Skyrim is filled with new and unforgettable characters that have woven themselves into the lore of The Elder Scrolls. The characters that populate Skyrim are vast and varied. Some are important to the story, while others simply add variety to the land. Many harken to previous Elder Scrolls games, while others offer a new experience.
These characters range from ancient dragon priests to nobles who talk way too much. Some offer new experiences to players, such as the companion system, while others simply offer help when it's needed. A few made their mark on the world, while others will probably fade with history, but will always remain in the hearts of players.
Updated on November 25, 2022, by Ben Painter: Skyrim once again gets a resurgence as it has been added to PlayStation Plus this month. It's incredibly unusual to see a game live the tests of time as Skyrim has, but Bethesda has managed to create something near-immortal with Skyrim.
Gamers can once again immerse themselves in the lore of Skyrim, and its many characters. With five new additions to this list, players can explore the most memorable of the Skyrim characters and start another playthrough, if they have PlayStation Plus, and see what the game has to offer on the next-gen consoles.
20 Ralof, The First Person To Speak
Skyrim has been the subject of countless memes, like any extremely popular game. The famous opening sequence is so well-known by now in popular culture that even those who have never played the game are likely to recognize it. The line, "Hey, you're finally awake" is one anyone will understand.
And that's exactly why Ralof is such an iconic Skyrim character, despite his status as a side character. He's the first person to speak in the game, the first lines of dialogue the Dragonborn hears as they awaken, realizing they're once again a prisoner with no name and past in an Elder Scrolls game.
19 Aela The Huntress, The Master Of Archery
The Companions are likely the first faction the Dragonborn will join, as they're based in Whiterun where the players are guided through the main quest. While most of the members of the Companions are somewhat forgettable, Aela is certainly not. She's headstrong and straightforward, as well as incredibly loyal to the faction's cause.
What also makes her special is the fact that unlike most of the Companions, she doesn't want to give up her werewolf form. Rather, she prefers to embrace it. Aela's also available as a spouse, and pairs great with more traditional character builds that rely on close-quarter combat, while she pelts the enemy with arrows from the back.
18 M'aiq The Liar, The Teller Of Truths
Skyrim's characters aren't just limited to random NPCs that walk around all day doing nothing or quest-related characters that serve a specific purpose. Bethesda made sure to add in a fair bit of randomness and humor into an otherwise quite serious and fantastical game.
M'aiq, the resident source of misinformation and lies, is one great example of this and is also just one of the several characters that return throughout The Elder Scrolls game, from Morrowind to Oblivion and finally to Skyrim. These little references are really what makes the series so enjoyable to play, and the world so believable to adventure through.
17 Maven Black-Briar, The Lady Pulling The Strings
An unforgettable character doesn't necessarily have to be a well-liked one. Maven Black-Briar, for example, is deeply hated by the community. At the same time, it's quite impressive for Bethesda to have created such a deeply unlikable character. It's truly an achievement of its own.
Maven is an important political and financial figure in Skyrim. Although much of the politics is handled by the Jarls of Skyrim, Maven has her hands mixed in all of it, one way or another. Her influence runs deep, all the way from the halls of the Blue Palace into the secret dens of the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves Guild.
16 Cicero, The Murderous Jester Who Lost His Mind
Speaking of controversial and unlikeable characters, Cicero from the Dark Brotherhood is one that often has fans divided. On one hand, he's so different from all other characters in the game that just for that reason alone he deserves a spotlight, but at the same time, he's incredibly irritating and creepy.
No matter what fans think of Cicero, there's no denying he's one of the most unique and iconic characters in the game. A jester working as an assassin, with an obsession for the Night Mother. It doesn't get more special and crazier than that.
15 Nazeem, Whom Players Love To Hate
Nazeem stands out as the NPC that is probably the most often murdered by players in the whole of Skyrim. He's a resident of Whiterun and is apparently a noble resident of the Cloud District — a fact he'll tell the Dragonborn unprompted every time they have the misfortune of running into him.
Even worse, he does this even if the player is renowned as the Dragonborn, slayer of Alduin, and savior of Tamriel. His smug and condescending tone just seals the deal.
14 Lydia, The Dragonborn's Loyal Companion
Lydia isn't all that remarkable, but she is often the first experience players have with Skyrim's companion system. When the Dragonborn becomes Thane of Whiterun, Lydia is assigned to them as their Housecarl. Breezhome is, more than likely, the first home players purchase in the game therefore Lydia becomes a very important Skyrim character. Especially in the early parts of the game.
Unfortunately, unlike some other followers, Lydia is not invulnerable and often meets a gruesome death, much to the horror of first-time players. Still, she's a memorable character and a loyal friend.
