: Loghain orders his forces to retreat instead of flanking the darkspawn as had been planned. This results in the deaths of both his king and all but two of Fereldan's Grey Wardens. And how does he get away with this? By spreading the word that the wardens egregiously missled the King, leaving many blaming the wardens for the Cailens death.
 * Villain with Good Publicity: Brilliantly subverted, if not outright deconstructed.
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: With Maric.
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist
 * Pet the Dog: Literally,
 * Precision F-Strike: In Return to Ostagar,
 * Tall, Dark and Snarky:
 * Tragic Hero: Can be interpreted this way, especially if you consider his backstory.
 * The Strategist: A military planner of great renown, having acted as a commander and planning campaigns for the kings Theirin since before Ferelden independence.
 * The Uriah Gambit: Loghain orders his forces to retreat instead of flanking the darkspawn as had been planned. This results in the deaths of both his king and all but two of Fereldan's Grey Wardens. And how does he get away with this? By spreading the word that the wardens egregiously missled the King, leaving many blaming the wardens for the Cailens death.
 * Villain with Good Publicity: Brilliantly subverted, if not outright deconstructed.
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: With Maric.
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist
 * Villain with Good Publicity: Brilliantly subverted, if not outright deconstructed.
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: With Maric.
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist


 * Wrong Genre Savvy: If you read his backstory in the novels, you'll find out that every time he decided to forego the train of logic between problem and solution and decide that it was all an Orlesian plot, he was invariably right. It's no great wonder that he leaps on the same conclusion with the Gray Wardens.
 * Xanatos Gambit: One that is spectacularly thwarted at every turn.

King Cailan Theirin
"I cannot wait for that glorious moment. The Grey Wardens battle beside the King of Ferelden to stem the tide of evil." 

The current monarch of Ferelden, a young and idealistic, if rather foolish man. He wants a battle that will be remembered by history. Voiced by Peter Bramhill.


 * Boisterous Bruiser
 * Death by Origin Story
 * Dumb Blonde: "What's that you say, Loghain? Strategy against the overwhelming darkspawn horde? Boring! Besides, the sheer awesomeness of my Infinity+1 Sword and the Grey Wardens is far more than enough against these beasties!"
 * Glory Hound. And how.
 * The Hero: His view of things. Quoth the player: Not so fast, we're barely a few hours into the game and you're not the Player Character.
 * Fake Ultimate Hero
 * Leeroy Jenkins
 * Royals Who Actually Do Something: He doesn't suceed, but its the thought that counts.
 * Sibling Yin-Yang: Averted, for the most part. Cailan and his half-brother are actually pretty similar in their nonchalant approach to things, their coming off as idiots to those around them, their willingness to discard formality for friendship, and their bravery in the face of adversity.
 * The White Prince: Despite being a sheltered buffoon he genuinely wants to govern well. He assures the Human Noble he'll eliminate the traitorous Arl Howe once the Darkspawn are defeated, and his shock at what happens when the City Elf confronts him with the truth of what's been happening in the Alienage is genuine.
 * Wide-Eyed Idealist: He almost overlaps with The Fool, with his estimation of the coming battle. He's something of an Ascended Fanboy of the Grey Wardens who Jumped At the Call and then doesn't take things seriously enough.
 * Wrong Genre Savvy: He believes that he is the protagonist of a more idealistic fantasy story.

Queen Anora Theirin (nee Mac Tir)
''"We have been given the gift of freedom by our forbearers. Let us not squander it." ''

The current Queen of Ferelden, married to Cailan. She is the true power behind the throne, taking after her father, Loghain. Voiced by Mika Simmons.


 * Beauty Equals Goodness:
 * Blondes Are Evil: Debatably - Anora isn't as outright evil as some characters, but she can be every bit as ruthless as Bhelen when protecting her position.
 * And of course, if you let her speak up for you to Cauthrien, she'll immediately . She did warn you, but it still feels like a punch.
 * Daddy's Girl: The two most important things in her life are her country and her father and she'll do what she has to to protect both of them. If anyone else had tried what Loghain did, she'd have had them drawn and quartered within the hour.
 * Damsel in Distress: At a certain point late in the game.
 * Fantasy Counterpart Culture / Inspired By: With her political manuevering against rivals for the throne, refusal to marry once she becomes sole ruler, and patronage of education and the arts, she's pretty clearly based on a number of historical female rulers, particularly Elizabeth I of England and Catherine the Great of Russia.
 * Not to mention her resemblence—in both appearance and personality—to a certain former Ukrainian Prime Minister...
 * Hair of Gold: Subverted. Anora plays the stereotype of the virtuous fair-haired princess for all it's worth, but while she's not outright evil, she's not exactly pure or innocent either.
 * In the Blood: Like her father, she seeks to protect Ferelden at all costs and believes that she and Loghain are the only two people capable of doing so.
 * Morality Pet: Loghain does love his daughter, though he doesn't show it often.
 * Rescue Romance: Except with minimal romance. And hardly any need for the "rescue". A Male (Human) Noble Warden can convince the Queen to marry him after rescuing her, as part of a deal to aid her in gaining the throne - although he will have to take the initiative to make her stick to her deal. If the player then exports this save to Awakening, Anora will have a cameo, and be slightly more caring for the protagonist.
 * The Woman Wearing the Queenly Mask: Something of a subversion. Anora likes to pretend that she's this, but one gets the impression that the mask is her true personality.
 * Morality Pet: Loghain does love his daughter, though he doesn't show it often.
 * Rescue Romance: Except with minimal romance. And hardly any need for the "rescue". A Male (Human) Noble Warden can convince the Queen to marry him after rescuing her, as part of a deal to aid her in gaining the throne - although he will have to take the initiative to make her stick to her deal. If the player then exports this save to Awakening, Anora will have a cameo, and be slightly more caring for the protagonist.
 * The Woman Wearing the Queenly Mask: Something of a subversion. Anora likes to pretend that she's this, but one gets the impression that the mask is her true personality.
 * The Woman Wearing the Queenly Mask: Something of a subversion. Anora likes to pretend that she's this, but one gets the impression that the mask is her true personality.

Arl Rendon Howe


The best friend of teyrn Bryce Cousland (the human noble PC's father) up until he killed him along with almost his entire family. Afterwards, he is appointed the arl of Denerim. He later serves as an advisor to Loghain and carries out his more atrocious orders. Voiced by Tim Curry.

"Warden: After this, I'll kill your wife and daughter, too. Howe: Isn't that precious? Is this where I lament the monster I helped create?"
 * Arranged Marriage: Subverted: he seems very eager to pass on the message that his daughter Delilah/his son Thomas appears very taken with the young Cousland, going on about his prowess as a warrior/being smitten with her after seeing her at a Denerim fair. Then comes The Untwist... A Cousland Warden can later run into Delilah, and discover that she thought he was stuck up and never really liked him.
 * Aristocrats Are Evil: And Howe!
 * Cold-Blooded Torture: To nobles that disagree with him.
 * Disappeared Dad: His father was either killed in the war against Orlais, or tried to become a Grey Warden but failed the Joining, depending on whether you believe the Codex or Nathaniel.
 * The Dragon: To Loghain.
 * Equal Opportunity Evil: Despite being a huge racist, Howe seems to have no qualms about who he hires to do his dirty work.
 * Everything's Worse with Bears: Amaranthine's logo is a bear.
 * Face Heel Turn: Not that it comes as much of a surprise.
 * Freudian Excuse: According to Awakening, his dad left to become a Grey Warden and was never heard from again and his in-laws frequently complained about his family's comparative lack of sucess.
 * Genre Savvy:
 * Freudian Excuse: According to Awakening, his dad left to become a Grey Warden and was never heard from again and his in-laws frequently complained about his family's comparative lack of sucess.
 * Genre Savvy:

"Howe: (upon facing down the female Human Noble) Well, look what we have here! Bryce Cousland's little spitfire, still playing the man!"
 * Green-Eyed Monster: His reason for killing the Couslands.
 * Irony: For all his talk about the Couslands being secret collaborators with Orlais, it's worth noting that his own father collaborated with Orlais during their occupation.
 * It's All About Me: See.
 * Jerkass: Why he's disliked by most other nobles.
 * Kick the Dog: He ordered the crackdown on the Alienage after the elf riots (triggered by the events of the City Elf origin but happen regardless of what origin the Grey Warden comes from) to "put the elves in their place". He's also the one to hire assassins to kill the Grey Warden. Lampshaded by Arl Eamon if the Grey Warden is a human noble, describing Howe as "The sort of man to go around and kick stray dogs."
 * The Lancer: Was one to Bryce Cousland, though he's The Starscream by the time of the game.
 * Motive Rant: He can have an impressive one when Not to mention Loghain's motivation is shared: fear and hatred of the Orlesians.
 * Psycho Supporter
 * Smug Snake
 * Stay in the Kitchen: His greeting of the female Human Noble Warden has sexist undertones, although he's just as dismissive to a male Human Noble.


