History Characters / DragonAgeOriginsPlayableCharactersTheWarden

--> "[[RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething His/Her Royal Highness]], Prince/ss ______ [[BadassFamily Cousland]], Prince/ss-Consort of Ferelden, Teryn/a of Gwaren, Arl/essa of Amaranthine, Arl/essa of Denerim, [[CommandingCoolness Warden-Commander]] of the Order of the Grey Wardens, [[BigDamnHeroes Hero/ine of Ferelden.]]"

* TheMessiah[=/=]VillainProtagonist: The Warden can be either and everything in between.

** In ''Awakening'', a Dwarven Commoner Warden [[spoiler:will discover that he/she, a ''Casteless'', has been named a '''Paragon'''.]]

** During their origins, the Human Noble mentions that they spent a lot of time in their grandfather's library, while the Dwarven Noble mentions greatly enjoying a scholar's book about their ancestor, implying each is very well read about Ferelden and Dwarven history, respectively.

** ''Dragon Age II'' adds the Human Mage to the pile, as both the Amells and their relatives in the Hawke family are incredibly badass. Not to mention the revelation that the Human Mage has ''other'' siblings who are mages.

** Particularly the Dalish Origin, where the Warden survives being infected with the Taint through a mixture of their Keeper's magic and their own ''[[HeroicWillpower sheer willpower]]''. They aren't even cured of actively having the Taint until after they've fought darkspawn in the Brecilian Forest, traveled all the way to Ostagar, and battled more darkspawn in the Korcari Wilds. Even Duncan is amazed the Dalish Warden survives so long.

* [[BigBrotherInstinct Big Brother/Sister Instinct]]: While technically the younger of the two, a dwarven commoner can display this towards their sister, Rica. Waking up in a cell, killing the crime boss you used to work for, joining the Grey Wardens... In all these cases you can show to care about your sister's well-being first.

* BlueBlood: If of the Human or Dwarven Noble origin (the Human Noble's origin icon depicts a drop of blue blood, in fact). The Human Mage comes from a wealthy family which is part of the nobility of Kirkwall, in the Free Marches, but this has no effect on the origin story.
* BoxedCrook: In three of the six origins, no less. At the end of their respective origins, a Mage warden, a City Elf warden and a Dwarven Commoner warden face long-term imprisonment (if not worse) but Duncan steps in to recruit them into the Grey Wardens. Many see that as an honor, but it ultimately is a death sentence, even more now that there is a Blight knocking on Ferelden's doors and you'll be on the frontlines fighting it.

* CanineCompanion: Regardless of your origin story, you get a dog - specifically, a giant mabari warhound, whose loyalty to you is absolute. If playing as the human noble, the dog has been your pet since childhood; otherwise, there's a quest in Ostagar where you can save the poisoned dog's life, and he imprints on you and tracks you down when you first leave for Lothering.
* CelibateHero [=and/or=] ReallyGetsAround: As with the hero[=/=]anti-hero status, the Warden can be anywhere in between these two. The Female Warden can get UpToEleven by having a foursome with Zevran, Leliana, and Pirate Queen Isabela (Zevran gets excluded in a Male Warden game). And then taking the edge off by sleeping with male hookers, female hookers, nugs, a transvestite ''dwarf'', or having some rather unusual things done to you using some rather [[NoodleImplements interesting tools]].

* ChickMagnet[=/=]HelloNurse: Aside from various party members (male and female for both genders), serving girls and a few elves are smitten with the male PC and Bann Teagan seems to be considering proposing to the female PC after a few days of knowing her, explicitly stating that it doesn't matter one bit that she's a dwarf, an elf and/or a mage. Oghren points this out in a conversation with Wynne.

** Discussed at the Landsmeet. If Alistair is romanced and becomes King, he'll express doubt over whether he and the Warden can be together. The whole point to this event was to prevent a SuccessionCrisis, but Wardens have extremely low fertility, and two are nigh-impossible to conceive with. If he becomes king, the female Warden would be a very poor choice for a mate because sooner or later, Ferelden will be back where they started.
** Invoked by Morrigan, who wants to give birth to a child with an Archdemon soul and offers it as a way to avoid the inevitable HeroicSacrifice. If the Warden is male, she'll come to him first, and depending on your RelationshipValues, it'll either be out of love, respect on some level, or simply acknowledgement that he's in charge and makes the decisions. If you're female, you'll be the one doing the picking (if any), but if Morrigan was romanced, she is very happy that you'll be the one to give her a child.
* TheChosenOne: Averted, as the Warden in each origin is merely the RightManInTheWrongPlace. [[spoiler: Further averted with the ''Darkspawn Chronicles'', which depicts a non-canonical AlternateHistory where the Warden died during the Joining and Alistair was forced to step up. It didn't end well]].

