| 1 | As already mentioned on the main page, early Creator/BioWare tended to be StrictlyFormula with some key patterns persisting today. As a result, many characters fall under specific archetypes and many organizations and locations will have some similarities. See also [[http://web.archive.org/web/20101130170719/http://www.gamecritics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16696 this]] and [[http://rampantgames.com/blog/?p=1755 this]] ([[http://web.archive.org/web/20121022022151/http://rampantgames.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bwcliches.png archived chart]]). |
| 2 | |
| 3 | In a nutshell, if it's a [=BioWare=] game, expect to encounter the following during the course of the game: |
| 4 | |
| 5 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 6 | |
| 7 | [[folder:Companions]] |
| 8 | |
| 9 | !!The Heroic Charmer |
| 10 | |
| 11 | A charming, heroic, handsome gentleman (often with a dash of good humor), this character is usually the lead male, acquired early in the game. In most cases he's a a LoveInterest for the female--and sometimes male--PlayerCharacter. If he is, he's definitely an example of SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan. |
| 12 | |
| 13 | * Anomen (VideoGame/BaldursGateII) |
| 14 | * Carth Onasi (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 15 | * Sky (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 16 | * Kaidan Alenko (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 17 | * Alistair (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 18 | * Anders (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 19 | * Garrus Vakarian (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 20 | * Liam Kosta (Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 21 | * Varric Tethras (VideoGame/DragonAgeII, Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) [[note]]A rare non-romanceable example[[/note]] |
| 22 | * Cullen Rutherford (VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition) [[note]]notable in that he is not a party member, but does represent a fully fleshed out companion[[/note]] |
| 23 | * ''Videogame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'': |
| 24 | ** Corso Riggs (Smuggler) |
| 25 | ** Doc (Jedi Knight) |
| 26 | ** Felix Iresso (Jedi Consular) |
| 27 | ** Aric Jorgan (Republic Trooper) |
| 28 | ** Vector Hyllus (Imperial Agent) |
| 29 | ** Malavai Quinn (Sith Warrior) |
| 30 | ** Andronikos Revel (Sith Inquisitor) |
| 31 | ** Gault Rennow (Bounty Hunter) |
| 32 | ** Theron Shan (''Shadow of Revan'', ''Knights of the Fallen Empire'') |
| 33 | ** Koth Vortena (''Knights of the Fallen Empire'') |
| 34 | |
| 35 | !!The Sweetheart |
| 36 | |
| 37 | Good, sweet, and kind, this character is AlwaysFemale. It's likely that she's a LoveInterest, and is always beautiful and youthful. If she has an especial emphasis on her optimism and kindness, then she's probably a regular GirlNextDoor. The {{Betty|AndVeronica}} to the DefrostingIceQueen's Veronica, if they are both competing for being the main character's love interest. If the game has another installment/expansion after their debut, something will make her not so innocent anymore (mostly assertive). |
| 38 | |
| 39 | * Imoen, Skie[[note]]''Siege of Dragonspear'' retroactively made Skie into one, since she's a little more hardened and adventure-ready, even if she retains being a naive spoiled brat. And tragically, she ''died'' shortly after the hardening.[[/note]] (VideoGame/BaldursGate) |
| 40 | * Aerie, Nalia (VideoGame/BaldursGateII) |
| 41 | * Linu La'neral (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 42 | * Mission Vao (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 43 | * Dawn Star (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 44 | * Liara T'Soni, Tali'Zorah (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 45 | * Kasumi Goto (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 46 | * Leliana (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 47 | * Sigrun (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 48 | * Merrill (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 49 | * Kelly Chambers (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 50 | * Samantha Traynor (VideoGame/MassEffect3) |
| 51 | * Peebee, Dr. Suvi Anwar (VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 52 | * Josephine Montilyet (VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition) [[note]]notable in that she is not a party member, but does represent a fully fleshed out companion[[/note]] |
| 53 | * ''Videogame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'': |