 * Torture Cellar: There's a rather extensive one in the Arl of Denerim's estate, although it was there before he took residence there.
 * But he chose the room next to the entrance of the dungeon as his bedchamber. As Ohgren puts it, "he liked to nip down for a spot of torture before bedtime."

Ser Cauthrien


''"Some of us know what honor and loyalty are." ''

A female knight of Ferelden, Cauthrien is the commander of King Maric's Shield, Loghain's personal corps of elite soldiers. She is first seen at the battle of Ostagar, relaying somewhat disbelievingly Loghain's order to retreat from the battle, and later serves as his right hand woman. Once the gathering of the members of the Landsmeet begins, Ser Cauthrien and her soldiers will attempt to arrest the Warden after s/he breaks Anora out of Arl Howe's estate, and if she's not defeated there, she will confront the party again upon entering the Royal Palace for the Landsmeet. Voiced by Alyx Wilton Regan.


 * Action Girl
 * Anti-Villain: An honorable woman, she is bothered by the evil acts Loghain commits, but continues to serve him out of both loyalty and a sense that what he does is necessary to protect Ferelden.
 * BFS: She wields the Summer Sword, one of the game's best Greatswords.
 * Dark Action Girl: Subverted.
 * Hopeless Boss Fight: If you lose to her in the first encounter, The Warden and Alistair just end up getting captured. Still, it's possible to kill her during the fight though it's pretty damn tough.
 * Lady of War
 * My Master, Right or Wrong:
 * Save the Villain: With a high Persuasion score, she'll beg you to save Loghain from himself.
 * Skippable Boss: With a high enough persuasion or intimidation score, you can avoid a fight, which is handy because she can be pretty tough, particularly in the first encounter.
 * Talking Your Way Out: As noted above, it's possible to avoid a fight if you've got the points in coercion.
 * Undying Loyalty: Despite Loghain's crimes she remains loyal to him to the end. To the point that she'll desperately try to justify them. Confront her about Loghain, and she'll protest weakly that they had to fund the nation somehow.
 * Worthy Opponent: She expresses regret that she's forced to kill you if you opt to fight her.

Arl Eamon Guerrin
The Arl of Redcliffe and Cailan's favorite uncle. Voiced by Graham McTavish.


 * Supporting Leader
 * Parental Substitute: To Alistair.
 * Reasonable Authority Figure: One of the few in Ferelden, which is why his word carries much weight in the Landsmeet.
 * What Does He See In Her: In-universe, everyone seems to wonder why he married Isolde?

Bann Teagan Guerrin
Brother of Arl Eamon, Teagan is currently in charge of the defense of Redcliffe against the mysterious evil pouring out of the castle, where his family may not still be alive. Voiced by Timothy Watson.


 * Badass: Directly after Ostagar, he turned up to the Landsmeet in full armour, ready for a fight and calls Loghain out in front of every noble assmembled, accusing him of leaving King Cailan to die.
 * Estrogen Brigade Bait: Aided by the fact that he seems to have some interest in a female human noble Warden.
 * In a female elf Warden, as well.
 * Dwarf as well. Really, if you're a chick, he WILL have interest.
 * Large Ham: Only during the time that

"Teagan: The Bannorn will not bow to you simply because you demand it!"
 * Shut UP, Hannibal: When Loghain claims to be doing everything for the good of Ferelden and gets appointed Regent.


 * Supporting Leader: During the Redcliffe quest.

Arlessa Isolde Guerrin
Wife to Arl Eamon and mother to Connor, Isolde married her husband despite her own Orlesian heritage. Voiced by Louisa Patikas.


 * Everything Sounds Sexier in French: Inverted: her Orlesian accent repulses people, since she spends most of her time shrieking.
 * Freudian Excuse: Noticeable only if you ask for a reward for your help.
 * Jerkass: Towards Alistair.
 * Mama Bear: She is more than willing to sacrifice her life to save her son. When the option is presented, she doesn't even hesitate.
 * Wicked Stepmother: Sort of; though her husband was only his adoptive father, Alistair makes it clear that she wasn't very nice to him during the time he lived at Castle Redcliffe.
 * Mama Bear: She is more than willing to sacrifice her life to save her son. When the option is presented, she doesn't even hesitate.
 * Wicked Stepmother: Sort of; though her husband was only his adoptive father, Alistair makes it clear that she wasn't very nice to him during the time he lived at Castle Redcliffe.
 * Wicked Stepmother: Sort of; though her husband was only his adoptive father, Alistair makes it clear that she wasn't very nice to him during the time he lived at Castle Redcliffe.

Connor Guerrin
The young son of Arl Eamon Voiced by Michael Curtis Parsons.


 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.
 * If you saved Connor and kept him from being possessed, you will see him in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a background character in Redcliffe. Its at least 10 years later, he's a grown man by this point... and he's still traumatized as hell.

Fergus Cousland
Brother of the Human Noble PC, heir to the teyrnir of Highever. Voiced by Shawn Dingwall.


 * Boisterous Bruiser
 * Missing Older Brother: A motivation for the PC at the start.
 * Missing Older Brother: A motivation for the PC at the start.

Eleanor Cousland
Mother of the Human Noble PC, plays a major role in the attack on Highever Castle. Voiced by Deborah Moore.


 * Action Mom: As she puts it, she is no Orlesian wallflower and doesn't hesitate to grab a weapon and fight back when the castle is invaded.
 * The Archer
 * Badass Grandma: As per the above. Her reaction to finding her grandson (the PC's nephew) dead is to get even more angry.
 * Bolivian Army Ending: Eleanor Cousland will not abandon her husband, ever.
 * Deadpan Snarker: As much as she tries to hide it, comes off as this when sufficiently exasperated by her children and husband.
 * I Want Grandkids: She laments how difficult it's been to find an acceptable husband for a female PC, as she wants more grandchildren.
 * Retired Badass: By her own admission, she used to be quite the warrior herself, and soon proves that she still is.

Bryce Cousland
Father of the Human Noble PC, and Teyrn of Highever.

"Teryn Cousland: ... a wench, Oryn, is the woman who pours ale in a tavern. Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale."
 * Action Survivor: In his backstory, alongside Arl Howe, he survives a Curb Stomp Battle against the Orlesians at White River, from which only fifty rebels escaped.
 * Authority Equals Asskicking: Second in rank only to King Cailan; was preparing to lead Highever's armies against the darkspawn.
 * Badass Grandpa
 * Big Good: The Patriarchs of the Cousland family have been this to Ferelden for centuries.
 * Bolivian Army Ending
 * Cool Old Guy: How many people could immediately think of this diplomatic yet true way to explain to their young grandson what a 'wench' is, after his oldest son was injudicious enough to use the word in front of a small child?


 * Et Tu, Brute?:
 * Good Counterpart: The only other Teyrn aside from Loghain. He is Loghain's exact opposite.
 * Good Parents
 * Magnetic Hero: Immensely popular among nobles; many would have preferred him as king over Cailan, according to Dairren.
 * Not So Above It All: His wife believes that between her husband, her son(s) and her grandson, its like living with a pack of small boys.
 * Offered the Crown: Its rumoured that the Bannorn would have preferred to appoint him king over Cailan.
 * Reasonable Authority Figure
 * So Proud of You:

Bann Vaughan Kendels
Son of Urien Arl of Denerim, Vaughan and his posse burst into the alienage to get some "female guests" for their "private party". Voiced by Nicholas Boulton.


 * Aristocrats Are Evil
 * Blonde Guys Are Evil
 * Dirty Coward
 * Politically-Incorrect Villain
 * Too Dumb to Live: Really Vaughan? Offer the blood splattered City Elf Warden cash after you've raped their cousin and say that she and the other women will stay for the night regardless? It's almost like the game wants you to Cut Off His Bollocks. And specifically picking her/his fiance out 'for later'? If a non-City Elf Warden meets him while, he tells the Warden that he doesn't view elves as people, even if the Warden is an elf.
 * Doubly so if Zevran is in the party with an elven Warden.

Flemeth


''"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe." ''

The legendary Witch of the Wilds, mother of Morrigan and fear of Chasind tribes everywhere. She seems to have been around for centuries, loves cryptic hints and indulges in Voluntary Shapeshifting. Voiced by Kate Mulgrew.

She returns in Dragon Age II in a new form, making it clear that whatever happens to her in Origins is at best a mild inconvenience.

