Summary
Based on the 5th edition ofDungeons & Dragons, most of the character’s traits inBaldur’s Gate 3are based on stats with a numerical value, including Strength, Intelligence, Constitution, Wisdom, Dexterity and Charisma, the latter dealing with one’s ability to intimidate or persuade the minds of others around them.
As one could imagine, there are quite a few charismatic characters inBaldur’s Gate 3, some more so by their very nature and personality than their actual stats. These characters could be too intimidating to bear — or too suave to resist. Players are going to need to roll high on their Charisma saving throw when encountering any of these individuals while exploring the dangers and adventure of Faerun.
Spoiler Warning: Some late-game character details are touched upon in this list, so narrative spoilers abound.
1Minthara
Charming Enough That Players Sacrificed The Grove To Recruit Her
Though Minthara is about as abrasive as sandpaper from a good guy’s perspective, this intimidating drow captivated players enough that some decided they were willing to destroy the entire grove in order torecruit her as a companion. Though this action is no longer necessary to recruit Minthara thanks to one of the game’s previous patches, this still proved that this optional boss still had plenty of magnetism to draw players away from their “good” run.
As a female drow, one cannot expect Minthara to ever be a good guy with deep compassion and care for others, but one doesn’t need to be kind to be charismatic, and Minthara is very charismatic (in her own way). Her power and confidence lend her great stage presence, and she even has a soft spot for Scratch. Anyone who likes dogs is instantly more likable.
2Halsin
The Gentle Giant
The leader of the druids at the Emerald Grove until his capture, players are hoping he might have the answers to the particular bind they have found themselves in, but alas, he does not. Halsin does, however, provide his pleasant and charming company for their adventures, joining them at their camp. Though he cannot be utilized like other companions for quite a while, his presence is still a welcome addition, as he is just a pleasant person to be around.
And yes,he can even be romancedby those who find a deep attraction to his particular brand of charm. There is even a potential romantic scene, involving Halsin taking on a more animalistic form. Whether that in itself is charming or unbearable is entirely up to debate, but one would sure need charisma in spades to propose that idea to their partner in a positive light.
3Alfira
As A Bard, High Charisma Is A Must
Bards are one of the classes in which Charisma should be the priority stat. Being their spell-casting modifier — and acting as the same for skills such as Performance, which measures how good their act is — it is the one trait bard players will try and max out first, as Performance and their spells are mostly what they are good for.
Anyone who has seen Alfira’s performance is certain to agree she is good at what she does, with Weeping Dawn being one of the best songs on the soundtrack. So, it follows that she herself would have a high Charisma score in order to give such a stellar performance. Even though her initial character introduction shows her frustrated at her lack of progress in writing a song for her fallen mentor, Alfira’s eventual song and her mannerisms definitely mark her as one of the more charismatic characters in the game.
4Shadowheart
Many Find Mystery Alluring
As far as mysterious goes, Shadowheart might just be the crowned queen of that arena. She plays her hand pretty close to her chest, especially when the player is naught more than a new acquaintance of hers. It’s not that she is rude or uncivilized; she just doesn’t know or trust them well enough to spill all her secrets, and to be honest, some of her secrets are even unknown to her, as she ismissing a large portion of her memories.
But, mystery can help characters be more alluring, and it is one facet of what makes Shadowheart so charismatic in the eyes of many players. When Larian released player statistics, it actually revealed she was themost romanced companion, so clearly, many other players agree that she is the most compelling character — at least among the romanceable companions.
5Wyll
An Old-School Gentleman
By far one of the most polite and gentlemanlyBaldur’s Gate 3companions, or even just characters in general, is Wyll Ravengard. A renowned folk hero andcompetent Warlock, statistically, Wyll does indeed have a high Charisma score, and this shows in the way he conducts himself. He is generally affable to most he meets, giving hope to the tiefling children in the grove, teaching them basic combat techniques as a means to distract them from the fear of what is going to happen to them.
This charismatic nature follows him to the camp when he is recruited, and his romance shows more of his old-school gentlemanly behavior, especially in Act 2 when he sweeps the player character off their feet with an impromptu dance.
6Karlach
Infectious Energy
Karlach was likely not what players expected when they met her, as her reputation as a soldier under orders from Zariel precedes her. Wyll himself was on a mission to take her head, leading many to believe they were about to meet a big bad tiefling who would be a boss fight of sorts. Meeting her defied most expectations, as while she might be big, she didn’t seem bad in the slightest.
This barbarian was a little more amped up than most of the companions, and while a lot of this is due to the infernal engine running hot inside her body, it also just seems like she gets a kick out of the life of an adventurer. As such, her energy and enthusiasm are both contagious, making the players themselves more excited to get out on the road and find some enemies to slay. Karlach isdefinitely a likable characterwith her own unique, excitable sort of charisma.
7Scratch
Mankind’s Best Friend
Who is the goodest boy in all of the realms? Why, it’s Scratch, of course! This poor pup can be rescued next to his previous master’s body, as his fierce loyalty made him determined to stay by his side until he wakes up, but some persuasion leads to Scratch joining the camp to become everyone’s favorite companion.
This adorable doggo is just impossible not to love. Players can give him much-deserved pets and even play a game of fetch. The icing on the cake is that players can speak with him through the Speak with Animals spell, which is every dog owner’s absolute dream! Hearing Scratch also refer to the player fondly as ‘friend’ is just enough to bring a tear to the eye. His pure and adorable charm is simply immeasurable, and it comes as no surprise most players mention Scratch when talking about favoriteBaldur’s Gate 3characters.
8Astarion
Though Pompous, Some Find Astarion Impossible to Resist
As one of the core companions in the group, it follows that Astarion should be a likable character to at least some of the players, and there is definitely a significant portion of players who can’t quite resist his charm. Though there are definitely players who were likely immediately put-off by the trick he tries to pull on the player during their first encounter, there are many more who find this mysterious rogue alluring.
Before too long, it comes to light that there is a solid explanation for his extremely pale complexion and sharp teeth — he is a vampire spawn, and he even tries to steal a sip from the players. Again, this might be another strike for some players, but for others, it’s just another reason to love Astarion. He may be a little like a personified version of Marmite, but to the right person, he is nothing short of roguishly charming, his words and demeanor just simply irresistible.
9Raphael
Devilish & Delightfully Charming
Devil’s are about as tricksy as hags when it comes to their deals, as the terms and conditions always have quite a heavy caveat, and isn’t everyone going to be a little dubious about selling their soul? But, this is precisely why devils always employ magnetizing levels of charm to sway hesitant minds toward ‘yes,’ and Raphael is certainly this kind of devil.
Silver-tongued, intelligent, and self-serving, conversing with Raphael always feels like a test or a sales pitch in one manner or another, and yet, players want to hear more. They are interested and always feel like they are one gentle nudge away from signing away whatever the hell (literally) Raphael could possibly ask of them. Definitely one of the most memorable and alluring antagonists in the entire game, it is almost ashame when players inevitably have to fight him to the death.