| 54 | ** Kira Carsen (Jedi Knight) |
| 55 | ** Vette, Light Side Jaesa Willsaam (Sith Warrior) |
| 56 | ** Ashara Zavros (Sith Inquisitor) |
| 57 | ** Nadia Grell (Jedi Consular) |
| 58 | ** Ensign Temple (Imperial Agent) |
| 59 | ** Mako (Bounty Hunter) |
| 60 | |
| 61 | !!The DefrostingIceQueen |
| 62 | |
| 63 | The [[BettyAndVeronica Veronica]] to The Sweetheart's Betty, the DefrostingIceQueen can have a several personality types, but they always share an aloofness to the PlayerCharacter at first, slowly warming up to them over the course of the game. They tend to be the sexiest female party member (which often coincides with being one of the most amoral characters in the group). She is usually a love interest. Much like the Sweetheart, if there is a game after their debut where they are featured, their defrosting ''sticks'' and they become warmer than their debut, while still aloof. |
| 64 | |
| 65 | * Viconia (Franchise/BaldursGate) |
| 66 | * Sharwyn (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 67 | * Bastila Shan (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 68 | * Silk Fox (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 69 | * Morrigan (Franchise/DragonAge) |
| 70 | * Velanna (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 71 | * Miranda Lawson (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 72 | * Isabella (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 73 | * Cora Harper, Vetra Nyx (VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 74 | * Cassandra Pentaghast (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 75 | * ''Videogame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' |
| 76 | ** Risha, Akaavi Spar (Smuggler) |
| 77 | ** Elara Dorne (Republic Trooper) |
| 78 | ** Kaliyo Djannis (Imperial Agent) |
| 79 | ** Lana Beniko (''Shadow of Revan'', ''Knights of the Fallen Empire'') |
| 80 | |
| 81 | !!The Proud Warrior |
| 82 | |
| 83 | Most likely the brute force on the team, this character embodies the fighting spirit and is proud of it. This character can have a lot of personality variations, but they are always capable, tough, fierce, and follow a strict code. There's a good chance they're [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy a different species]], whose culture glorifies combat and warriors. |
| 84 | |
| 85 | * Keldorn, Valgyar (Franchise/BaldursGate) |
| 86 | * Daelan Red Tiger (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 87 | * Canderous Ordo (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 88 | * Ashley Williams, Urdnot Wrex (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 89 | * Sten (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 90 | * Grunt (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 91 | * Aveline Vallen (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 92 | * Blackwall (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 93 | * Javik, James (VideoGame/MassEffect3) |
| 94 | * Nakmor Drack, Jaal Ama Darav (Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 95 | * VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic: |
| 96 | ** Aric Jorgan (Republic Trooper) |
| 97 | ** Qyzen Fess (Jedi Consular) |
| 98 | ** Torian Cadera (Bounty Hunter) |
| 99 | ** Bowdaar, Akaavi Spar (Smuggler) |
| 100 | ** Khem Val, Xalek (Sith Inquisitor) |
| 101 | ** Sgt. Rusk (Jedi Knight) |
| 102 | ** Lt. Pierce (Sith Warrior) |
| 103 | ** Senya Tirall (''Knights of the Fallen Empire'') |
| 104 | |
| 105 | !!Blood-thirsty Comic Relief |
| 106 | |
| 107 | This character frequently expresses maim or wreak havok, but it's always played up for laughs. This doesn't mitigate the damage they present, however, and likely have among the highest body counts in the party. |
| 108 | |
| 109 | * Korgan and Montaron (Franchise/BaldursGate) |
| 110 | ** Minsc from the same- but only if he's doing it ForGreatJustice! |
| 111 | * Tomi Undergallows (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 112 | * HK-47 (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 113 | * Jack, Grunt, Zaeed Massani (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 114 | * The Black Whirlwind (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 115 | * Shale, Oghren (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 116 | * The Iron Bull (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 117 | * VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic: |
| 118 | ** Skadge (Bounty Hunter) |
| 119 | ** M1-4X, Tanno Vik (Republic Trooper) |
| 120 | |
| 121 | !! The Mentor |
| 122 | |
