Summary
BioWare’slegendary fantasy ARPG franchiseDragon Ageis widely regarded as having some of the most iconic characters in its genre. Each is uniquely loveable and charismatic, with morals, ideologies, and backstories. Whether it’s a hot-headed Dwarven berserker or anoble Grey Warden with a general distaste for swooping, the quirks and flaws of each party member are what makes them so endearing.
TheDragon Ageseries lets its character writing shine through its party banter, where companions can be heard conversing in the background as they explore the Blight-ridden Ferelden. This method is excellent for both delivering exposition to the player and providing some brief moments of hilarity inan otherwise gloomy setting. That said, here are a few examples of some of the best companion pairings in the franchise.
It’s indisputable that these two might just be made for each other. Both have incredibly blunt and brazen humor.They completely adore the thrill of violenceand lighten any room with their crude remarks.
Shale’s no-nonsense and straight-to-the-point style of speaking makes it hilarious when they eventually start talking to Oghren. Though he may not be as bright, they both resort to doing what they do best around each other, and that’s continuously making vulgar jokes at everyone else’s expense.
While Dorian is a more rebellious mage from Tevinter,Vivienne finds herself a traditionalist from the Orlesian Circle. What makes this pair great is their eccentricities and sass, which they beautifully weave into their heated debates.
Naturally, they disagree entirely on all matters, each conversation filled with sharp barbs constantly flying in each direction. Vivienne is incredibly stuck in her ways regarding her views on political power and Magi’s undeserved freedom. The two, however, somehow make every one of the heavily political arguments incredibly entertaining.
8Aveline & Varric
Bianca’s next target
Despite their apparent differences, Varric and Aveline always seem to have mutual trust in one another, though Aveline, as Captain of The Guard, clearly expresses her distaste for Varric’s various criminal dealings.
What mainly makes this pair special is just how much they seem to like one another. Varric is good at reading people, which means he can bring out thoughts and feelings that theclose-guarded Avelineis naturally more reluctant to bring forward herself. Though they still playfully tease one another, they’re just a solid pair.
It’s easy to see why these two don’t get on -Anders is a proud mage dedicated to seeing his people freed, no matter the cost.In contrast, Fenris was brutally held captive and experimented on by Teviner mages, giving him a burning hatred for the staff-wielding Magi.
The two excel at worldbuilding, each with such ideological differences and their own perceptions of each other’s goals; it’s fascinating to hear them discuss different issues in the background, even if their conversations usually end instaunchdisagreement. It makes them unique when they have moments of understanding among themselves despite their enduring hostility toward each other. Both characters have endured such trauma, and both are coming to terms with how they process it in the world that they reside in.
6Solas & Sera
We Were All Young Once
Solas' naturally wiser and more stoic demeanor is amplified tenfold when around thebeautifully witty and erratic Sera- constantly pestered by her inappropriate questions about magic and the Fade.
The mischievous prankster who struggles to keep her thoughts to herself seems to play on the nerves of the elven mage easily, whether it’s through the sheer differences in their worldviews and knowledge - it’s almost like a reluctant teacher-student relationship, with Sera seemingly making it her life’s mission to see just how far she can push Solas in conversation.
5Ironbull & Dorian
Don’t Come Crying
As a Qunari, The Iron Bull’s race heavily shuns any magic users born by their bloodline. Any Qunari mages born are forced to have their lips sewn shut and spend lives in chains constantly overseen by their keepers. This is part of what makes the flourishing bond between Dorian and Ironbull so heartfelt.
Though the Teviner Mage naturally has a predisposition towards the Qunari, given their treatment of magic users, Iron Bull is far removed from any customs of his kind as thelaid-back mercenary leader. The pair grow to become inseparable, and depending on choices made in the game -their friendship can blossom into something far more beautiful, making for an adorable dynamic between the two.
Though, at this point in the series, the Chantry-obsessed Archer Leliana is still a much younger and morefieryrogue, her regular exchanges with Wynne give insight into how she evolved into who she is now. Wynne’s natural wisdom and life experience complement the more curious and open-minded Leliana.
Wynne is always incredibly patient and more than willing to have deep and enlightening discussions with Leliana, whether answering her questions or simply putting her mind at ease. The far wiser Lelianna, as shown in the events ofDragon Age: Inquisition,can seemingly attribute much of her wisdom and outlook to her transformative bond with Wynne.
3Isabela & Aveline
The Pirate & The Guard Watch Captain
No wonder these two struggle to get along, with one seemingly being the antithesis of the other - Aveline’s hilarious comments on Isabella’s swashbuckling lifestyle are hilarious. Isabela’s naturally flirty nature perfectly blends with the emotional shut-off and duty-bound Aveline.
Their values clash on a fundamental level, and their constant witty remarks degrading each other truly show just how different they are. Over time, Aveline’s overall demeanor does soften, and she becomes more open and receptive to the carefree Isabela’s ways.
2Varric & Cassandra
The Seeker And The Storyteller
The mutual trust between the two at the start ofDragon Age: Inquisition, resulting from their time at each other’s throats (literally and figuratively) through the events of the priorDragon Age 2, makes for troubled waters as the pair are forced to work together in the Inquisition.
Despite their differences and past clashes, as they spend more time around each other, they slowly realize they’re more alike than they may know. Though, at first glance, the always-suave Varric is very different from the incredibly militant Cassandra, they still have common ground that allows them to confide in each other. Whether it’s Cassandra’s secret adoration for Varric’s cheekily written novels or Varric’s admiration of Cassandra’s abilities as a fighter, the two eventually grow to appreciate each other firmly. Though it will not always be smooth sailing for the two throughout their journey, they trust each other with their lives at the end of the day.
1Morrigan & Alistair
Swooping Is Bad
The stark contrast between the two deservedly fan-favorite characters is what makes watching their dynamic evolve so genuinely endearing. The relentlessly sarcastic and snide jabs that the cynical Apostate constantly directs toward the lovingly naive and charmingly aloof Alistair deliver some unexpected giggles throughout the Grey Warden’s adventures.
The pair are two sides of the same coin, both with opposing worldviews and starkly different upbringings - Morrigan disdains Alistair because of his past training to become a Templar, an organization dedicated to hunting rogue Magi like herself. They do share a common interest in the well-being of The Warden protagonist - and constantly being forced together throughout their travels leads them to form a genuine connection that makes them the iconic duo they are.