** [[spoiler: Ultimately averted however after the events of ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII''. It's revealed that the Divine refused to grant the Boon declaring the Ferelden Circle's independence, the Warden mysteriously disappeared and only seven years later, every single Circle rose up in open rebellion]].

** The Dwarf Noble is stated to be a Commander in Orzammar's Army. Sadly due to Bhelen's machinations, they hold the post less than a day.

* DamselOutOfDistress: The Female City Elf Origin. After getting captured by Vaughan's guards, who announce their intention to rape and murder her (and not necessarily in that order), her cousin Soris breaks into the room. While they're distracted by his sudden appearance, he quickly slides a sword across the floor to the City Elf, who immediately picks it up and adopts a fighting stance. Cue two very terrified, soon-to-be-dead guards:

* DeadpanSnarker: The {{player character}} now has 100% more snarky lines than recent Bioware games. Especially notable if the Warden is given the Violent voice; Suave (for males) and Sultry (for females) are also fairly snarky.
* DeathSeeker: A potential interpretation of the [[NobleFugitive Dwarf Noble]] and [[LastOfTheirKind Human Noble]] Wardens, particularly if these Wardens made the ultimate sacrifice at the end of the game.

** [[spoiler:Male Wardens who perform the Dark Ritual with Morrigan end up becoming this, due to Morrigan [[DaddyHadAGoodReasonForAbandoningYou leaving with their unborn child]] after the final battle is over, with the intention of never seeing each other again. This isPossibly averted at the end of ''Witch Hunt'' however, since after reuniting with Morrigan, the Warden can elect to reaffirm their relationship and plan to meet their child, passing through the Eluvian to parts unknown.]]

** In ''Awakening,'' simply informing a group of kidnappers that you're the ''Commander of the Grey'' is enough to reduce one into to a gibbering wreck that he's dealing with the one to slay an ''Archdemon''. Further intimidation causes half of the bandits to run away and one decides he'd rather ''jump off a cliff to his death'' rather than have to face the Warden.

* EnemyMine: The Dwarves and Dalish Elves can potentially be played this way regarding Ferelden in general, as you have technically no interest in their kingdom's problems and can play it as being only concerned with the darkspawn menace against your people.

** It's also possible to pull this off if you play as an unlawful mage: refusing to sell out Jowan, rejecting the Circle's teachings and embracing Morrigan's philosophy of allowing the old magics to prosper. The Knight Commander is not at all happy to see you again and the Circle pulls itself together again to fight the darkspawn less because they like you and more because the Blight will kill them all if they don't.
* EmpoweredBadassNormal: As a warrior, you can gain access to the slightly mystical templar and reaver specializations, and even more in the expansion. Avernus' blood draughts also give a warrior or rogue upgraded abilities.

* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Despite having established surnames for every origin, only two of these ever seem to get used: Cousland for the human noble and Aeducan for the dwarf noble, since both are tied to the main story. The other names - Amell for the human mage, Surana for the elf mage, Brosca for the dwarf commoner, Tabris for the city elf, and Mahariel for the Dalish elf - appear only in the character creation screen.

** In ''Awakening'', Sigrun is amazed to meet the Dwarf Commoner, as apparently Paragon Brosca has become a FolkHero amongst the Dusters.

* TheExile: The Dwarf Noble is exiled from Orzammar at the end of their Origin. Upon their return to Orzammar later in the game, the guards only grudgingly let them return due to their membership in the Wardens. The Human Noble is also effectively this, since returning to Highever would almost certainly be a death sentence while Howe is running the place.

** In a similar vein, Arl Howe will attempt to tarnish the Human Noble's family name by claiming the Couslands were killed whilst attempting to start a rebellion, as part of a conspiracy to seize the throne for Orlais. However, when the Human Noble Warden speaks to other Nobles in the Landsmeet, many offer their condolences and make it clear very few of them actually believe Howe's version of events.

* InterspeciesAdoption: In ways both subverted and played straight with the Mage Warden, who has grown up in the Circle raised and tutored by human and elf mages while being either a human or an elf him/herself.
* ItsAllMyFault: Every Origin has an event happen for which the Warden can blame him/herself. During the "Urn of Sacred Ashes", the Warden undergoes the Gauntlet, where they can confront these feelings of guilt or deny having them.

