Baldur's Gate 3: A Comprehensive Guide to All Familiar Characters

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 features several returning characters from previous titles, creating a sense of continuity and nostalgia for players.

Characters such as Jaheira, Sarevok, Viconia, Minsc, Volo, and Elminster have reappeared in previous games and now make a comeback in Baldur's Gate 3. This return of beloved characters brings with it distinct abilities, personalities, and storylines, enhancing the overall experience with a sense of depth and familiarity.

Baldur's Gate 3 is not the first game in the series, with several previous titles dating back 25 years. Due to the abundance of exciting content set in and around the same city on the Sword Coast, players are likely to recognize a few familiar characters.

While some of these returning characters remain consistent in their purpose and alignment, others switch between being companions and villains. It's worth noting that this acknowledgement of previous character appearances does not include religious figures like Bhaal or Shar. These figures play a central role in the lore of Baldur's Gate and the Forgotten Realms, and are regularly mentioned.

Jaheira

Jaheira, a pragmatic and sharp-tongued half-elf, is a member of the secretive Harper faction. Dedicated to maintaining the balance between good and evil in Faerun, she first interacts with players in the beginning of the Baldur's Gate saga. Jaheira continues to be a prominent character in the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion, as well as in Baldur's Gate 2, appearing in Shadows of Amn and Throne of Bhaal. Additionally, she can be found in Siege of Dragonspear, an expansion for the Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate.

This fiery character, born into nobility but raised by druids, embodies both of these aspects in her abilities. Jaheira possesses numerous druid spells while also combining them with some Fighter skills, making her a formidable opponent in various situations. Her appearance has undergone slight changes throughout the years, with her hair color ranging from blonde to brown to white. In Baldur's Gate 3, she becomes an official companion after assisting her in the Last Light Inn.

Sarevok

Sarevok Anchev, a former Bhaalspawn, served as the primary antagonist in the initial installment of the Baldur's Gate video game series. His objective was to instigate a war between Amn and Baldur's Gate in an effort to please Bhaal, the Lord of Murder and his patron deity. Despite being slain by his own sibling in an epic final confrontation, Sarevok's story did not come to an end. He reemerges as a wraith in Shadows of Amn, where the player once again encounters him. Even then, Sarevok refuses to accept his rightful afterlife, binding his soul to Bhaal's extradimensional realm known as the Throne of Blood.

In Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal, Sarevok becomes a companion of the player, pleading for his brother's assistance in being reincarnated as a mortal. The player has the choice to undertake the arduous task of redeeming Sarevok and altering his Chaotic Evil nature. However, the transformation does not appear to have a lasting impact. Stripped of his demigod status, Sarevok eventually assumes the role of the presiding judge in the Murder Tribunal in Baldur's Gate 3. If the player elects to do so, they must once again face Sarevok in battle, and there is no indication of his survival this time.

Viconia DeVir

Minsc

Viconia DeVir embarks on her journey in Baldur's Gate as a companion who can be recruited in Tales of the Sword Coast. However, her involvement in a series of brutal murders inevitably leads to a decline in the player's reputation with the authorities. Moreover, she reappears as a companion in Siege of Dragonspear, demonstrating a newfound fascination with Lady Shar, the goddess associated with darkness. In Baldur's Gate 3, Viconia's character resurfaces once again as part of Shadowheart's personal campaign, with the final determination of her destiny resting solely in the hands of the player.

Minsc, a human from Rashemen, is known for his impetuous nature and strong physique that far surpasses his intelligence. He proudly identifies as a Berserker and embarks on a journey to prove his worth as a skilled warrior to his people. Minsc has consistently been a reliable companion throughout various games, including Siege of Dragonspear, Baldur's Gate 2, Shadows of Amn, and Throne of Bhaal.

One of his most notable characteristics is his companion pet, Boo, fondly referred to as his 'space hamster', who always remains in his inventory. In Baldur's Gate 3, players have the possibility of sparing Boo during an encounter with certain members of the Bhaalist cult, which then allows Boo to join as a companion. Surprisingly, Boo does not have a romantic storyline, and there are instances in the game where he may impulsively turn hostile and attack players, despite his alignment as Neutral Good.

Volo

Volothamp Geddarm, a quirky bard known for finding trouble, makes appearances in the original Baldur's Gate game, as well as the Enhanced Edition and Throne of Bhaal. With his adventurous spirit and love for storytelling, Volo offers valuable insights into the lore, through his books or entertaining antics, to those willing to listen. In Baldur's Gate 3, players have the opportunity to rescue Volo from goblins or Absolute cultists, earning his gratitude, though expressed in his own peculiar manner. Beneath his playful demeanor, Volo seems to possess hidden knowledge, particularly regarding the enigmatic Absolute.

Elminster

Elminster Aumar, also known as the Sage of Shadowdale, is the renowned creator of the Harpers and arguably the most celebrated spellcaster in the Forgotten Realms. He possesses the favor of Mystra, the goddess of magic, and has thrived for countless centuries. Throughout the three Baldur's Gate titles, he occasionally assumes the identity of Terminsel, an anagram of Elminster. This clever yet enigmatic individual serves as a formidable foe, a fascinating ally, and primarily an advisor. In Baldur's Gate 3, he briefly appears to convey a significant revelation from Mystra herself, which greatly impacts the world.

In Baldur's Gate 3, there are also various allusions to other returning characters. One noteworthy example is the Emperor, who discloses his past as the legendary hero Balduran. However, since the player never encounters Balduran in the previous Baldur's Gate games, this revelation primarily contributes to the game's lore rather than explicitly bringing back a familiar character. Nonetheless, revisiting old acquaintances in new games evokes both curiosity and nostalgia, particularly as one witnesses how they have transformed throughout the years.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC and PS5, with an Xbox Series X/S version also in development.