"Flemeth: Oh, don't mind me. You have what you came for."
 * Ambiguously Evil: Invoked trope. If you call her out on her possession, she'll tell you that your information about that comes from a liar.
 * Ambiguous Moral Event Horizons: An in-universe combination of both tropes. Although there are plenty of terrible stories surrounding Flemeth, the player never actually physically sees her commit any truly atrocious acts. However, if you try to kill her, she laughs and states that there are "many reasons to kill (her)"; a clear indication that she's done some unspeakably horrible things to countless people and knows it.
 * Back from the Dead: Morrigan warns you that even if you manage to kill Flemeth, she'll reappear eventually. Morrigan's prepared to fight her again and again in a quasi-Sealed Evil in a Duel if need be.
 * Captain Ersatz: Possibly, of Baba Yaga. They share many similarities: both are evil witches that have lived for centuries, both live in huts deep in the forests, both are legendary figures used to frighten children with, and both are old hags with mystical knowledge (that they usually don't share). They even share the stories of kidnapping and eating children.
 * Cryptic Conversation: She seems sensible, if brash, and a bit nutty, when you first meet her. When you come back to do Morrigan's sidequest she speaks in a bizarre, lyrical way with an impenetrable vagueness and sense that she's gone off the deep end. Of course, if you pay attention, she references several things, . Her laugh is really unnerving too. She also seems somewhat proud of Morrigan for getting you to do her dirty work, and points out that all of your information about possession and such comes from someone you know frequently lies to get her way.
 * The Dreaded: Ferelden mothers apparently frighten their children by telling them Flemeth will come to get them if they don't behave themselves, and even adults seem to quaver at the mention of her name.
 * Enemy Mine / Evil Versus Evil:
 * Even Evil Has Standards: Her non-romantized backstory involves a nobleman who was to pay her poor husband a princely sum in exchange for Flemeth. She suggested this deal herself. Then, double-crossing them, the nobleman had the husband killed. Cue Flemeth summoning demons to turn into a powerful abomination and going after the guy to slaughter him and his entire estate. Morrigan insists that this isn't because she loved her husband, rather because she refused to be married to a man with no honor.
 * Evil Counterpart: To For another case of opposite-ness, in keeping with the game's theme of Beauty Equals Goodness, while 's face is surprisingly smooth for a lady of her age, Flemeth has more than a few wrinkles.
 * Evil Laugh: A brief but spooky one, when she seems little more than a Talkative Loon.
 * Enemy Mine / Evil Versus Evil:
 * Even Evil Has Standards: Her non-romantized backstory involves a nobleman who was to pay her poor husband a princely sum in exchange for Flemeth. She suggested this deal herself. Then, double-crossing them, the nobleman had the husband killed. Cue Flemeth summoning demons to turn into a powerful abomination and going after the guy to slaughter him and his entire estate. Morrigan insists that this isn't because she loved her husband, rather because she refused to be married to a man with no honor.
 * Evil Counterpart: To For another case of opposite-ness, in keeping with the game's theme of Beauty Equals Goodness, while 's face is surprisingly smooth for a lady of her age, Flemeth has more than a few wrinkles.
 * Evil Laugh: A brief but spooky one, when she seems little more than a Talkative Loon.

"Flemeth: Names are pretty, but useless. The Chasind folk call me Flemeth. I suppose it'll do."
 * The Fair Folk: No, she's not an elf, but she fits the trope anyway. She's considered a legendary figure amongst the Dalish.
 * Grandma, What Massive Hotness You Have!: Her new body in Dragon Age 2 has garnered this reaction from fans.
 * Hey, It's That Voice!: Turning into a dragon would certainly have helped Janeway against the Borg
 * Hidden Agenda Villain: She makes it fairly clear that none of the Warden's actions,  will do more than inconvenience her plans.
 * Humanoid Abomination: In the Witch Hunt DLC, Morrigan states the Flemeth is something other than the creatures actually called Abominations in-game. Whether or not this is figurative is up for debate.
 * Immortality:
 * I Was Quite a Looker: Morrigan says so much of her.
 * Never Mess with Granny: She is this trope brought Up to Eleven.
 * No Need for Names
 * No Need for Names


 * In the sequel, it becomes I Have Many Names.
 * Noodle Incident: What Flemeth would do to the Templars hunting her. The Penny Arcade comic is all about this.
 * Older Than They Look: Certainly she looks old, but not as old as she actually is.
 * Playing Against Type: Mulgrew is most famous for her portrayal of (usually) idealistic Captain Katheryn Janeway.
 * Retired Monster: She used to rape men to death but all she wants right now is to live the remainder of her life in peace.
 * Shrouded in Myth
 * So Beautiful It's a Curse: In her Backstory at least. According to her, her legendary beauty and mens' desire for her dictated the course of her entire life. While she has a Multiple Choice Past, every version of her tale agrees that she was beautiful, and that such beauty brought her no joy in life.
 * Flemeth returns in the sequel, having taken contingencies using Hawke as her Unwitting Pawn and stating that there's no reason why she can't be in multiple places at once.
 * Talkative Loon
 * Tyke Bomb: Morrigan is the latest of many daughters she's raised to terrorize the Korcari Wilds.
 * Unreliable Narrator: Her legend has undergone Adaptation Decay over the centuries. While Morrigan can tell you what Flemeth claims is her true past, she notes that it is unwise to take anything that Flemeth says at face value, though she believes her story is the most accurate.
 * Her true past is finally revealed in the post-credits stinger of Dragon Age: Inquisition.
 * Voluntary Shapeshifting:
 * Tyke Bomb: Morrigan is the latest of many daughters she's raised to terrorize the Korcari Wilds.
 * Unreliable Narrator: Her legend has undergone Adaptation Decay over the centuries. While Morrigan can tell you what Flemeth claims is her true past, she notes that it is unwise to take anything that Flemeth says at face value, though she believes her story is the most accurate.
 * Her true past is finally revealed in the post-credits stinger of Dragon Age: Inquisition.
 * Voluntary Shapeshifting:

Father Kolgrim
"All of us stumble through the darkness, before being found and shown the light. Perhaps through Andraste's mercy, her greatest enemy will become her greatest champion."

The leader of the dragon-worshipping cult known as the Disciples of Andraste, Kolgrim is encountered in a ruined Tevinter temple high in the Frostback Mountains rumored to be the final resting place of the prophetess herself. Despite the violent nature of the group he leads, and the fact that by the time the Warden encounters him s/he will have slaughtered many of its members, he doesn't attack on sight, and depending on the player's choices he can even end up giving the Warden a reward for rendering him a certain service -. Voiced by Douglas Weston.

"Kolgrim: "To arms my brethren! Andraste shall grant us...VICTORY!!""
 * An Axe to Grind
 * Beard of Evil
 * Berserk Button: You can avoid a fight if you so wish, but not if you say anything remotely derogatory about either Andraste or the cult's beliefs.
 * Homage: He appears to be one to Gerard Butler's portrayal of King Leonidas of Sparta in 300, from his appearance to his speaking style to his choice of words - he warns of a "rain of arrows" awaiting those that dare to attack "Andraste", similar to a phrase used by Leonidas in the film.
 * Irony: The Disciples of Andraste have become a dragon worshipping cult not unlike the Tevinter Magisters of old.
 * Large Ham: He starts off chewing the scenery with his very first words, and only gets more over-the-top from there.
 * Lost Forever / Guide Dang It: Many players kill him right away rather than listening to his offer, unaware that doing so.
 * Keep in mind that quite a few of the enemies encountered in Haven are
 * No Indoor Voice
 * Path of Inspiration / Religion of Evil: The cult straddles the line between the two.
 * Skippable Boss
 * This Is Sparta: Quite a bit.

Caladrius
"Sarcasm is beneath us both, my dear Warden."

A Tevinter magister who has recently set up shop in the Denerim Alienage, supposedly to provide a magical cure to the Blight sickness afflicting its citizenry.


 * Bad Boss:
 * Bad Samaritan
 * Deal with the Devil: If defeated in combat, he will offer to use his power to augment the Warden's health in exchange for his life.
 * Evil Is Hammy
 * Evil Sorcerer
 * Faux Affably Evil: He is unfailing polite to the Warden at all times.
 * Only in It For the Money: He is perfectly willing to pull up stakes and leave...provided he can still turn a profit at the end of the day.
 * Reliable Traitor: He is only too eager to turn over evidence against if it means he can get out with his skin (and his money) intact.
 * Sissy Villain
 * Skippable Boss
 * Smug Snake

Duncan


"From here, you two are on your own. Remember, you are both Grey Wardens. I expect you to be worthy of that title."

Leader of the Grey Wardens and Team Dad to Alistair, Duncan is the one who recruits the PC. He has been a Grey Warden for quite a while now and commands great respect. He also seems to have connections everywhere in Ferelden. Voiced by Peter Reneday.