** The mage origin ends with your senior mage asking you if you took anything from the dungeon you were just in. Tell the truth, and he'll take away a staff you took.

** Should the Dwarf Noble put Harrowmont on the throne, then Bhelen will attack and you are forced to kill him, leaving the Dwarf Noble as the ''last'' Aeducan (aside from distant cousins).

* [[spoiler:TheMistress: One outcome of Alistair's romance - the non-human noble Warden can become this for him if he's hardened and king. (The human noble can, too, but she also has the option to marry him and become queen.)]]

** The Dwarven Noble can be played like an amiable person who doesn't look down on people below them, and who only plays along with the dwarven caste system and all its restrictions because dwarven society expects them to. Your younger sibling Bhelen shows shades of this as well, having a surprising lack of disdain for the casteless. Older brother Trian, on the other hand...
* MoralityChain: Jowan is implied to be this to a Mage Warden if one chooses not to use Blood Magic. While the Warden can defend their decision to attempt to help Jowan and Lily escape the Circle in their Origin, upon re-encountering him in Redcliffe, the Warden berates Jowan for using Blood Magic to escape the Templars and even considering to turn to forbidden magic in the first place.

** If the Warden has the Templar specialisation, a conversation with Ser Otto reveals the Warden has the ability to sense Demons.

* NeverAcceptedInHisHometown: Aside from the Dalish Elf, each Warden initially suffers this as [[YouCantGoHomeAgain a result]] of their respective Origin. The Human Noble's home was seized by Arl Howe, the Dwarven Noble was exiled from Orzammar, the City Elf and the Dwarf Commoner were wanted criminals in Denerim and Orzammar respectively and Templars are not particularly thrilled to see the Mage Warden again.

** The Warden is indirectly responsible for [[spoiler: the Mage-Templar War]], having canonically recruited Anders and the Spirit of Justice in ''Awakening''. This takes on a much darker tone after the events of ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' when Anders, who has become Justice's new host, ends up [[spoiler:blowing up the Kirkwall Chantry in order to force a confrontation between the Mages and the Templars, setting up the means for ''every'' Circle in Thedas to rise up in rebellion. Made worse that this was likely due to the Grey Wardens' philosophy teaching him that UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans.]]

* OddFriendship: With ''everyone'' in the party, aside from your fellow Warden and [[BigFriendlyDog your dog]]. When your closest friends include a [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Qunari Warrior]], a Stone {{Golem}}, [[HotWitch the daughter of]] ''[[TheDreaded Flemeth]]'', [[ProfessionalKiller a member of the Antivan Crows]], [[WhiteMage an elderly Mage]] kept alive by [[spoiler:a Fade Spirit]], a MataHari who had a FaithHeelTurn, a [[TheAlcoholic constantly drunk]] [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarf]] and potentially [[spoiler: the FallenHero who left your King to die and [[TheScapegoat blamed]] your [[DeceasedFallGuyGambit fallen comrades]] for it]], it's worth considering the possibility that ''you'' are the odd person in this friendship.
** If the character is a Human Noble, in ''Awakening'' they can befriend Nathaniel Howe, the son of the man who murdered their entire family. Giving the Howes a chance to redeem themselves seems to be a [[MagneticHero Cousland]] trait.
** The party in ''Awakening'' includes [[NobleFugitive a Howe]] who [[DefeatMeansFriendship tried to murder you]] to [[YouKilledMyFather avenge his father]], an apostate mage on his [[EscapeArtist seventh escape attempt]] from the Circle, a [[PerkyGoth perky]] female Dwarf from the [[ArmyOfThievesAndWhores Legion of the Dead]], a [[{{Tsundere}} rather prickly]] Dalish [[GreenThumb First]] searching for her [[IHaveYourWife kidnapped]] [[BigBrotherInstinct sister]], the corpse of a Grey Warden inhabited by a [[OurSpiritsAreDifferent Spirit of Justice]] and the [[InHarmsWay return]] of the [[TheAlcoholic constantly drunk]] Dwarf.