| 123 | Pretty much doomed to die at some point, this character has taught you what you know, or is the respected leader who might induct into the Secret Organization you find yourself in. Wise and proud, this (often male) character will guide you on your journey. They are usually not a party member. |
| 124 | |
| 125 | * Gorion (VideoGame/BaldursGate) |
| 126 | * Melissan The Red (VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal) [[spoiler:In a subversion, she ends up traitor]] |
| 127 | * Bim, Olgerd, Berna, and every Academy Instructor (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 128 | * Jolee Bindo (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 129 | * Master Li (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 130 | * Captain/Councilor/Admiral David Anderson (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 131 | ** Alec Ryder (Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 132 | * Duncan, Wynne (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 133 | * VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic: |
| 134 | ** Orgus Din (Jedi Knight) |
| 135 | ** Darth Baras (Sith Warrior) |
| 136 | ** Yuon Par (Jedi Consular) |
| 137 | ** Darth Zash (Sith Inquisitor) |
| 138 | ** Viidu (Smuggler) |
| 139 | ** Keeper (Imperial Agent) |
| 140 | ** Braden (Bounty Hunter) |
| 141 | ** General Garza (Republic Trooper) |
| 142 | ** Valkorian (''Knights of the Fallen Empire'') |
| 143 | |
| 144 | !! The Temporary Companion |
| 145 | |
| 146 | One of the first allies you get, this guy will be removed from your party quite early in the story. |
| 147 | |
| 148 | * Imoen/Yoshimo (VideoGame/BaldursGateII)[[note]]This is a rather weird case. Imoen in the 2nd game at first only lasts until you get out of the first dungeon and would've been killed off the next time you meet her, making her an example of this type. However, she's practically SavedByTheFans, and thus she survived and lived through the whole saga, which makes her 'replacement', Yoshimo, take up the mantle of 'being removed from the party', which is after almost halfway of the story. Regardless, [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Imoen's prototype fate]] would become the basis of the companion archetypes of the following games.[[/note]] |
| 149 | * Trask Ulgo (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 150 | * Corporal Richard L. Jenkins (VideoGame/MassEffect) |
| 151 | * Wilson (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 152 | * Admiral Anderson (VideoGame/MassEffect3) |
| 153 | * Darth Marr (VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic, ''Knights Of The Fallen Empire'') |
| 154 | * Daveth and Ser Jory (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 155 | ** Eleanor Cousland and Gilmore (Human Noble Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 156 | ** Lily and Jowan (Mage Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 157 | ** Soris (City Elf Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 158 | ** Tamlen, Fenarel, and Merrill (Dalish Elf Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 159 | ** Gorim Saelac and Frandlin Ivo (Dwarf Noble Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 160 | ** Leske (Dwarf Commoner Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 161 | * Mhairi (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 162 | * Bethany or Carver Hawke[[note]]Bethany if Hawke's a mage. Carver if Hawke's a warrior or rogue.[[/note]] (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 163 | |
| 164 | [[/folder]] |
| 165 | |
| 166 | [[folder:Organizations and Places]] |
| 167 | |
| 168 | !!The Doomed Starting Area |
| 169 | |
| 170 | It is not necessarily the [[DoomedHometown hometown]], but it is doomed nonetheless. |
| 171 | |
| 172 | * Candlekeep (VideoGame/BaldursGate) |
| 173 | * The Neverwinter Academy (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 174 | * The ''Endar Spire'' and Taris (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 175 | * Ostagar and Lothering (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 176 | ** Castle Highever (Human Noble Origin, VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 177 | * Lothering (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 178 | * Haven (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 179 | * Eden Prime (VideoGame/MassEffect1) |
| 180 | * SSV Normandy SR-1 (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 181 | * Earth (VideoGame/MassEffect3) |
| 182 | * Habitat 7 (VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 183 | * Two Rivers School (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 184 | |