"Warden: He seems like a kind man, if firm."
 * Actor Allusion: He is voiced by Peter Renaday, who previously voiced Al-Mualim in Assassin's Creed. Duncan wears an outfit eerily similar to those worn in Assassin's Creed.
 * A Father to His Men: According to Riordan, Duncan couldn't help having a soft spot for his recruits.
 * Badass Beard
 * But Thou Must!: Thanks to the Rite of Conscription, you can't refuse being a Grey Warden. Tough titty if you don't want to be one.
 * Cool Old Guy: Even Daveth admits it.
 * Death by Origin Story: Inevitably
 * From a Certain Point of View: He tells the Dalish elf that there's nothing s/he can do for Tamlen.
 * Good Is Not Nice: While he does seem cold and detached, he makes it clear he will do anything to save Fereldan from the Blight and saves your life in most of the origins. That doesn't mean he won't
 * Duncan is nicely summed up by the Warden when discussing him with Alistair.


 * I Did What I Had to Do: He's quite open about his subscription to the policy of "the Grey Wardens do what they must".
 * Parental Substitute: For Alistair.
 * The Obi-Wan
 * Obi-Wan Moment
 * Recruiters Always Lie: not directly, but withholding vital, very unpleasant informations about the Wardens is a low blow.
 * Satisfied Street Rat: When he was younger.
 * Schrödinger's Gun: No matter what origin you get, you get recruited into the Grey Wardens by the same guy. Each origin displays that the only reason your chosen Warden is The Hero is because Duncan happened to be recruiting in your area. The five others possibilites are left to suffer their fates.
 * The Stoic: Duncan seldom ever shows emotion, and remains cool and aloof for the entire time you're associated with him. Alistair says that Duncan does let his hair down with other Wardens, however.
 * Certain humourous dialogue options when talking to him do however occasionally make him chuckle, such as the Warden's comment that before the Joining and Battle of Ostagar, some dinner might be nice first.
 * Team Dad: To all his recruits, but particularly Alistair.

Riordan
A Grey Warden from Orlais, Riordan has known Duncan for a while. . Voiced by Stephane Cornicord.


 * Combat Pragmatist: A pragmatic strategist, more like it.
 * Eleventh-Hour Ranger: Shows up quite late into the game
 * The Obi-Wan
 * Which is his Crowning Moment of Awesome, by the way.
 * One-Scene Wonder: Technically, five scenes, but he has all of ten minutes of dialogue at most, in a game where even a thorough playthrough can take forty hours.
 * Supporting Leader:
 * Violation of Common Sense:
 * Remember that darkspawn can sense Grey Wardens just as much as you can sense them. Alistair barely shows up on their 'radar' (also lampshaded in the dialogue as you travel from Flemeth's hut), and the player character is so recently past the Joining that he can't sense or be sensed by the darkspawn at all... but Riordan's been in the game almost as long as Duncan and stands out to them like a beacon. He's split up from you because if he's with you he'll draw too much fire down on you. As for his attempt to kill the Archdemon, things were looking pretty desperate by that point so he's taking a wild gamble and hoping that you'll still be alive to make a second shot even if he misses.
 * Remember that darkspawn can sense Grey Wardens just as much as you can sense them. Alistair barely shows up on their 'radar' (also lampshaded in the dialogue as you travel from Flemeth's hut), and the player character is so recently past the Joining that he can't sense or be sensed by the darkspawn at all... but Riordan's been in the game almost as long as Duncan and stands out to them like a beacon. He's split up from you because if he's with you he'll draw too much fire down on you. As for his attempt to kill the Archdemon, things were looking pretty desperate by that point so he's taking a wild gamble and hoping that you'll still be alive to make a second shot even if he misses.

Ser Jory
A warrior of Redcliffe who was recruited into the Grey Wardens alongside the PC. He is a nice guy, but he suffers from mild cowardice. Voiced by Mark Healy.


 * Deconstruction: Of the "Shining Knight" archetype, who only fights for glory without really understanding the sacrifices one has to take to live that life.
 * Guest Star Party Member
 * Idiot Hero
 * I Have a Family: He tries to justify his cowardice with this.
 * My Girl Back Home: He has a pregnant wife in Highever.
 * Name's the Same / Shout-Out: He seems to be named after Ser Jory Cassel of A Song of Ice and Fire, one of the acknowledged inspirations for the game.
 * Retirony: He can't wait for the war to be over so he can return home to his lovely wife and child.
 * Signed Up for the Dental: Its made explicitly clear that he joined the Grey Wardens purely for personal glory.
 * Signed Up for the Dental: Its made explicitly clear that he joined the Grey Wardens purely for personal glory.

Daveth
"Maybe you'll die. Maybe we'll all die. One thing's for sure: everyone will die if nobody stops the darkspawn."

An ex-cutpurse who was recruited by Duncan to escape execution for his crimes. One of the three Grey Warden recruits, alongside the PC. Voiced by James Daniel Wilson.

"Daveth: Life is fleeting you know? Tomorrow that pretty face could be on top of some Darkspawn spear..."
 * The Archer
 * The Atoner
 * The Charmer
 * Estrogen Brigade Bait: Despite his minor character status.
 * Expy: Daveth wonders why someone like Duncan would consider him worthy of recruitment—the reason likely being that Duncan was pretty much identical to him in his youth.
 * Guest Star Party Member
 * Hidden Depths:  Daveth manages to show a surprising amount of characterization. When you first meet him he's a Boxed Crook who doesn't seem that happy to be press-ganged into the Wardens. He says that the only reason he's there is because the alternative was a prison cell. However, he never seems to flinch in fear and trepidation the way the honorable knight Ser Jory does, and during the Joining gives a pretty good reason for any Warden to lay down their life for this cause.
 * Loveable Rogue: And a surprisingly noble one. Despite making it clear he hates the law, he states clearly and determinedly that he is perfectly willing to sacrifice his life, and much more, to put an end to the Blight. Hell, he seems more determined to fight for Ferelden than Ser Jory. He does have a superstitious attitude towards magic, but he probably would have gotten over it.
 * Ship Tease: Unashamedly hits on the Female Warden, who can notice he's The Charmer
 * You Don't Want to Die a Virgin, Do You?: One of his chat up lines to a female soldier at Ostagar invokes this.
 * Ship Tease: Unashamedly hits on the Female Warden, who can notice he's The Charmer
 * You Don't Want to Die a Virgin, Do You?: One of his chat up lines to a female soldier at Ostagar invokes this.

Shianni
Cousin of the City Elf PC, Shianni is to be a bridesmaid at the upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, things go awry when a human nobleman arrives with his posse... Voiced by Beth Graham.

"Shianni: Do you know what today is? Warden: Judging by your breath, it's get drunk before noon day."
 * Badass Normal: Shianni is a perfectly ordinary elf woman with a fiery spirit but no combat training of note. She will willingly help the Grey Warden fight an army. Had circumstances been different, it seems entirely possible she, rather than a City Elf protagonist, could have been recruited as a Grey Warden and done well in her own right.
 * Bottle Fairy: Definitely comes across as one;

"Warden: You'll look for any excuse to get drunk. Shianni: Who needs an excuse to get drunk?"
 * And this later bit of dialogue;


 * This becomes harsher when you realise this is what likely motivated her to think bottling Vaughn was a good idea.
 * Break the Cutie: Poor Shianni
 * Fiery Redhead
 * The Not Love Interest: Pretty much fills this function to the Male City Elf in the Origin and even a little post-Origin. Her dialogue actually comes across as more romantic-sounding than the woman the Warden was supposed to marry, despite the fact that Shianni is supposedly one of your cousins.

Soris
Another cousin of the City Elf PC. The two were scheduled to have an arranged double wedding when Bann Vaughan came and... crashed the ceremony. He goes with the PC to save the kidnapped women. Voiced by Josh Rubinow.


 * Cowardly Lion
 * Butt Monkey: Poor guy just can't catch a break no matter what happens.
 * Non-Action Guy: "Don't make me regret this laterrrrr!"
 * Took a Level in Badass: The PC seems to be the only elf in the alienage who has actually been trained in combat, but Soris still does his job accompanying them storming the Arl's estate.
 * Took a Level in Badass: The PC seems to be the only elf in the alienage who has actually been trained in combat, but Soris still does his job accompanying them storming the Arl's estate.

Marjolaine
"Oh, Leliana, do you even know why you excelled in the arts I taught you? It's because you loved the game, you loved the power it gave you."

An Orlesian Bard and Leliana's friend and mentor. She is a key figure in Leliana's past. Voiced by Kath Soucie.