** In ''Witch Hunt'', the party includes a [[ThePrankster impish]] Dalish warrior searching for an [[BigBookOfEverything Ancient Tome]] stolen from her clan by Morrigan, and a [[BadassBookworm bookish]] Circle Mage [[AfraidOfBlood afraid of blood]] and [[NeatFreak dirt]], as well as the return of your [[BigFriendlyDog faithful dog]], who's finally finished [[ReallyGetsAround repopulating]] Ferelden's Mabari kennels.
** Recruiting Zevran, Nathaniel and potentially [[spoiler: Loghain]]. As the Warden can casually remark in ''Awakening'';

** Dwarf Warden can be literally declared one by the Orzammar Assembly, becoming a "Living Ancestor."
* TheParagonAlwaysRebels: The reaction of many in Orzammar when the Dwarf Noble gets exiled for committing fratricide. Played straight if they actually ''did'' kill Trian, but subverted if they were merely framed from the crime.

** In the ''Mage'' Origin, this is played completely straight, but is also explained and justified very well. When a person is found to have magical ability, which they usually display at a very young age, then by law they must be shipped off to the Tower of Magi for the rest of their life. Virtually all mages will never see or have any contact with their families ever again, and the player character is no exception. Some of the Mage Warden's dialogue can imply that [[TheArchMage Irving]] and/or [[TeamMom Wynne]] have served as [[ParentalSubstitute Parental Substitutes]]

** In ''Awakening'' if the Warden decides to [[spoiler: ally with the Architect]], a difficult speech check allows them to justify their decision as being this, depending whether any the companions present objected. The epilogue reveals that while many of the other senior Grey Wardens also question this decision, they do notice [[spoiler: the mysterious drop in darkspawn activity all across the Deep Roads as a result]].

* PunchClockVillain: The Dwarf Commoner origin, having been forced to work for the crime lord Beraht.

* RagsToRiches: [[spoiler:A City Elf can become the Denerim Alienage's first-ever bann, a Dwarf Commoner will be named Paragon and their family will live in Orzammar's Royal Palace if Bhelen is king, and any origin can succeed Loghain as Teyrn of Gwaren.]] In the Human Noble's case, it's riches to rags and back again, especially if [[spoiler: you become queen-consort by marrying Alistair or king-consort by marrying Anora.]]
** RichesToRags: The Human Mage Origin; because they had magic, it caused the prominent Amell family to lose political favour in Kirkwall. The Human Noble and Dwarven Noble also are former royalty/nobility who [[LastOfTheirKind lost most of their family members]] and [[NobleFugitive became exiled.]]

* RevengeBeforeReason: The Human Noble invokes this numerous times when discussing Arl Howe.

* SchrodingersPlayerCharacter: Actually averted. No matter which of the Origin stories you choose to play, you'll come across hints in the main storyline that the others played out, with only the fact that Duncan happened to be around during your chosen origin story determining which of the potential player characters became the protagonist. Probably the most obvious example of this is the existence of Dog - unless you are playing the Human Noble origin, the kennel master in Ostagar will say that Dog used to belong to a young noble who died.

* SeenItAll: In ''Awakening'', when Anders and Nathaniel bring up the strangeness factor of getting into fights with Dragons, Demons and Darkspawn on a semi-regular basis, [[WeirdnessMagnet the Warden's]] dialogue seems to suggest that they really ''have'' [[FantasticallyIndifferent stopped being fazed]] by it at this point;

* [[HeWhoMustNotBeSeen S/He Who Must Not Be Seen]]: The Warden's actions had a very notable impact on ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', and they will get brought up directly by Varric and Cassandra, indirectly by Flemeth, and by mention on [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking the loading screen]]. Depending on your playthrough, they can also be mentioned by Anders, Merrill, Isabela, Bethany, Cullen, Nuncio, Bodahn Feddic, [[spoiler: Zevran, Alistair, Leliana, Nathaniel Howe, Sophia Dryden,]] a letter found in the Wounded Coast, an ex-werewolf, several Codex entries, and Hawke him/herself. Despite this, the Warden never shows up in-game.

* SinkOrSwimMentor: Often can be seen as both this and TricksterMentor in regards to Alistair, keeping him from [[HeroicBlueScreenOfDeath falling apart]] after the loss of Duncan and the Wardens at Ostagar, as well as if they put him forward as King during the Landsmeet.

* SpoiledSweet: The Human and Dwarven Noble Wardens can potentially be this, especially when female.

* TokenMinority: Among the Ferelden nobility in ''Awakening'' if you play as an Elf, Dwarf, or Mage that becomes Arl/essa of Amaranthine.