| 185 | !!The PlayerCharacter's Special Organization |
| 186 | |
| 187 | A powerful organization somewhat above the law and able to provide special resources to the player character (or special powers). The player will be inducted in to the order, which conveniently gives them the right to do all the nosy, murderous things they'd have done anyway. |
| 188 | |
| 189 | * Lord Nasher's court (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 190 | * The Jedi (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 191 | * The Spirit Monks (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 192 | * Spectres (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 193 | ** Pathfinders (Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 194 | * Grey Wardens (Franchise/DragonAge) |
| 195 | * The Inquisition (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 196 | * Cerberus (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 197 | * The Jedi, The Sith, Imperial Intelligence, Havoc Squad (VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic) |
| 198 | ** The Alliance (''Knights of the Fallen Empire'') |
| 199 | |
| 200 | !!The {{Precursors}} |
| 201 | |
| 202 | Often [[NeglectfulPrecursors neglectful]], if not outright [[AbusivePrecursors abusive]], these guys once had a proud civilization spanning much of the known world (or galaxy), but by now all that remains of them is a landscape littered with ancient ruins, mysterious artifacts, and, if you're really lucky, a few desperate survivors or a VestigialEmpire somewhere far away from where the game takes place. Control over what's left of their legacy is often an important part of the main conflict of the game (see "The Lost World", below). |
| 203 | |
| 204 | * The Old Ones (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 205 | * The Rakata of the Infinite Empire (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 206 | * The Protheans and the Reapers (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 207 | * Elvhenan and the Tevinter Imperium (Franchise/DragonAge) |
| 208 | * The Remnant [[spoiler:(more accurately its creators, the Jardaan)]] (VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 209 | |
| 210 | !!The Lost World |
| 211 | |
| 212 | The location of the LostTechnology (or magic) of the {{Precursors}}, conveniently forgotten by modern civilization. Either the place of the final showdown with the BigBad, or a key to reaching it. |
| 213 | |
| 214 | * The Source Stone (VideoGame/NeverwinterNights) |
| 215 | * Lehon (the Unknown World, VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 216 | * Ilos (VideoGame/MassEffect1) |
| 217 | * The Collector base (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 218 | * [[spoiler: The Temple on Thessia]] (VideoGame/MassEffect3) |
| 219 | * Meridian (VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 220 | * The Temple of Sacred Ashes (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 221 | * The Temple of Mythal (VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 222 | * Tython and Belsavis (VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic) |
| 223 | |
| 224 | !!The Party Headquarters |
| 225 | |
| 226 | Where the party members rest between missions and hand out their personal quests to the player. Has a high probability of being attacked at some point. |
| 227 | |
| 228 | * The Pocket Plane (VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal) |
| 229 | * Starship ''Ebon Hawk'' (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 230 | * Starship SSV ''Normandy'' SR-1 and SR-2 (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 231 | ** The Tempest (Videogame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 232 | * The Party Camp and Arl Eamon's estate (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 233 | * Vigil's Keep (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 234 | * Hawke's Estate (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 235 | * Haven and Skyhold (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 236 | * Player Star Ships and the factions' fleets (VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic) |
| 237 | |
| 238 | [[/folder]] |
| 239 | |
| 240 | [[folder:Villains]] |
| 241 | |
| 242 | !!The Morally-Ambiguous [[TheHeavy Heavy]] |
| 243 | This guy ([[AlwaysMale almost always]]) looks irredeemably evil when you first run into him, but as he hounds you throughout the story, you will inevitably discover some human nuance to his villainy. He may be the BigBad, TheDragon (wittingly or {{unwitting|Pawn}}ly), a WellIntentionedExtremist [[TheGoodTheBadAndTheEvil fighting both you and the true villain]], or any combination thereof. Either way, while you will rarely get a chance to redeem him, most players will [[AlasPoorVillain at least sympathize with him]] by the time his story is over. |
