A video game protagonist is usually designed to be an engaging character, so the player will enjoy their experience with them. The correct utilization of a charismatic character has the power to elevate a narrative and cause the player to engage more easily. There are also cases where a protagonist may lack charisma but will make up for it in other areas of their personality.
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For the majority of games, a story’s protagonist is usually muchmore engaging and charismatic than its villain, but there are exceptions. Sometimes,a charismatic villainwill be more sinister in comparison to an openly evil one.
9Ardyn Izunia – Final Fantasy 15
Many video game villains claim to be charismatic until their true agenda is revealed. Upon revelations such as these, their charisma quickly fades away, but Ardyn Izunia ofFinal Fantasy 15is an exception to this trope.
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Ardyn is surrounded by an air of uncertainty throughout the beginning ofFinal Fantasy 15. The game makes it clear that one should suspect him of ulterior motives, but his charming nature renders one easily fooled. Once his hidden agenda is finally revealed, the player may feel that they have been manipulated due to his endearing demeanor, but no one could blame them.
8The Master Of Masters – Kingdom Hearts 3
Fans ofKingdom Heartsmay have thought that Sora, the video game’s main protagonist, was the most charming character to exist throughout the series, but this staple has been undone with the introduction of the Master of Masters.
The Master of Masters is undoubtedlythe most elusive villainpresent in the series with many of his goals remaining unknown. Though his firm distaste for darkness should render him an advocate of light, many of his actions suggest otherwise. The player can easily be taken in by the Master’s comedic dialogue and quirky mannerisms, but by now they should know better.
7Big Smoke – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Upon CJ’s return to San Andreas, he regroups with his childhood friends, one of which is Big Smoke, a well-renowned member of the Grove Street Families. Big Smoke eventually betrays CJ by opting to align himself with the Ballas, a gang hellbent on taking control of Grove Street.
Big Smoke has some of the most iconic lines in the series with many associating him with his extensive drive-thru demands and his frustration regarding CJ’s train following abilities. The first quarter of the game presents him as a loyal companion, but it is not to be. Though he causes the most hardship to CJ out of all villains present during the story, his charm is still undeniable.
6Devola And Popola – NieR
Framed as loyal friends, Devola and Popola betray Nier and his companions during their journey to confront the Shadowlord. It turns out the loving sisters had allegiances to the game’s main antagonist the entire time, but the game never makes it obvious.
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Devola and Popola act as leaders of the village Nier and Yonah live in. They can often be encountered drinking in the local tavern, performing music for villagers, and assisting the town in any way they can. Their villainous tendencies are hidden behind their charismatic natures, rendering the reveal of their true loyalties a shocking one.
5Vaas Montenegro – Far Cry 3
Vaas Montenegro is one ofthe most unhinged villainsseen throughout theFar Cryseries. Though he is not the primary antagonist ofFar Cry 3, he has since become the most iconic character seen throughout the game’s story.
Vaas' insanity is undoubtedly his most charming feature. His unpredictable nature is the result of a secret infatuation he has for his sister. His love for her led him to do some truly horrible things throughout his life, but his fear of admittance forced his sanity to decline. He is one of the most charismatic villains in video game history.
4Saren Arterius – Mass Effect
Saren Arterius is one of the most dangerous villains seen throughout theMass Effectseries. His ruthless approach to achieving his goals is frightening, but his motives are what make him an incredibly compelling villain.
Saren fights for the lesser recognized species throughMass Effect’s expansive galaxy. He believed thathumans had no rightto become a part of the Citadel as quickly as they did while other species were left behind. He fights for those who cannot fight for themselves, making him a great leader, but a terrifying villain.
3Astrid – Skyrim
Astrid is the leader of a group of assassins known as the Dark Brotherhood. She invites the player to join her team of ruthless killers upon discovering their involvement in an assassination they had no right in performing.
Astrid makes it clear to the player that she sees promise in their abilities. She is presented as an honorable and endearing character but, as her story progresses, it is revealed that she possessed no honor at all.She betrays her clanupon learning that player has become the “Listener” as she fears her rank may be threatened. Although her treacherous ways led to her demise, she was a charismatic companion to the very end.
2GLaDOS – Portal
GLaDOS is artificial intelligence that operates the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. Its goal is to act as the facility’s mainframe and to challenge the player by creating a variety of puzzles as they attempt to navigate the facility.
Though many would initially believe GLaDOS to be an asset inPortal, it is slowly revealed over time thatthis artificial intelligence has defected, rendering it an incredibly dangerous enemy to those unfortunate enough to make its acquaintance. Its charming conversational tone and quick-witted remarks can easily fool the player into considering it an ally.
1Flowey – Undertale
Flowey is the unsuspecting antagonist ofUndertale. Being nothing more than a 2D flower with a crude smile on its pistil, many players were shocked to discover the plant’s malicious influence throughout the game’s narrative.
Flowey hides behind an aesthetically pleasing disguise that promotes innocence and politeness. Upon his introduction, he claims to bethe player’s “best friend,“a bold claim, but a believable one since he offers no reason to be considered an enemy. He is one of the most charming and unexpected villains in video game history.