* TryToFitThatOnABusinessCard: If you are playing as the human noble, your full titles and styles could be, if you play your cards right:

* UnscrupulousHero: The Warden can fall into this, particularly attempting for 100% completion. Doing every sidequest will mean having to engage in murder, blackmail, assassinations, coverups, bribery and petty larceny. On the other hand, [[AssholeVictim most of the people you do all that to had it coming.]]

* VillainProtagonist: Aeducan, the Dwarf Noble, might be one if the optional backstories of VideoGame/DragonAgeII are taken into account. For more details, look at the DesignatedHero entry of that game's YMMV page.

** According to the Dwarf Noble Origin, the potential Dwarf Commoner got the entire Warrior Caste into an uproar, wondering how a Casteless with only second hand weapons available to train with, could have ever learned to fight like ''that?!''
* WeaponOfChoice: Depending on your class your Warden will have long swords, great swords, shields, daggers, bows, crossbows, and staffs from which to choose.

** It's also mentioned by an NPC during the Human Noble origin story that, although big brother Fergus is technically next in line to be Teyrn of Highever, many of the people would be pleased to see the PC in that role because of their popularity, intellect, and battle skill.

** Mages are somewhat of a subversion, as the ''Witch Hunt'' expansion shows the Circle Tower rebuilt; the Warden may not be able to come back to live in the Tower, as they have the duty to rule Amaranthine, but they can visit anytime they want.

* CelibateHero [=and/or=] ReallyGetsAround: As with the hero[=/=]anti-hero status, the Warden can be anywhere in between these two. The hero can get UpToEleven by having a foursome with Zevran, Leliana, and Pirate Queen Isabela. And then taking the edge off by sleeping with male hookers, female hookers, nugs, a transvestite ''dwarf'', or having some rather unusual things done to you using some rather [[NoodleImplements interesting tools]].

** Dalish Wardens can potentially have the option to go back completely nuked [[spoiler:if his/her clan attacks [[OneManArmy Hawke]] in ''DragonAgeII'']].

* ForWantOfANail: The Warden surviving The Joining is a pretty crucial nail. If The Warden survives, the story plays out as normal. If The Warden doesn't survive The Joining, [[spoiler: Ferelden loses to The Blight]].

* BadPowersGoodPeople: A Mage Warden learning Blood Magic is the most obvious example, but on a larger scale, ''any'' Warden can use Avernus' research to unlock the true potential of his/her tainted blood, resulting in CastFromHitPoints blood-based abilities, and still act genuinely heroic.

* [[spoiler: HotDad: Potentially becomes one if male. A male Dwarf Noble actually has the potential to father ''two'' children in the course of the game - one during his origin story and one later.]]

* DisappearedDad: A male Dwarf Noble can be this to a child he conceives with one of the casteless {{Gold Digger}}s encountered during his origin story. He does come back later, of course, but his status being what it is, the mother of his child isn't exactly thrilled to see him.
** [[spoiler:Male Wardens who perform the Dark Ritual with Morrigan end up becoming this, due to Morrigan [[DaddyHadAGoodReasonForAbandoningYou leaving with their unborn child]] after the final battle is over, with the intention of never seeing each other again.]]
** [[spoiler: Possibly averted at the end of ''Witch Hunt'' however, since after reuniting with Morrigan, the Warden can elect to reaffirm their relationship and plan to meet their child, passing through the Eluvian to parts unknown.]]

** [[spoiler:Male Wardens who performed the Dark Ritual with Morrigan end up becoming this, due to Morrigan [[DaddyHadAGoodReasonForAbandoningYou leaving with their unborn child]] after the final battle is over, with the intention of never seeing each other again.]]
** [[spoiler: Possibly averted at the end of ''Witch Hunt'' however, when after reuniting with Morrigan, the Warden can elect to reaffirm their relationship and plan to meet their child, passing through the Eluvian to parts unknown]].

** Similarly, if the Warden in an imported game was a Human Female Mage (an Amell, same surname as Hawke's maternal lineage), Cullen remembers her fondly.

* TheExile: The Dwarf Noble is exiled from Orzammar at the end of their Origin. Upon their return to Orzammar later in the game, the guards only grudgingly let them return due to their membership in the Wardens.

** Bella renames the tavern in Redcliffe "The Grey Warden's Rest," though in the years to come, travelers find it hard to believe the "tall tales" of the Warden's exploits recounted there.