| 244 | |
| 245 | * Sarevok Achev (VideoGame/BaldursGate) |
| 246 | * Jon Irenicus (VideoGame/BaldursGateII) |
| 247 | * Balthazzar (VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal) |
| 248 | * Caelar Argent (VideoGame/BaldursGateSiegeOfDragonspear) |
| 249 | * Darth Malak (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 250 | * Death Hand (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 251 | * Saren Arterius (VideoGame/MassEffect1) |
| 252 | * Teyrn Loghain Mac Tyr (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 253 | * Collector General (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 254 | * The Architect (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 255 | * The Arishok, Meredith (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 256 | * The Illusive Man (VideoGame/MassEffect3)[[note]]even though he leaves actually fighting you to Kai Leng, he is the most ambiguously bad guy in the story and the one you interact most with[[/note]] |
| 257 | * Samson and Calpernia (VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 258 | |
| 259 | !!The [[MoreDespicableMinion Psychopathic Minion]] |
| 260 | A considerably less complex bastard wholly devoted to the main villain or his goals, who is the go-to character to cross the MoralEventHorizon so that the sympathetic Heavy doesn't have to. |
| 261 | |
| 262 | * Tazok (VideoGame/BaldursGate) |
| 263 | * Bodhi (VideoGame/BaldursGateII) |
| 264 | * Hephernaan (VideoGame/BaldursGateSiegeOfDragonspear) |
| 265 | * Saul Karath, Darth Bandon (VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic) |
| 266 | * Arl Randon Howe (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 267 | * Otto Alrik (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 268 | * Kai Leng (VideoGame/MassEffect3) |
| 269 | * Livius Eremond (VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 270 | |
| 271 | !!The Honorable Minion |
| 272 | A morally-conflicted minion (almost AlwaysFemale) loyal to the main villain. Will often give her life to defend the villain from you (unless you convince her to abandon him) or rebel against him for crossing her MoralEventHorizon (and often [[RedemptionEqualsDeath die in the process]]). |
| 273 | |
| 274 | * Tamoko (VideoGame/BaldursGate) |
| 275 | * Inquisitor Jia (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 276 | * Matriarch Benezia (VideoGame/MassEffect1) |
| 277 | * Ser Cauthrien (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 278 | * Utha (VideoGame/DragonAgeOriginsAwakening) |
| 279 | * Cullen Rutherford (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 280 | |
| 281 | !!TheChessmaster |
| 282 | A character who looks like he is on your side, but turns out to have been using you for his own nefarious goals the whole time, if not orchestrated the whole conflict. |
| 283 | |
| 284 | * Amelyssan the Blackhearted (VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal) |
| 285 | * Master Li (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 286 | * Flemeth and Morrigan (VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins) |
| 287 | * The Illusive Man (VideoGame/MassEffect2) |
| 288 | * Anders (VideoGame/DragonAgeII) |
| 289 | * Solas (VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 290 | |
| 291 | !!The EldritchAbomination |
| 292 | You can't reason with it, you can't understand it, you can't cut deals with it, and you ''might'' be able to stop it... temporarily. |
| 293 | |
| 294 | * Bhaal (Franchise/BaldursGate) |
| 295 | * Belhifet (VideoGame/IcewindDale and VideoGame/BaldursGateSiegeOfDragonspear) |
| 296 | * The Reapers (Franchise/MassEffect) |
| 297 | ** The Archon and the Kett (VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda) |
| 298 | * The Mother Demon and the Unnamed Foe (VideoGame/JadeEmpire) |
| 299 | * The Archdemon and Darkspawn (Franchise/DragonAge) |
| 300 | * Red Lyrium (VideoGame/DragonAgeII, Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 301 | * The Elder One A.K.A. [[spoiler:Corypheus]] (Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition) |
| 302 | * The Sith Emperor, Sel Makor, the World Razor, the Dread Masters, the Terror From Beyond (VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic) |
| 303 | |
| 304 | [[/folder]] |
| 305 |
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