Alistair. What is it about this character from BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins game that drives the female gaming audiences wild? Is it his looks, his personality, or a combination of both? While the majority of women appear to love him the guys, on the other hand, have mixed opinions in regards to this Grey Warden.
But the ultimate question we have to ask of Alistair is whether he is a Stud or a Dud?
(WARNING: Complete Spoilers Ahead for Dragon Age: Origins!)
You first meet Alistair at Ostagar, where the Grey Wardens have gathered to fight the Darkspawn, and you see him talking to a mage. While the dialogue between him and the mage is amusing you can’t help but notice that Alistair has a penchant for being glib and sarcastic. And so you get to meet your first party member who will make you laugh and roll your eyes all at the same time throughout your entire journey.
Now, after the destruction of the Grey Wardens along with King Cailan and Duncan, you find yourself with Alistair who becomes your companion. Through a combination of survivor’s guilt and the loss of Duncan, who Alistair respected, he is feeling despondent and full of grief. He is devastated by the loss of all the Grey Wardens and is very serious about destroying the Darkspawn.
Yet while this companion cuts quite the figure in armor we need to take a closer look at his personality because it is…interesting. To say the least.
If I were to describe Alistair’s personality I would have to use words such as sarcastic, glib, joker, innocent, shy, and naïve. However, he puts a lot of importance on family, is very loyal, and, once again, determined to destroy the Darkspawn. It’s as if he has the mental maturity of a teenager but with the physique of a man.
Despite all of the jokes and sarcastic quips, Alistair is shy and innocent when it comes to relationships. Nowhere is that more apparent than when you try to romance him as a female Grey Warden. Aside from being shy he will also get nervous and flustered while running off at the mouth more than usual. Alistair will even offer you a rose should his approval rating be high enough.
Yet while his personality may be endearing to some, his disinterest and aversion to a leadership position is rather odd and goes against the male mentality. Despite being the senior Grey Warden, after everyone else is killed at Ostagar, he defers to your leadership even though you are a new recruit. But he is also disdainful of leadership which is even more apparent when, at the end of the game, he is offered the throne because he is King Maric’s illegitimate heir.
Interestingly enough though, there is a part in the story where you can help him to evolve as a character. The part I am talking about is when he finally meets his half-sister only to be disappointed in the way she talks to him. It is here where he can be hardened and start to put himself first.
However, he doesn’t stop with the jokes or being sarcastic. He will, though, be more forceful and outspoken when it is time to decide who will rule Ferelden.
Is Alistair a Stud or a Dud?
Alistair has given me many laughs through his jokes and sarcastic response but he has also made me roll my eyes at his more innocent and shy outlook on relationships. His major downside is his refusal and inability to be or even want to become a leader. He is not assertive in what he wants to do, except killing Darkspawn, and his reactions to a romantic interest. Women may like a man who is funny, but they aren’t going to take him seriously. Only way they will take him seriously is because he takes the throne, but if that wasn’t a factor, they might have a quick fling but they’ll be looking for someone else to marry.
So my verdict would have to be Dud. However, there is hope for him! He just needs to nut up and be a decisive leader. Then, instead of just laughing at his jokes, women will be throwing their panties at him.
But what do you think? Is Alistair a Stud or a Dud and why?