** The Dwarf Commoner can similarly express this towards [[spoiler: [[TurnCoat Leske]]]] upon their return to Orzammar, upon learning [[spoiler: that he's sold you out to the Carta and is now TheDragon to Janka]].

* {{Gaydar}}: The Warden's functions with 100% accuracy, ensuring that he/she will never hit on a member of the same gender unless such an individual would at least potentially be receptive.
* TheGlovesComeOff: The Mage Warden, due to having lived for most of their life under the restrictions of the Templars. After becoming a Grey Warden, the Mage Warden is free to demonstrate just how truly powerful they ''really'' are.

* HappilyMarried: Heavily abundant in the Human Noble origin story. Your parents, Teyrn Bryce Cousland and his wife Eleanor are this, as well as your older brother Fergus and his wife Oriana. [[spoiler: Unfortunately the Origin doesn't end well for most of them]].
** [[spoiler:The female Human Noble who romances Alistair and becomes Queen during the Landsmeet. The epilogue slide even states that during their grand tour of Ferelden, one reason the population love Alistair as their new King is because of how much he openly adores his new wife, and a ''Dragon Age II'' game using an imported save further illustrates how good their marriage continues to be.]]

** While not technically married, the Warden and a romanced Morrigan can have shades of this, although both would be the first to [[SheIsNotMyGirlfriend ruthlessly deny it]]. Lampshaded in ''Witch Hunt'', when Ariane comments that the Warden often idly plays with the ring Morrigan gave them when they think no-one is looking, before asking if her knowledge about couples in Thedas exchanging rings is accurate.

* IWillFindYou: At the end of ''Origins'', a male Warden who romanced Morrigan can state their intention to set off in search of her, although this gets interrupted due to the events of ''Awakening''. They finally succeed in catching up with Morrigan during ''Witch Hunt''.
** If romanced, it adds an interesting subtext to the fact that one of their first acts as Warden-Commander was to send scouts to watch over the Korcari Wilds for over ''two years''. While officially it's because they were hunting down the last darkspawn stragglers on the surface, it's mentioned they were ''also'' given Morrigan's description and told to closely watch Flemeth's hut on the off-chance she might return.
* KleptomaniacHero: You can enter any dwelling and help yourself to anything that isn't nailed down, even if you need to pick locks in the process. Unlike pickpocketing, this never antagonizes the inhabitants, with ''very few exceptions'' (these being, if the person who owns the place is afraid you will find the dead body they haven't had time to dispose of).

** There is at least one instance where there actually are consequences for looting, even though it's not pickpocketing. [[spoiler:Taking Zathrian's songbook before The Nature of The Beast is completed will eventually trigger a random encounter with a ''very'' pissed off Dalish archer.]]

** Should the Dwarf Noble put Harrowmont on the throne, then Bhelen will attack and you are forced to kill him, leaving the Dwarf Noble as the ''last'' Aeducan (aside from distant cousins). Alternatively, should ''any'' Warden put Bhelen on the throne, he begins a campaign of outright slaughter against Harrowmont and his entire extended family - in a DAII game using an imported save, Hawke encounters the sole surviving Harrowmont.

* LikeBrotherAndSister: The female mage PC and Jowan. He even mentions that he considers her a sister.

*** [[spoiler: Another interpretation is that as a Warden, they are duty-bound to watch over the child and the Old God soul it carries. In this, they are taking full responsibility for having performed the Dark Ritual to save their own life and know full well that if it shows signs of being malevolent, they may potentially have to [[SadisticChoice slay their own child]]... not to mention the Old God inside of it ''again''.]]

* MeaningfulName: The Dwarf Noble's last name is Aeducan, deriving from the dwarven word ''Aeduc''. While the precise translation hasn't been revealed, clues hint that it likely means either "Shield" or "Stone".

** The ''City Elf’s'' mother was murdered by humans sometime prior to the beginning of the story. Their father is still alive and well, and actually ''doesn't'' end up dying, but after the prologue he isn't seen again until very near the end of the story, because the Alienage is closed off and inaccessible for most of the game. If the player chose to abandon Shianni to be raped by Vaughn in the prologue, he will completely disown the PC and refuse to speak to him/her.

** In ''Awakening'' if the Warden decides to [[spoiler: ally with the Architect]], a difficult speech check allows them to justify their decision as being this, depending whether any the companions present objected. The epilogue reveals that while many of the other senior Grey Wardens also questioned this decision, they did notice [[spoiler: the mysterious drop in Darkspawn activity all across the Deep Roads as a result]].

* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: As a scion of House Cousland, second-highest in precedence among the noble houses of Ferelden, the Human Noble is just one step under being a prince(ss), and [[spoiler:can actually become royalty by marrying Alistair or Anora]]. The Dwarf Noble ''is'' royalty, the second child of King Endrin Aeducan of Orzammar and the exiled former-Commander of Orzammar's Army.

* SchrodingersPlayerCharacter: Actually averted. No matter which of the Origin stories you choose to play, you'll come across hints in the main storyline that the others played out, with only the fact that Duncan happened to be around during your chosen origin story determining which of the potential player characters became the protagonist. Probably the most obvious example of this is the existence of Dog (see below) - unless you are playing the Human Noble origin, the kennel master in Ostagar will say that Dog used to belong to a young noble who died.

* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: Male Wardens can lapse into this frequently in ''Witch Hunt'' when Ariane asks about their relationship with Morrigan. Particularly interesting is the conversation when she asks if the Warden realises he unconsciously plays with the ring he was given by Morrigan, when he thinks no one is looking. Ariane proceeds to ask if her knowledge of the significance of two people sharing rings in human culture is accurate.

* TheUnfettered: The Grey Wardens fully encourage their members to be this, and you can choose to fully embrace this mantra.

* TheUnwantedHarem: Saying nice things to your party members is enough to convince them that they are becoming your LoveInterest. This can lead to awkwardness when one of the BettyAndVeronica pair forces you to choose between them; sometimes, being forced into making that choice is the first time you'll even be aware of the situation.

* WeaponOfChoice: Depending on your class your Warden will have long swords, great swords, shields, daggers, bows, crossbows, and staffs to choose from.

** Certain dialogue implies that this was one of the reasons why the Dwarf Noble was preferred by the Assembly to become the next ruler of Orzammar, instead of their elder brother [[PrinceCharmless Trian]]. In order to seize the throne for himself, [[TheEvilPrince Bhelen]] had to remove them from the equation, since he knew he'd never win in a popularity contest.

** Mages are somewhat of a subversion, as the ''Witch Hunt'' expansion shows the Circle Tower rebuilt; the Warden may not be able to come back to live in the Tower as they have the duty to rule Amaranthine, but they can visit anytime they want.

* WellIntentionedExtremist: Particularly [[TheUnfettered ruthless]] Wardens tend to exemplify this, seeking to end the Blight at any cost. Even a heroic Warden will fall into this in ''Awakening'', if choosing to [[spoiler: ally with [[HeroicTokenOrc the Architect]]]] at the end.

* UnscrupulousHero: The Warden can fall into this, particularly attempting for 100% completion. Doing every sidequest will mean having to engage in murder, blackmail, assassinations, coverups, bribery and petty larceny.
** On the other hand, [[AssholeVictim most of the people you do all that to had it coming.]]

->''"I am a Grey Warden. Together we will make our stand. Together we will save this world."''

* AnythingThatMoves[=/=]ExtremeOmnisexual: The Warden can definitely be played as such.
** You can even claim after finding out [[spoiler: Shale was once a dwarven woman that suddenly, she's ''very'' cute.]]
* TheArchmage: The Mage Warden, despite their youth, clearly shows signs of becoming this, being the apprentice and star pupil of the First Enchanter and setting an unprecedented record for the "quickest, cleanest Harrowing ever seen" in the Circle. This also may apply if they choose to specialize as an Arcane Warrior. Arguably, they have reached this status by endgame when they battle the Archdemon.
** Another indication of this is during the battle with Uldred, who despite being a Senior Enchanter with BloodMagic and the power of a Pride Demon behind him, decides to transform [[GenreSavvy immediately]] instead of attempting to engage the Mage Warden in a straight-up WizardDuel.
** Archmage is even the name of the achievement for getting to level 20 as a mage character.
* [[spoiler: AscendedToAHigherPlaneOfExistence: If choosing to follow Morrigan through the Eluvian at the end of ''Witch Hunt'', departing to parts unknown]].
* AssKickingEqualsAuthority: If the Warden manages to survive the Blight, they will become Warden-Commander of all the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, which also effectively makes them the Arl/Arlessa of Amaranthine. In addition, a dwarf Warden will become a Paragon, which is not only an honor equal to or higher than that of a king, but also grants them their own house and followers; meanwhile, a city elf Warden has the option of representing his people as the first elven Bann of the Alienage in Denerim. Depending on your actions in-game, you can also add a Teyrnir (Dukedom), another Arling (Denerim), the Kingdom of Ferelden (as a Prince or Princess Consort), and a Lord Chancellorship (Prime Ministership) into the bargain, although the latter titles are mostly derived by [[YouKillItYouBoughtIt forcibly removing their incumbents from the position]]. This all represents quite a lot of legitimate authority.
** According to ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening'' and ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', the Warden mysteriously disappears after a few years. It's implied that that they either set off to combat a new threat [[spoiler: or potentially went through the Eluvian]].
*** If the quest ''Secret Rendezvous'' and Alistair's [[spoiler: appearance as king]] during DAII are any indication, the Warden ruled Amaranthine for six years, and was competent enough to quickly turn Arl Howe's den of provincial aristocratic corruption into a powerful rival of Kirkwall itself, so apparently Asskicking equals [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure competent authority]].
* AwesomeMomentOfCrowning: In ''Awakening'', [[spoiler:a Dwarven Commoner Warden will discover that he/she, a ''Casteless'', has been named a '''Paragon'''.]]
** [[spoiler: A Female Human Noble romancing Alistair can become ''Queen of Ferelden'']].
** Likewise, [[spoiler: a male Human Noble can [[ArrangedMarriage marry Anora]] and become her King Consort.]]

