Despite the limited information available about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, one consistent message from BioWare's promotional material is its focus on an ordinary protagonist, a stark deviation from the 'chosen one' archetype. While Dragon Age: Inquisition introduced a similar concept with Hawke in Dragon Age 2, the character's subsequent transformation into a special individual in Legacy raised concerns. Given the high stakes in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, there is a risk of repeating this narrative arc, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the protagonist's normalcy.
Reimagining the Protagonist in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
Breaking the Mold
In the realm of video games, particularly RPGs, protagonists often possess unique traits like special abilities, bloodlines, or prophecies, setting them apart from others. Previous Dragon Age titles featured characters with distinct qualities, such as the Grey Warden in Origins and the Inquisitor in Inquisition. In contrast, Dragon Age 2 portrayed Hawke as an unremarkable refugee who gained recognition through their actions, until a revelation about their bloodline altered perceptions.
Dragon Age 2: Legacy revealed Hawke's significance due to their bloodline, which inadvertently led to the release of Corypheus, a pivotal event in the series. The narrative shift emphasized the impact of lineage on character development, diverging from the usual storytelling conventions.
Upholding Promises for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
Preserving Normalcy
In Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, the absence of extraordinary traits in the protagonist offers a unique storytelling opportunity. BioWare's adherence to this concept is vital for fostering creativity and originality in the narrative. With formidable adversaries like Solas and the Evanuris in play, the potential for a compelling underdog story arc exists, provided the game avoids falling back on conventional tropes for mass appeal.