 * The Archer: In possession of one of the best longbows in the game.
 * Artificial Stupidity: Her "Captivating Song" ability continually stuns everyone in the immediate vicinity, making it quite lethal when there's backup around to take care of the damage-dealing part of combat.
 * Fantasy Counterpart Culture: An Orlesian with a thick French accent, like Leliana.
 * Fantasy Counterpart Culture: An Orlesian with a thick French accent, like Leliana.


 * Treacherous Advisor

Isabela
"The ship is the best teacher. She will guide you with her sighs... her shudders, her gentle swaying as she rides the crests of the waves."

A female pirate, captain of the ship Siren's Call, she is staying at the Pearl in Denerim during the events of Origins. She's only a minor character in that game (although she is the only person who can teach the Warden the "Duelist" specialization), but in the sequel she's slated to be a primary companion. Voiced by Mika Simmons.

""I could use those strong hands at my... helm.""
 * Action Girl: She rather easily dispatches an entire crew of ruffians that accosts her when you initially encounter her, and is stated to have fought dozens if not hundreds of duels over the years.
 * Ascended Extra: She's a Companion character and Romantic Option in the sequel after only a brief appearance in the original.
 * The Captain: Casamir, one of the men on her ship, indicates that she's extremely beloved by her crew.
 * Double Entendre: She will hit on a (sufficiently charismatic) Warden of either gender with nautical-themed ones:


 * Dual-Wielding: Like most melee-oriented rogues.
 * A Foursome Is Hot / A Foursome Is Manly: She's up for pretty much any sexual configuration your party can throw at her.
 * Fragile Speedster: Her distinctive fighting style is predicated on speed and subterfuge rather than brute force, although we don't see much of it in action.
 * The Ladette: Seems to enjoy drinking, card-playing, and sex as much as any of her male crewmates.
 * Not Cheating Unless You Get Caught: She insists that the Warden beat her in a card game before she'll teach him or her what she knows; in reality this is impossible and the only way to get her to do so is by catching her cheating, or cheating yourself (or persuading her to sleep with the Warden).
 * Optional Sexual Encounter: Perhaps the most infamous one in the game, though nothing is shown.
 * One-Scene Wonder: She only has one scene in the entire game, but was popular/infamous enough to be made a full companion in the sequel.
 * Pirate Girl: She's the captain of her ship, no less.
 * Really Gets Around: According to Zevran.
 * Anything That Moves
 * Thigh-High Boots: Leather boots, exactly.

Wade and Herren
One of the greatest armor smiths in Ferelden, Wade is an obsessive perfectionist whose attention to detail nearly forced him into destitution. Herren is a skilled merchant and the manager of Wade's shop; under his guidance, Wade's armor shop has become a profitable enterprise. However, Wade has a tendency to ignore his commissioned orders if a customer approaches him with materials of superior quality, much to Herren's chagrin. The two return in Awakening. Wade is voiced by Pat Fraley whereas Herren is voiced by Cam Clarke.


 * Belligerent Sexual Tension
 * Deadpan Snarker: Herren.
 * Doing It for the Art: Wade enjoys working with rare and exotic materials so much, he will happily do it for free. This drives Herren absolutely nuts.
 * Hey, It's That Voice: Herren has apparently been trying to re-activate Rex in his spare time...
 * It also appears that Leonardo and Baxter Stockman/Krang became gay lovers and opened an armor shop together.
 * Large Ham: Wade.
 * Lost Forever:
 * Nice to the Waiter: Despite Herren eventually banning the Warden from the store, they show up again in Awakening to open up shop in Vigil's Keep. Its likely that Herren realised without the Warden's trade, they were losing a lot of business.
 * Oh Crap: Herren, whenever the Warden brings Wade something rare that he will drop everything in the store to craft instead. Eventually, Herren outright bans the Warden from his store.
 * Pitbull Dates Puppy: Partially subverted—Herren is usually the pitbull, and Wade usually is the puppy, but Wade will override Herren's business decisions if he thinks a client's order is sufficiently interesting or unique.
 * Straight Man: Herren. No, not that kind.
 * Talker and Doer: Herren and Wade, respectively.
 * Ultimate Blacksmith: Wade. He provides/forges you the best armor in Origins, and the Infinity+1 Sword in Awakening.
 * The Wonka: Wade.
 * Word of Gay: In a forum post by the game's lead writer. Not that you needed it.
 * Yaoi Guys

Brother Ferdinand Genitivi
A Brother of the Andrastian Chantry who lives in the Market District of Denerim, Genitivi is one of the Chantry's foremost scholars and the in-universe author of a great many of the entries in the codex relating to the history, culture, and folklore of Ferelden. He's not encountered in the flesh until relatively late in the game, but once the Warden does meet him, he plays a major part in the search for the Urn of Sacred Ashes, on which he is a renowned expert. Voiced by Jason Singer.


 * Absent-Minded Professor
 * Already Undone for You: Given that he's a not much good in a fight, it's something of a mystery how Genitivi manages to get as close to the location of the Urn as he does, since the Warden has to deal with all manner of difficulties in reaching him.
 * He didn't. He was kidnapped from Denerim and held hostage for a sacrifice in Haven.
 * Deadpan Snarker
 * Fantasy Counterpart Culture: He's pretty clearly a stand-in for the real-life medieval monks who preserved ancient scholarship during the Middle Ages.
 * Gentleman and a Scholar
 * The Munchausen: He has a reputation as a teller of tall tales, or at the very least a serial exaggerator, but at least in regards to the Urn he's telling the truth.
 * Non-Action Guy: As he says himself, he's a scholar, not a fighter.
 * Renaissance Man: Judging from the excerpts of his writings you get to read, he's an expert on Ferelden history, art, literature, religion, and culture, if not more.
 * Walking the Earth: In his travels he's covered the length and breadth of Thedas.
 * Walking the Earth: In his travels he's covered the length and breadth of Thedas.

Bodahn Feddic
"If there's anything I can do for you, please, please tell me."

A dwarven merchant whom the Warden and his companions rescue on the Imperial Highway outside of Lothering, Bodahn and his adopted son Sandal thereafter travel with the party, providing a ready source of supplies as well as enchanting services. He appears in Dragon Age II with Sandal, later becoming Hawke's manservant. Bodahn is voiced by Dwight Schultz.


 * Adam Smith Hates Your Guts: Despite the fact that you save his life and he claims to be offering you a discount out of gratitude, Bodahn's prices are actually quite high compared to those of other merchants in the game.
 * Disc One Nuke: Provided you can afford them, he offers access to some very powerful items quite early in the game.
 * Fell Off the Back of a Truck: Or the medieval fantasy equivalent - where most of his goods come from, as he'll admit if you press him.
 * Friend in the Black Market: As he says, you're fortunate to have someone around dealing such valuable items with the Blight coming.
 * Intrepid Merchant

Sandal Feddic
''"Enchantment....? ENCHANTMENT!!!" ''

The adopted son of the dwarven merchant, Bodahn Feddic. Sandal is...special, to say the least as he is lyrium-addled. However, he has a unique and natural talent when it comes to enchanting, displaying skill that surpasses that of even grandmasters. He follows the party along with his father and the two offer their services in the party camp. At the end of the game,  Voiced by Yuri Lowenthal.


 * Mysterious Past: Bodahn first found Sandal wandering in an abandoned Thaig in the Deep Roads.
 * Noodle Incident:.
 * The Rainman
 * Verbal Tic
 * The Rainman
 * Verbal Tic
 * Verbal Tic

Bhelen Aeducan
The cunning and intelligent Third Prince of Orzammar, and younger brother to the Dwarven Noble PC. He wishes to become king so that he may end Orzammar's isolationism, but the fact that the Dwavern Noble PC and Trian, the eldest of the three siblings, are clearly favored as candidates for the crown make his succession unlikely. Unless, of course, a tragic "accident" were to befall his siblings... Voiced by Wally Wingert.


 * Affably Evil
 * Alternative Character Interpretation: In-universe, no less. The Dwarf Noble player character can tell Bhelen that they finally realize that Bhelen was only following the unwritten rules of dwarven politics, and that Bhelen was only "playing the game", and admits that Bhelen is the only one suited to politics among his brothers. Bhelen naturally approves.
 * Ambition Is Evil: Subverted. If you are a Dwarf Noble he frames you and kills your brother, and it is implied that . He is eager to kill off any competitor to the throne and kicks the dog any time something gets in his way. But
 * Evil Prince: This trope fits Bhelen to a 'T', although.
 * Like Father, Like Son: He
 * Manipulative Bastard: AND HOW.
 * Not-So-Harmless Villain: In the Dwarf Noble origin, he seems to be a bit of an idiot.
 * Pet the Dog: Some that aren't very apparent - if you play the Dwarf Commoner origin.
 * If you go into Bhelen's room immediately after the start of the Dwarf Noble origin you'll see her there too, so its confirmed that she's Bhelen's gf even if you pick other origins.
 * Pyrrhic Victory: If the Dwarf Noble decides to make him King. Bhelen has had his father and eldest brother murdered and getting his sibling exiled to secure his throne, only for him/her to come back as a Grey Warden, still command the respect from the people of Orzammar and instead of getting revenge, be the one that Bhelen owes his throne too. Even worse, while Bhelen is the King he's always wanted to be... his sibling is then declared a Paragon.
 * The Unfettered
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist: Despite his ruthlessness, he genuinely seeks to change Orzammar for the better.
 * Well-Intentioned Extremist: Despite his ruthlessness, he genuinely seeks to change Orzammar for the better.