* BadassBookworm: The Mage Warden in particular, having been the apprentice and star-pupil of First Enchanter Irving.
** Dialogue implies that Irving often praised the Warden's talents to his colleagues, as both Wynne and Duncan immediately recognise the Warden on sight. Even Uldred, someone who is mentioned to ''never'' have worked with any Mages in the Circle, knows of the Warden and mocks him/her for having been a teacher's pet.

* BadassFamily: If a Human Noble, the Warden comes from one of these. The Couslands have served as a BigGood in Ferelden for ''centuries'' and when the call came in that King was massing an army to take on the Darkspawn, Teyrn Cousland and his heir-apparent were prepared to personally lead their forces into the fray. Teyrna Cousland is no slouch with her bow and arrows, either.

** Began one if playing as a Male Warden who performed the Dark Ritual and later followed Morrigan through the Eluvian, having sired a child who has two of the most powerful people in Thedas as parents [[spoiler: as well as the soul of an untainted Old God]].

* TheBeastmaster: The Ranger specialisation for Rogues.

* BerserkButton: Arl Rendon Howe becomes one to the Human Noble.

** If framed for killing Trian, one of the Dwarf Noble's potential responses to the Scout [[BlatantLies explaining how they murdered Trian]] is to immediately stick a knife directly in the Scout's gut for questioning their honour.
* BettyAndVeronica: Depending on how the RomanceSidequest unfolds, this can exist between Leliana and Morrigan/Zevran for men and Alistair/Leliana and Zevran for women. A bisexual PC has the option of picking a ThirdOptionLoveInterest.

** During the City Elf origin, choosing to wake up the sleeping guard before slitting his throat.
--> '''City Elf''': [[PreAsskickingOneLiner I wanted you to be awake for this]].\\
'''Soris''': *''Shocked''* That was ''cold'', cousin.
* {{BFS}}: A special mention to the Dwarven and Elven Wardens: If they wield a two-handed weapon, [[UpToEleven it's bigger than their whole fricking body!]]

** According to ''Awakening'' and ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', the Warden mysteriously disappears after a few years. It's implied that that they either set off to combat a new threat [[spoiler: or potentially went through the Eluvian]].

A character subpage for ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins''. For other playable characters, see [[Characters/DragonAgeOriginsPlayableCharacters here]].

[[folder: The Player Character]]

[[/folder]]

* NobleSavage: Invoked about a heroic Dalish Warden by Leliana, who admits to being glad the stories of Dalish being savages aren't true and expresses her admiration of their people's closeness to the land. You can respond by pointing out the rather [[FantasticRacism racist]] [[UnfortunateImplications undertones]] to this, causing her to apologise for her [[NobleBigot rather sheltered worldview]].

* NobleSavage: Invoked about a heroic Dalish Warden by Leliana, who admits to being glad the stories of Dalish savages aren't true and expresses her admiration of their people's closeness to the land. You can respond by pointing out the rather [[FantasticRacism racist]] [[UnfortunateImplications undertones]] to this, causing her to apologise for her [[NobleBigot rather sheltered worldview]].

* NobleFugitive: If of the Human Noble or the Dwarf Noble origin.