The Witcher 3: Characters Who Are Better in the Books

As someone who has delved deep into the mystical world of “The Witcher”, I must say that it’s a bit like diving into a barrel of honey wine and coming out with nothing but a hangover – sweet, yet leaving you yearning for more. The adaptations have certainly brought these characters to life, but some of them have undergone quite the transformation process, much like a Nilfgaardian knight in a tavern brawl.

The Witcher 3 stands out among video games due to its exceptional storytelling and engaging role-playing elements, placing it at the pinnacle of the gaming world. Players relish taking charge of Geralt during his last journey, where he tirelessly searches for Ciri using every available resource. Along the way, players reconnect with some unforgettable characters from the books.

In the game “The Witcher 3”, the characters are outstanding, but some fail to leave a lasting impression as profoundly as book readers might have desired. Many dedicated “Witcher” fans often find that the books more effectively bring these characters to life.

8. Sigismund Dijkstra

Way Smarter And More Calculated In The Books

Notable Quest(s): A Deadly Plot, Count Reuven’s Treasure, Reason of State

Initially, Dijkstra from “The Witcher 3” gives off a convincing impression, aligning well with his cunning and manipulative character as portrayed in the novels. But following his initial appearance, things begin to deteriorate.

In the beginning, it’s simple for Geralt to deceive this character with a lie, and the most egregious instance where he gets tricked badly happens at the end of Reason of State. Unlike keeping his plan hidden, Dijkstra openly reveals his intention to betray those responsible for Radovid’s assassination in Geralt’s presence. This is an ill-advised move, considering that a wiser Dijkstra from the books would have been more discreet with such a plan and avoided putting himself in danger from a powerful witcher who can swiftly eliminate him if necessary.

7. Dudu

The Doppler Actually Makes A Smart Business Decision In The Books Instead Of Just Being A Means To An End

Notable Quest(s): Ciri’s Story: Visiting Junior, A Poet Under Pressure, The Play’s the Thing

In the search for Ciri, Geralt relies on his associates in Novigrad to guide him towards the correct path. Given that Dudu was among those who encountered Ciri while she evaded the Wild Hunt, Geralt chooses to locate him using an engaging play as a means of gaining the courage to approach the Silver Fox.

Following Guiding Geralt towards the correct path, Dudu fades into a secondary role with no further impact on the storyline. His cleverness could have been utilized to keep him significant, considering his knack for astute business decisions when initially presented in the novels.

6. Eredin Breacc Glas

A Fleshed-Out Character Who’s Reduced To An Ominous Antagonist

Notable Quest(s): The Cave of Dreams, The Battle of Kaer Morhen, On Thin Ice

In “The Witcher 3”, it’s commonly debated that Eredin is significantly underused as a villain, despite his intimidating persona. Over time, he transforms into little more than an elf wearing a menacing helmet, persistently chasing Ciri, leaving his intentions and objectives largely enveloped in mystery.

In the books, Eredin’s character is significantly developed compared to his portrayal here. He exhibits a darker side towards Ciri and it’s apparent that he aims to leverage the power of the Elder Blood to strengthen the Aen Elle’s influence beyond measure.

5. Crach an Craite

This Character Has Way More Depth In The Books

Notable Quest(s): The King is Dead – Long Live the King, The Lord of Undvik, King’s Gambit

This may be a contentious decision since Crach an Craite is largely faithful to his appearance in the books. However, there’s one side of his character that is conveniently forgotten in the games — the history he shared with Yennefer.

In the books, it’s plainly shown that he has an intense crush on the dark-haired sorceress, often going above and beyond to aid her. This could have added complexity to his character in the games, but his smitten side is never revealed; instead, he makes a heroic final stand and meets his end battling the Wild Hunt.

4. Margarita Laux-Antille

Gets A Lot Of Time To Shine As A Founding Member Of The Lodge Of Sorceresses

Notable Quest(s): The Great Escape

As someone deeply immersed in the world of The Witcher, I can’t help but feel a pang of disillusionment over Margarita’s limited role in the game. In the books, she’s a founding member of the Lodge, a testament to her influence and power. Yet, in the game, we only get a glimpse of her during that one quest where Geralt and Triss work together to rescue her from Novigrad prison. Book fans like me had high expectations for Margarita, and her quiet presence leaves us yearning for more.

Rather than playing a prominent role, Margarita blends into the backdrop during the games, concealing her tremendous power. It’s unfortunate because she was significantly more influential in the books as the Rectoress of Aretuza, contributing to the Lodge of Sorceresses rising to be a powerful force behind the curtains.

3. Mousesack

A Royale Family Court Druid Who Aided Ciri

Notable Quest(s): Echoes of the Past, Blood on the Battlefield, The Sunstone

In the days when Cintra stood unmatched in power, I served as their trusted court druid, providing valuable insights. But after the devastating siege that left our city in ruins, I aided Princess Cirilla in her escape, leading many to believe I had perished.

Yet, it was unveiled that he endured the attack and took up the role of a hierophant among a group of druids on Ard Skellig in The Witcher 3. Although he assists Geralt in tracking down Ciri, his character and significance are reduced compared to the books, which could leave some readers unsatisfied.

2. Sile de Tansarville

Reduced To A Tortured Prisoner In The Witcher 3

Notable Quest(s): The Great Escape

In the technical sense, Sile de Tansarville might have passed away before the storyline in “The Witcher 3“, but her portrayal in this game suggests an unfortunate end that surpasses any grim predictions. During Geralt’s mission to save the sorceresses from pursuit, he encounters a mage who is barely recognizable – a mere shadow of her past glory.

In the tales, I found myself part of an elite sisterhood, the Lodge of Sorceresses, known for its powerful magic users in the frigid North. Yet, my fearsome reputation as one of the strongest only served to underscore my tragic descent in The Witcher 3. Regrettably, I became a pathetic figure, a mercy case whose memory fades swiftly thereafter.

1. Philippa Eilhart

The Central Figure of the Lodge of Sorceresses

Notable Quest(s): Blindingly Obvious, Redania’s Most Wanted

In the novels, Philippa is the key character who governs the Lodge of Sorceresses, orchestrating their strategies and maintaining order. The influence she held over strong mages such as Triss demonstrates her significant power within the world of The Witcher, making her one of its most dominant figures.

However, in Wild Hunt, Radovid has already pulled Philippa down a peg by plucking her eyes out. She may be a shadow of her former self, but this doesn’t stop Philippa from pulling the strings and shoving a dagger in Radovid’s back, getting her revenge and taking out the psychotic madman for good.

2024-12-02 07:05