Lord Pyral Harrowmont
The best friend and confidant of King Endrin Aeducan. At Endrin's request, he tries to claim the throne to stop Bhelen's schemes. Voiced by Robin Sachs.


 * Creepy Monotone: At times.
 * Fantastic Racism: He hates the casteless.
 * Honor Before Reason: He follows Orzammar's laws and traditions to the letter.
 * Laser-Guided Karma: If a falsely accused dwarf noble warden gets him his kingship.
 * Reasonable Authority Figure: In the Dwarf Noble origin.
 * Again to the Warden upon reaching Orzammar, refusing to stoop to Bhelen's underhand tactics and instead requesting the Warden only do tasks that are to the letter of Dwarven law and honour.
 * Unexpected Successor: Endrin appointed Harrowmont as his successor on his deathbed over his own son. Harrowmont himself claims he never wanted to be king, but runs since Endrin wished it so.
 * Unexpected Successor: Endrin appointed Harrowmont as his successor on his deathbed over his own son. Harrowmont himself claims he never wanted to be king, but runs since Endrin wished it so.

Branka
The only Paragon in four generations, Branka was a master smith who invented a new kind of fuel that allowed Orzammar to increase its production level by a third and ended many diseases related to it. She also happens to be Oghren's wife, who left him two years ago to search the Deep Roads for an artifact that was said to restore the glory of the Dwarven Kingdom. Whichever candidate for the throne the PC supports, Branka's vote is the final push they need to take the throne... assuming she can be found. Voiced by Helen Wilson.

"Oghren: Truth is, I don't know. She was almost crazier than when we were married, it looked like. Shale: Almost? It is exaggerating, surely. Oghren: Branka was always a bit twitchy. There was that day she took her forging hammer to my head for misplacing her tongs... ah, good times. Shale: I am finding the nature of its relationship to this Branka difficult to imagine. Oghren: Make-up sex. She really knew how to polish the old anvil, if you take my meaning! (Whistles) Paragon! (Laughs) Shale: I am done imagining, now."
 * All Girls Want Bad Boys: Implied to be one of the reasons she married Oghren.
 * Badass Bookworm: In addition to her intellect, is also a good fighter with a sword and shield.
 * Brainy Brunette: The only current Paragon has dark brown hair.
 * Broken Pedestal: Let's just say that by the time you actually meet her, you'll find yourself wondering why the dwarves revere her as a Paragon.
 * : Apparently.
 * Well, except that this was her
 * The Determinator:
 * : In Golems of Amgarrak, it's revealed that
 * Girlish Pigtails:
 * Insufferable Genius
 * The Ladette: She's an interesting take on this trope, but even Oghren says that she was barely more of a woman than him.
 * Meaningful Name: Branka is a form of the slavic name Branislava, which almost literally means 'defender of glory'. Perhaps unintentional is the other meaning: the word branka means 'goal' (at least when one is referring to soccer).
 * Tsundere: From Oghren's conversations, its quite clear that Branka altered between "loving and caring" to "violently beating people up" with regularity.
 * Meaningful Name: Branka is a form of the slavic name Branislava, which almost literally means 'defender of glory'. Perhaps unintentional is the other meaning: the word branka means 'goal' (at least when one is referring to soccer).
 * Tsundere: From Oghren's conversations, its quite clear that Branka altered between "loving and caring" to "violently beating people up" with regularity.
 * Tsundere: From Oghren's conversations, its quite clear that Branka altered between "loving and caring" to "violently beating people up" with regularity.
 * Tsundere: From Oghren's conversations, its quite clear that Branka altered between "loving and caring" to "violently beating people up" with regularity.



Hespith
Hespith is the commander of the Branka's troops as well as the Paragon's former lover. When Branka disappeared into the Deep Roads along with her entire House, Hespith went with her, and she's presumed lost by the people of Orzammar. She turns up near the end of the Warden's search for the Anvil of the Void, however, offering some helpful information about Branka as well as what became of the rest of the house. Voiced by Wendy Braun.


 * Butch Lesbian
 * Creepy Monotone
 * Dissonant Serenity: The result of  isn't pretty.
 * Ironic Nursery Rhyme: And a very disturbing one at that.
 * Madness Mantra
 * Ironic Nursery Rhyme: And a very disturbing one at that.
 * Madness Mantra

Rica
Sister of the Dwarven Commoner PC, Rica was forced into noble-hunting by the crime lord Berath, while her sibling pays off the debts from the lessons to make her act like a noble lady through dirty work. Voiced by Corri English.


 * Gold Digger: Not that as a casteless dwarf she has much choice about it.
 * High-Class Call Girl
 * Hooker with a Heart of Gold
 * Morality Pet: To.
 * Rags to Riches: Orzammar criers announce that  actually intends to marry her.
 * Rags to Riches: Orzammar criers announce that  actually intends to marry her.

Leske
Best friend of the Dwarf Commoner PC, Leske works with the PC as one of Beraht's casteless thugs. Voiced by Brian Bloom.


 * Boisterous Bruiser
 * Deadpan Snarker: His conversations can be a good source of witty banter between him and the PC.
 * Genre Savvy: He gives a pretty good speech about how Your Princess Is in Another Castle if you announce your intention to take over the Carta after killing Beraht, pointing out that he has a powerful family and many connections, as well as the fact that his death left a power vacuum they couldn't possibly fill.
 * Loveable Rogue: His cheerful, devil-may-care attitude, enthusiasm for his job and tendency to flirt with virtually every woman he encounters (including a female Dwarf Commoner) as well as his encouraging you to join the Grey Wardens when Duncan offers you to make him a rather archetypical one.
 * My Sister Is Off-Limits: A possible reaction to his open lust for your sister.
 * Those Two Guys: If the Dwarf Commoner is male.
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: Possibly, depending on dialogue choices.
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: Possibly, depending on dialogue choices.

Gorim
The second of the Dwarven Noble PC. Voiced by Steve Blum. ' ""Why not? I'll just wear a sign that says "assassinate me before Lady Aeducan marries beneath her'.""
 * Badass Normal
 * Deadpan Snarker: Steve Blum nails every single line.


 * Dogged Nice Guy / Star-Crossed Lovers: Depending on what the female dwarf noble PC chooses
 * Retired Badass: If you haven't played through the Dwarf Noble origin, you would never guess that the somewhat snarky merchant you met in Denerim was formerly a badass soldier.
 * Undying Loyalty: While it's up to the player to establish what the dwarf noble PC's relationship with their second is like (lovers, friends, master and servant), Gorim's loyalty to his Lord/Lady Aeducan will be one of his defining traits throughout the origin sequence.

Trian Aeducan
The eldest of the three Aeducan siblings, and the direct heir to Orzammar's throne. Despite his status, he isn't very popular due to his poor attitude. Voiced by Zach Hanks.


 * 0% Approval Rating: Let's just say that the only reason he's in line for the throne is because he's the eldest sibling. And its quite likely he was going to be passed over in favor of the middle child anyway.
 * Jerkass: And how! According to Bhelen, he once told a legless boy to essentially suck it up and deal.
 * Jerkass: And how! According to Bhelen, he once told a legless boy to essentially suck it up and deal.

Beraht
The leader of the Carta, one of Orzammar's largest crime syndicates. He dreams of becoming a noble and moving to the Diamond Quarter. The Dwarf Commoner PC and his/her sister, Rica, are forced to work for him due to their Casteless status. Voiced by Pat Fraley


 * The Mafia: He certainly runs the Carta like one.
 * Villain with Good Publicity: Its stated a few times that he has "good friends" in the upper Castes.

Jarvia
Beraht's second-in-command, who takes over the Carta after his death. Like him, she cultivates allies among the people of Orzammar, both common and noble, which makes it difficult for the authorities to act against her. Both Bhelen and Harrowmont will ask the Warden to eliminate her in order to curry favor with the assembly. Voiced by Salli Saffioti.


