Unveiling the Dark Secrets: Lady Dimitrescu vs Orin the Red in Baldur's Gate 3 and Resident Evil Village

Highlights

The performance of Maggie Robertson as Orin the Red, one of the antagonists in Baldur's Gate 3, truly distinguishes the character, portraying a delightfully unhinged and murderous personality.

Both Lady Dimitrescu and Orin the Red strive for acknowledgment and validation from a higher entity, which propels their malevolent intentions and behaviors throughout their individual games. Their tragic backstories and challenging upbringings play a significant role in shaping their distorted and cruel personas, as revealed by Robertson.

Lady Dimitrescu and Orin the Red Seek Approval

Robertson is not new to portraying ruthless villains, having gained fame for her role as the beloved antagonist Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village. This character is a majestic 9-foot-tall noblewoman with an air of elegance, and a disturbing affinity for blood. Recently, another character who matches this level of malevolence has emerged in the form of Orin from Baldur's Gate 3. In an exclusive interview with Game Rant, Robertson delves into how her experience playing Lady Dimitrescu influenced her approach to portraying Orin, and explores the similarities and differences between these two sinister personas.

Lady Dimitrescu and Orin the Red Have Tragic Origins

Lady Dimitrescu and Orin the Red share a common trait—they are both driven, in part, by a desire to meet the expectations of a higher power. In the case of Orin, she is in a never-ending pursuit to prove herself to Bhaal, the Lord of Murder. Similarly, Lady Dimitrescu is indebted to Mother Miranda, the leader of the Cult of the Black God, who bestowed upon Dimitrescu her parasite-based abilities. The malevolent actions of these antagonists can often be attributed to their submission to an even greater malevolence.

Lady Dimitrescu's violence stems from a combination of rage, anger, and a deep hurt that conceals a strong capacity for love. This love ultimately shapes her actions in the game.

In contrast, Orin finds joy in violence. To her, it serves as a means of self-expression and pleasure. Similar to Lady Dimitrescu, both characters seek approval and recognition throughout the game. Orin, in particular, believes she is chosen by Bhaal and strives to prove this to him. However, her upbringing has been harsh, leaving her only familiar with death. Unlike Lady Dimitrescu, who maintains a connection to her humanity, Orin's sense of humanity has been brutally stripped away from the very beginning.

Digging deep, both of these characters possess a hidden vulnerability that can invoke sympathy if one can see past the unfathomable horrors. Lady Dimitrescu, despite her daughters being mere illusions of humanity disguised as swarms of flies, maintains a maternal connection with them. Conversely, Orin's relationship with her blades is twisted, as they are the sole source of solace in her life. There are scenes where she tenderly caresses them, highlighting the significance of this bond according to Robertson.

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Moreover, both characters did not deliberately opt for their current state. The vampirism in Lady Dimitrescu's case stemmed from a mutation that compels her to consume fresh blood for survival. Similarly, Miranda was enticed by her cult to willingly contract the parasite. Although they have autonomy in their subsequent choices, we can attribute the origins of their malevolent actions to these horrifying circumstances.

I believe villains are not simply made, but rather created. As an actor, it is crucial to continuously question and unravel the reasons behind their behavior and the choices they make that shape their character. Our choices ultimately define who we are, and delving into that aspect is where true character exploration lies. Lady Dimitrescu's upbringing, when explored further, reveals a harsh and brutal reality. It is not surprising then, that her distorted worldview is tainted with darkness, sickness, and sadism, as that is all she has ever known.

Upon exploring Orin's domain beneath Baldur's Gate, players will uncover a tragic backstory that makes her comparable to Lady Dimitrescu. Although witnessing the extent of her cruelty may make it challenging to feel sympathy for Orin, Larian Studios has masterfully crafted her character as a more captivating and intriguing villain. Baldur's Gate 3 can currently be enjoyed on PC, with its release for PlayStation 5 set for September 6.