Most people will play as Tav, the custom character, in their first playthrough ofBaldur’s Gate 3. That’s exactly how Larian wants you to experience the story for the first time. However, subsequent playthroughs with either one of theorigin characters or Dark Urgewill reveal a lot more content for the game.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Tav is the canon protagonist of the story. In fact, throughout most of the game, Tav doesn’t really have any character development or arc, and is simply solving their companions' problems. Sure, they defeat the Netherbrain, but that’s just because they’re the stand in. So, who exactly is the protagonist of Baldur’s Gate 3 from a narrative standpoint?
Dark Urge May Just Be The Protagonist Of Baldur’s Gate 3
In one of many Reddit posts that theorise who the main character of the game is,Ready_Medicine_2641suggests it’s none other than Shadowheart. “Dedicating your life to a god, only to learn that your allegiance wasn’t your decision at all and your entire life was stolen from you, and then working your way up to not only remedy that but also save the world. Doesn’t get more main character than that.”
However, not everyone agrees. Gale, Wyll, and Lae’zel were all named as protagonists in various comments with justifications as well. However, it seems there’s one origin character that most people think is actually the main character –the murder lizard themselves, Dark Urge.
“If you play as Tav and pay attention, Durge is absolutely still behind everything, and then you find the default Dark Urge’s body in the Bhaal temple,” noted one comment. “In a Tav playthrough Durge is still a major part of the story. Play as Durge and there’s absolutely nothing that points to the existence of a Tav. Durge is absolutely the main character.
“I’d argue that the Dark Urge is more MC what with the entire plot revolving around you, but Shart was shown a lot of love both as an Origin and companion, " noted another. One of the game’s biggest twists, which is only revealed during a Dark Urge playthrough, also adds weight to the argument.
“The way Durge is literally the mastermind behind the entire netherbrain just for them to become an unwitting victim of their own diabolical plan definitely makes them the main character.”
Of course, all the origin characters are protagonists in a way, but Dark Urge’s story is woven into the entire plotline of Baldur’s Gate 3. You only realise it once you’ve done a Durge run.