 * Depraved Bisexual
 * Gayngster
 * Justified Criminal: Many of the people of Dust Town consider her one, to the point that they'll attack the Warden for killing her.
 * The Mafia: Takes over as the boss after Beraht's death.
 * Villain with Good Publicity: As with her boss, she's got lots of connections, and is actually fairly well-liked among the inhabitants of Dust Town, whom she looks after. At least the ones that aren't cowering in fear at the mere mention of her.

Caridin
An ancient dwarven smith of legendary skill and one of Orzammar's most famous Paragons, Caridin was the creator of the Golems. At the time of Origins his home thaig has long since fallen to the Darkspawn and everyone assumes the discoveries he made are Lost Forever, but Branka is fascinated by his research and goes into the Deep Roads in an attempt to recover it. Voiced by David Lodge.


 * Artifact of Doom: In his opinion, this is what the Anvil of the Void is.
 * Forging Scene:
 * My God, What Have I Done?: He eventually came to view his research this way.
 * Ultimate Blacksmith: Could seriously be a contender for the ultimate one in the history of Thedas.
 * My God, What Have I Done?: He eventually came to view his research this way.
 * Ultimate Blacksmith: Could seriously be a contender for the ultimate one in the history of Thedas.
 * My God, What Have I Done?: He eventually came to view his research this way.
 * Ultimate Blacksmith: Could seriously be a contender for the ultimate one in the history of Thedas.
 * Ultimate Blacksmith: Could seriously be a contender for the ultimate one in the history of Thedas.

Ruck
Ruck is a young Dwarf who was stranded in the Deep Roads for five years. Like anyone abandoned there, he's grown deformed and half-mad from consuming Darkspawn flesh. However, he is willing to trade with you, and is essentially a store in the middle of the Dark Roads.


 * Gameplay and Story Segregation: When you ask to trade with him, he'll tell you that you don't have to pay him for his wares...but you do.
 * Talkative Loon

First Enchanter Irving
The First Enchanter of the Circle of Mages, Irving is a prominent and powerful mage who tries to compromise with the templars and ensure that both sides of the conflict receive fair judgment. Voiced by Steve Blum.

"Do you think me a FOOL?!"
 * The Archmage
 * Badass Beard
 * Badass Bookworm
 * Cool Old Guy: "Maker, I'm too old for this." Doesn't impede his badassitude one bit.
 * Creepy Monotone
 * Deadpan Snarker: When Greagoir gets a bit hypocritical.
 * Also when he snarkily notes who thought it was a good idea to build the Circle in a tower with so many stairs, given the age of some of the Mages (including him).
 * Guest Star Party Member
 * The Obi-Wan: Is this to the Mage Warden. Irving gives some good last minute advice before the Harrowing and later does as much as he can to defend you to Greagoir. Its implied numerous times that Irving took on the Mage Warden as their apprentice, and apparently talks up a storm about his star pupil to others, as Duncan recognises you pretty much immediately, Wynne has heard about your "remarkable self-confidence", and even Loghain has heard of you and concedes its impressive to be so well regarded by the First Enchanter at such a young age.
 * Not So Stoic:
 * Parental Substitute: Is implied that the Mage Warden regards him as such.
 * Shut UP, Hannibal:


 * So Proud of You: To the Mage Warden after they defeat the Archdemon. Irving says he never imagined the day when people would be celebrating in the street and singing the praises of a Mage as their national hero.
 * Squishy Wizard
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: Apparently, he and Knight Commander Greagoir are not entirely unfriendly, despite their frequently clashing opinions.
 * Wizard Classic: Complete with a traditional Wizard Beard.

Knight Commander Greagoir
Leader of the templars in the Circle tower. Greagoir is unpopular with most of the mages for his strict and uncompromising attitude, but is not entirely unmovable. Voiced by Brian George.


 * By-The-Book Cop
 * Da Chief:
 * Jerk with a Heart of Gold: He supports the Chantry's hard-line stance against magic and keeps the mages locked up in the Tower where he can keep an eye on them, but he is not so unreasonable as to persist with the Annulment once given the all-clear, and much of what he does is out of a sense of duty to his position.
 * Knight Templar:
 * However, it's heavily implied that he
 * Given the circumstances, a truly inflexible Templar (like Meredith from DA2) would already have signed the death warrant for everything still alive in the Tower without a moment's hesitation. That Greagoir is still willing to call the Rite off if the First Enchanter can testify that the demon incursion is now rendered safe is a measure of how moderate he is. (As to why he won't accept anyone less than Irving... consider that the guy leading said demon-powered mutiny, Uldred, was effectively Irving's second-in-command.)
 * Vitriolic Best Buds: With Irving.

Jowan
The best friend of the Mage PC, Jowan is an apprentice who is highly anxious about getting to his Harrowing. He and a Chantry initiate, Lily, are in a secret relationship and wish to elope - this sentiment is reinforced when Lily finds an order to make Jowan Tranquil, as he is suspected of being a Blood Mage. Desperate, they enlist the Mage PC's help. Voiced by Desmond Askew.


 * Aborted Arc: Originally, it was intended that one of the ways to decide his fate after the resolution of the Redcliffe plotline would have been to make him undergo the Joining and become a party member, but the idea was scrapped as it didn't fit into the overall storyline. A shame, really, because there are probably too few mages among the game's recruitable characters (and too many warriors), and because
 * The Atoner: He comes quite a Woobie when he decides that he's done enough damage and just wants to atone for everything, even quietly accepting death or A Fate Worse Than Death (becoming Tranquil), which is the entire reason he fled and became an Apostate in the first place.
 * Blood Magic
 * Dangerous Forbidden Technique: Blood Magic, obviously. Moreso in his case because he knows it's dangerous.
 * Face Death with Dignity: If you opt to execute him in the prison cell he's locked in, he accepts it quietly and understandably.
 * Good Is Dumb: Despite being a Blood Mage, he's actually quite weak, as you'll discover if you attempt to use him to . This comes as a surprise after he uses Blood Magic to blast his way past a small army of mages and templars attempting to apprehend him during the mage origin story. Of course all evil Blood Mages in the game are, unlike him, extremely powerful.
 * Guest Star Party Member
 * Hero with an F In Good: Poor fool can't seem to do anything well-meaning without the consquences spiraling out of control.
 * Like Brother and Sister: Platonic with a female Mage PC. He even mentions she's like a sister to him.
 * My Greatest Failure: Learning Blood Magic, which lost him his one true love, made him a wanted Apostate and his friendship with the Mage Warden.
 * Star-Crossed Lovers: With Lily.
 * What Could Have Been: Originally meant as a party member, Jowan was cut due to no way of implementing his turning into a Grey Warden into the party roster.

Lily
A Chantry initiate working in the Circle Tower. She is in love with Jowan, despite the fact that intimacy between Mages and Chantry members is forbidden. Voiced by Wendee Lee


 * My God, What Have I Done?: When she learns that Jowan lied to her and really is a Blood Mage, she is horrified that she helped him and willingly accepts being sentenced to Aeonar.
 * Naughty Nuns: As a Chantry initiate, she is sworn to a vow of celibacy, which she violates by getting involved with Jowan.
 * Star-Crossed Lovers: With Jowan.
 * The Woobie: If the player is sufficiently forgiving of Jowan's bullshit later on in the game then Jowan can potentially end up in a relatively decent position (still alive, not in a cell, and helping refugees), but nothing can save Lily from ending up in the "mage's prison" of Aeonar. Which is basically 'Azkaban, only worse'. And she was by all appearances an entirely decent and caring young woman whose only flaw was in falling in love with the wrong man, and then believing she was justified in helping him escape the Templars.
 * And also honorable enough to turn herself in and confess the instant Jowan revealed himself as a blood mage. She could have tried telling a 'I was under the blood mage's spell!' story instead, and maybe even have succeeded, but instead she didn't hesitate at the truth. It would appear that the only reason she helped Jowan escape in the first place was her belief that he was an innocent mage about to be made Tranquil unjustly, which arguably roots her entire rebellion in a sincere devotion to Chantry ideals, not a rejection of them. And her reward for this? Aeonar. She truly is one of the most tragic characters in the series.
 * What the Hell, Hero?: She is not happy when she learns of Jowan's deceit.

Uldred
One of the mages of the Circle sent to help the army at Ostagar. Voiced by Barry Dennen.


 * Bald of Evil
 * Dangerous Forbidden Technique: Both blood magic and, according to Niall, demonology.
 * Evil Is Hammy: Most of the bad guys in this game are less hammy than your typical video game villain; not him.
 * Hannibal Lecture: A particularly twisted version.
 * Large Ham
 * More Than Mind Control:
 * Obviously Evil: According to Wynne.
 * Obviously Evil: According to Wynne.

