Summary
- Bethesda games may have flat writing, but standout characters like Vivec in Morrowind redeem them.
- Dishonored 2 features engaging characters like Emily and Corvo, making the game compelling.
- Fallout 4's companions offer depth to the open-world adventure, with characters like Nick Valentine.
Bethesda games are lauded for their amazing sense of freedom and immersion. However, the trade-off is that the writing in these games can take a hit. The characters that populate Bethesda's open worlds can feel a bit flat and one-dimensional at times.
However, that shouldn't be taken as a universal criticism of every game Bethesda has ever made. Some of the games they've developed and published feature great characters that are fun to interact with and add to the mystique of the world. These are some of the best examples.
8 The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Even With The Lack Of Voice Acting, The Characters Are Memorable
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- Released
- May 1, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Morrowind is a bit dated by modern standards, and seeing characters spewing the same copy-pasted information over and over again may not be all that engaging. Thankfully, the mystical allure of some of Morrowind's characters helps them stand out as important figures in the lore.
The most obvious mentions here are Vivec and Almalexia, deities who wow the player with their sheer presence alone. A shout-out should also be given to Gaenor, a troll character who loots players for a ton of gold before eventually coming back as the strongest character in the game and whooping players left, right, and center.
7 Dishonored 2
Both Corvo And Emily Are Fun To Control
Dishonored 2
- Released
- November 11, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Seeing Emily grow up to become a self-sufficient empress makes Dishonored 2 riveting from the get-go. Corvo also makes a return, this time with a voice to help his personality shine. These two characters alone are riveting enough to help Dishonored 2's cast stand out. The supporting characters may not be all that memorable in comparison, but the allure of the main characters more than makes up for this.
6 Fallout 4
The Companions Are The Beating Heart Of This Adventure
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The choice to give the Sole Survivor a voice in this title made it clear that Bethesda was investing more time and money in character writing than ever before. Despite the mixed opinions on this change, most people agree that the protagonist of Fallout 4 has more personality than other leads in the series, for this reason alone.
It helps that the companions that players encounter on their travels are some of the best ever seen in a Fallout game. Notable mentions include Nick Valentine, Piper, and Curie, with their strong companion quests letting players bond with them in no time.
5 The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
The Protagonist Will Meet Several Colorful Personalities
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Released
- April 22, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, RPG, Open-World, Adventure
Oblivion's remaster allowed both new and old fans to get into this game and enjoy its brilliance. Not only does the game look beautiful, but players will also interact with some of the most popular figures from the Elder Scrolls series.
The Adoring Fan is a hilarious troll character who will annoy players throughout Cyrodiil, while serious characters like Martin Septim will wow players with their regal presence. Writing may not be Oblivion's strongest suit, but that doesn't take away from the inherent joy of interacting with this game's characters.
4 Wolfenstein: The New Order
Surprisingly, An Action Series Boasts Incredible Characters
Wolfenstein: The New Order
- Released
- May 20, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs
Fans expected breakneck action and a focus on shooting Nazis in a Wolfenstein reboot. What they didn't expect was an excellent narrative and memorable characters who form a resistance against the German occupation of North America.
From the very start of the game, players must make a tough choice regarding one of two characters who can survive after an encounter with Deathshead. This decision haunts them to the very end, and is a great example of how the characters in The New Order have a profound impact on players.
3 Fallout 3
A Nostagia Trip For Players Who Loved The Game's Vibe And Characters
Fallout 3
- Released
- October 28, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Many fans are nostalgic about Fallout 3, especially when it comes to the many memorable characters in this game. The Lone Wanderer will stumble across old friends and unique faces during their travels, adding to the unique nature of this adventure.
Moira Brown, Alistair Tenpenny, and Sarah Lyons are just a few of the many memorable characters fans will meet in their travels. Their personalities help players feel less isolated in a hostile and desolate wasteland full of people who want to tear the Lone Wanderer limb from limb.
2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Fun, Memorable Characters Help The Adventure Feel Alive
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
Skyrim is one of the greatest open-world games of all time that fans can't stop raving about. In many ways, the magical adventure in this game is enough to make its characters memorable, even if their personalities aren't anything to boast about. Lydia is a great companion fans will love to journey with, Ulfric Stormcloak is a powerful leader who's easy to root for, and Miraak's power as the first Dragonborn is clear as day. These are just a few of the many colorful characters that fans will meet throughout their travels.
1 Indiana Jones And The Great Circle
The Character Writing In This Game Is Incredible
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Released
- December 9, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
MachineGames has shown time and time again how strong their character writing is, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Troy Baker does a great job of voicing the protagonist, who is as likable as ever. Gina is a fun partner who accompanies Indy, and the hilarious ineptitude of the Nazis makes their interactions surprisingly funny. All of this combines to help The Great Circle's cast stand out as one of the very best in a Bethesda-published game.
- Date Founded
- June 28, 1986
- Headquarters
- Rockville, Maryland, United States
- CEO
- Todd Howard
- Parent Company
- Microsoft
- Subsidiaries
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Known For
- The Elder Scrolls, Dishonored, DOOM