3 Video Game Side Characters So Iconic, They Stole The Show (And One Literally Took Over the Franchise)

When it comes to making a solid, story-driven game, one key component comes into play – character development. Often, we think of the journey of the game’s main character as the driving force for a narrative. And yet, for many gamers, it’s not protagonists we think of first when remembering some of our favorite playthroughs. It’s the side characters, those companions who steal the show and our hearts. Over the years, we’ve had many amazing side characters who claimed the spotlight right out from under the main character of some of the best games around.

No game has proved the importance of solid companion characters quite like Baldur’s Gate 3. Though players sink hours into making their own characters, the memes and the merch and the love go to the companions from Astarion and Shadowheart down to more niche options like Minsc or Jaheira. But great side characters have been around for years, and there are plenty of games with companions that have claimed the spotlight. These three in particular have a cult following to this day, and one even managed to step into the protagonist role for an upcoming game in her franchise.

Serana from Skyrim 

Did you think I’d start my list with a side character from a DLC? Well, here we are. Serana wasn’t in Skyrim when the game first released, but came in to steal the show and players’ hearts with the release of the vampiric Dawnguard DLC. Now, it’s hard to imagine the game without her.

This sassy vampire princess is hands-down the best companion in the game, and her commentary cannot be missed. For many players, the fact that she isn’t one of the marriage options in Skyrim is truly devastating. The Dragonborn as a character can be pretty bland, but few Skyrim players forget Serana once they’ve met her.

Solaire from Dark Souls 

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Ah, Solaire of Astora. This character truly shines in Dark Souls, with a friendly personality that sticks out amongst the otherwise dark medieval vibes of the game. His jovial good nature and diehard devotion to the sun have landed him in the top of fan favorite side characters throughout gaming history. He’s so beloved, he even made a reappearance in Elden Ring Nightreign as a player costume.

Part of what makes Solaire stand out is how different he is from everyone else you meet in Dark Souls. But he also has a compelling and potentially tragic story, leaving many players with emotional memories of their first playthrough. To this day, Solaire has Dark Souls players saying “Praise the Sun,” letting him eclipse your own player role as The Chosen Undead.

Ciri from The Witcher

Though she doesn’t take on a larger role in the games until The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Ciri has been a part of the lore from the beginning. The first two games feature brief allusions to Ciri, who believed from a young age that she was destined to become a witcher like series protagonist Geralt. Ciri has a bigger role in the original books, but is relegated to a side character role in the games… at first.

When she fully enters the story in The Witcher 3, Ciri shares the spotlight with Geralt as another playable character. From there, she became a fan favorite for her compelling story as the possessor of powerful ancient Elder Blood and role as Geralt’s determined protégée and adopted daughter. After playing a central role in the third Witcher game, Ciri will step into the role as the main protagonist of the upcoming The Witcher 4.

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