Cullen
A young templar at the Circle tower, Cullen harbors a long-standing infatuation with the female Mage PC, despite knowing of the impossibility of this sentiment. He appears in Dragon Age II as a Knight-Captain in Kirkwall. Voiced by Greg Ellis.

"Female Apprentice: I heard Cullen is in love with you!"
 * Break the Cutie: Especially pronounced if your character is a female mage.
 * Cannot Spit It Out: Subverted; while he's certainly strongly infatuated with the female mage and keeps stuttering around her, his occupation forbids him from even thinking about telling her about it.
 * Everyone Can See It: Even mage apprentices around the tower gossip about how taken he is with the female mage PC. And not covertly, either.
 * Cannot Spit It Out: Subverted; while he's certainly strongly infatuated with the female mage and keeps stuttering around her, his occupation forbids him from even thinking about telling her about it.
 * Everyone Can See It: Even mage apprentices around the tower gossip about how taken he is with the female mage PC. And not covertly, either.

"Cullen: I knew an Amell once. (Stares off into the distance)"
 * Foreshadowing: When you first meet him in the Mage origin, he asks you if you think there are Abominations that could pass as ordinary people.
 * Jumping Off the Slippery Slope:
 * In Dragon Age II,
 * Love Hurts: And how.
 * Think Frollo and Esmeralda with some demons added to the mix.
 * Nice Guy:
 * Reasonable Authority Figure: In his appearance in Dragon Age II, he's calmed down and quite reasonable, for a Templar. There's a bit of a fake-out involving him roughly interrogating a Templar apprentice, but
 * Shrinking Violet: A male version towards the female mage. If the Warden is a male mage, he seems perfectly normal.
 * Star-Crossed Lovers: With the female mage PC, sort of. It's up to the player how the PC feels about it, but regardless, Cullen isn't free to act on his feelings because she's a mage and he's a templar. As the above tropes indicate, it doesn't end well for him. It's implied in Dragon Age II that he still has strong feelings for her. If you import an Origins save with a female Mage Warden, he'll comment on it if you talk to him in act two.
 * Star-Crossed Lovers: With the female mage PC, sort of. It's up to the player how the PC feels about it, but regardless, Cullen isn't free to act on his feelings because she's a mage and he's a templar. As the above tropes indicate, it doesn't end well for him. It's implied in Dragon Age II that he still has strong feelings for her. If you import an Origins save with a female Mage Warden, he'll comment on it if you talk to him in act two.


 * Unexplained Recovery: No matter his fate, Cullen appears in Dragon Age II as a sane Templar relatively sympathetic of mages.

Keeper Zathrian
The keeper of the Dalish clan that the Warden seeks aid from. His clan is under attack by a pack of werewolves led by Witherfang. Voiced by Tim Russ.


 * Casting Gag: This isn't the first stoical, pointy-eared man that Tim Russ has played.
 * Fantastic Racism: He hates humans.
 * Papa Wolf: His apprentice, Lanaya, relates a story of how he slaughtered a group of bandits who murdered one of his clan's scouts.
 * The Stoic
 * Papa Wolf: His apprentice, Lanaya, relates a story of how he slaughtered a group of bandits who murdered one of his clan's scouts.
 * The Stoic
 * Papa Wolf: His apprentice, Lanaya, relates a story of how he slaughtered a group of bandits who murdered one of his clan's scouts.
 * The Stoic
 * The Stoic
 * The Stoic
 * The Stoic

Witherfang
The werewolf responsible for the curse that is afflicting Zathrian's clan.

" You are my maker . You gave me form and consciousness where none existed. I have known pain and love, hope and fear, all the joy that is life. Yet of all things, . I beg you maker,  ... we beg you... have mercy"
 * Black Eyes of Evil: her eyes are the same as those of a Desire demon. It's possible that she was one a very, very long time ago.
 * Black Eyes of Evil: her eyes are the same as those of a Desire demon. It's possible that she was one a very, very long time ago.


 * Our Werewolves Are Different
 * Voluntary Shapeshifting:
 * Our Werewolves Are Different
 * Voluntary Shapeshifting:
 * Voluntary Shapeshifting:

The Grand Oak
A sentient oak tree that dwells in the West Brecilian Forest, the Grand Oak holds the key to passing through the barriers that guard the heart of the forest, and thus stands in the way of the Warden's pursuit of the beast Witherfang. He speaks entirely in rhyme and, unlike other walking trees in the forest, does not attack the Warden on sight. Voiced by Fred Tatasciore.

"Perhaps a poet's soul's in me... does that make me a poet tree?"
 * Fetch Quest: He can persuaded to give you the key to entering the heart of the forest voluntarily, though not unless you.
 * Homage: To the Ents of The Lord of the Rings.
 * Incredibly Lame Pun: When asked why he rhymes all his lines:

"It was just a simple jest, with which to entertain my guest."
 * If called on the pun:


 * My Species Doth Protest Too Much: Unlike the other Sylvans, he's not instantly aggressive and can talk.
 * Rhymes on a Dime
 * Skippable Boss: The alternative to killing him is completing his Fetch Quest.
 * When Trees Attack: Though not unless provoked.
 * Ye Olde Butcherede Englishe: Though not as excessive as some examples.

Tamlen
Fellow hunter of the Dalish Elf PC, Tamlen is seen last when he and the PC discover a strange mirror in undead-infested ruins. Voiced by Chris Edgerly.


 * Curiosity Is a Crapshoot: He's downright suicidal, something the PC does naturally get plenty of chances to lampshade along with his lack of Genre Savvy.
 * Dark-Skinned Blond
 * Fantastic Racism: While none of the Dalish are very fond of humans, he's easily the most vocal of them, openly expressing contempt for the "shemlen" and scolding you if you let the humans go at the beginning of the origin.
 * Jerk with a Heart of Gold: If what's seen of him is any indication. Extremely hostile to shemlen, rather nice and easygoing toward the PC.
 * Tempting Fate: "I just want to look around. How dangerous could it be?"
 * UST: Between him and a female PC who has expressed interest, according to the rest of the clan.
 * Jerk with a Heart of Gold: If what's seen of him is any indication. Extremely hostile to shemlen, rather nice and easygoing toward the PC.
 * Tempting Fate: "I just want to look around. How dangerous could it be?"
 * UST: Between him and a female PC who has expressed interest, according to the rest of the clan.
 * UST: Between him and a female PC who has expressed interest, according to the rest of the clan.
 * UST: Between him and a female PC who has expressed interest, according to the rest of the clan.

The Archdemon
The leader of the armies of Darkspawn invading Fereldan. As long as he lives, the Blight will continue forever. His true identity is Urthemiel, the Tevinter god of beauty.


 * Big Bad
 * Fluffy the Terrible: It's the former Old God of Beauty.
 * spoiler:[[Sequential Boss: Has four distinct phases, one for each 25% of his health.
 * The Unintelligible: Like most other Darkspawn, he communicates in roars and shrieks. Alistair claims that Grey Wardens are eventually able to interpret at least some of his roars in their dreams. The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC allows the player to finally understand his screeching. Apparently he's quite tactical.
 * spoiler:[[Sequential Boss: Has four distinct phases, one for each 25% of his health.
 * The Unintelligible: Like most other Darkspawn, he communicates in roars and shrieks. Alistair claims that Grey Wardens are eventually able to interpret at least some of his roars in their dreams. The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC allows the player to finally understand his screeching. Apparently he's quite tactical.
 * spoiler:[[Sequential Boss: Has four distinct phases, one for each 25% of his health.
 * The Unintelligible: Like most other Darkspawn, he communicates in roars and shrieks. Alistair claims that Grey Wardens are eventually able to interpret at least some of his roars in their dreams. The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC allows the player to finally understand his screeching. Apparently he's quite tactical.
 * The Unintelligible: Like most other Darkspawn, he communicates in roars and shrieks. Alistair claims that Grey Wardens are eventually able to interpret at least some of his roars in their dreams. The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC allows the player to finally understand his screeching. Apparently he's quite tactical.
 * The Unintelligible: Like most other Darkspawn, he communicates in roars and shrieks. Alistair claims that Grey Wardens are eventually able to interpret at least some of his roars in their dreams. The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC allows the player to finally understand his screeching. Apparently he's quite tactical.
 * The Unintelligible: Like most other Darkspawn, he communicates in roars and shrieks. Alistair claims that Grey Wardens are eventually able to interpret at least some of his roars in their dreams. The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC allows the player to finally understand his screeching. Apparently he's quite tactical.

The Broodmother
A gigantic, hideous monster that dwells in an abandoned dwarven fortress in the Deep Roads, the Broodmother stands in the way of the Warden's search for the lost Paragon Branka.


 * Combat Tentacles
 * Flunky Boss
 * Flunky Boss
 * Flunky Boss
 * Flunky Boss