13 Jarl Balgruuf, Leader Of Whiterun
Balgruuf the Greater is the Jarl of Whiterun, which serves as a home base for the Dragonborn for the first portion of the main quest line. He provides support and makes the player Thane of his hold. This gives the gamer the opportunity to buy a house in Whiterun, a move that makes life easier.
Balgruuf also goes along with some crazy plans, including capturing a dragon alive in his keep. He's a strong leader, standing by his people in a time of crisis.
12 Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, Leader Of The Rebellion
Jarl Ulfric is the leader of the Stormcloaks, the Nord rebels who are waging war against the Empire in an attempt to gain their independence. He is a charismatic leader and appears to have a just cause; however, he believes Skyrim should be only for the Nords, which leaves other races living there in an uncomfortable position.
Ulfric can be supported or fought against. If the Dragonborn kills him before the main quest line is complete, he appears in Sovngarde. Ulfric might not be the most pleasant character, but his mark on Skyrim is unmistakable.
11 Delphine, Last Of The Blades
Delphine serves as the owner of the small and humble inn in Riverrun. She eventually reveals herself as the last of the Blades, a group of devout warriors whose only role is to protect and serve those of dragon blood.
She assists the Dragonborn and helps guide them on their quest to take down Alduin. Delphine, like Esbern, represents the side of the Blades that the Dragonborn can choose, as opposed to choosing the side of the Greybeards.
10 Arngeir, The Greybeard Monk
Arngeir is the leader of the Greybeards, an order of monks whose only purpose is to study the Way of the Voice. When the player's Dragonborn identity is discovered, they call them to High Hrothgar, the Throat of the World. Arngeir is the only one of the Greybeards who is able to speak to the Dragonborn, and he provides valuable insight and history.
Arngeir advocates for letting Paarthurnax live, much to the disdain of the Blades. He's also able to tell the Dragonborn where they can find Words of Power across Skyrim.
9 Serana, The Ancient Vampire
Serana appears in the Dawnguard expansion and becomes an ally to the player. She's one of the original vampires created by Molag Bal, known as the Daughters of Coldharbour. Serana is incredibly old and predates even the Empire. She tells the Dragonborn interesting stories about her life and the nature of vampires.
Many fans recognize Serana as one of Skyrim's most complex, well-written characters. She stands out as one of the few characters whose path is influenced by the Dragonborn, as she can choose to continue as a vampire or choose to be cured.
8 Esbern, The Blades' Historian
Esbern is the oldest member of the Blades. As their loremaster, he knows much about the history of their order, as well as the history of the old Septim bloodline who were once the emperors of Tamriel.
Esbern leads the Dragonborn to the temple where the prophecy of the last Dragonborn is told in the form of a bas-relief. He interprets the prophecy, laying out the path of the story. Esbern is essential to how Skyrim's main quest plays out, leaving a lasting impression in players' minds.
7 Miraak, The Power-Hungry Dragonborn
Miraak is the primary antagonist of the Dragonborn expansion. A former dragon priest, he betrayed his dragon overlords in his search for power. Miraak is the opposite of the last Dragonborn and leads the player to question their role in Tamriel.
He also offers an unsettling picture of what the last Dragonborn could become if they became as power-hungry as Miraak. He stands as a worthy opponent with complex motives and offers some expansion of the lore of the Dragonborn. A truly unique and menacing Skyrim character, surely not one gamers will forget.
6 Paarthurnax, The Reformed Dragon
While dragons are a dime a dozen in Skyrim, very few of them are willing to have a conversation. While dragons like Odahviing and the Soul Cairn-dwelling Durnehviir are willing to exchange a few words, Paarthurnax has rejected his evil past entirely and sits in isolation on the Throat of the World.
Having a conversation with a dragon, especially one as old as Paarthurnax, is a memorable experience. Despite his isolation, he craves conversation and is happy to have long talks discussing philosophy. He has a special relationship with the Dragonborn and is an example of overcoming even the darkest aspects of one's nature.
5 Grelod The Kind, The First Blood
Grelod the Kind is the first victim of the Dark Brotherhood quest line when Aventus Aretino asks players to kill his headmistress of the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften. The chances are that many gamers have not completed any unnecessary murders up until this point. So Grelod will seemingly be the first unhinged kill during anyone's playthrough.
Murdering Grelod in front of her students will stick in the mind of many fans of the game, so this makes her a very unforgettable Skyrim character. But a necessary kill to start off the Dark Brotherhood quest line.
4 Shadowmere, The Trusty Steed
Upon completing the main part of the Dark Brotherhood quest line gamers are rewarded with a returning character from The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. The Horse Shadowmere.
This noble steed has massive amounts of health and is the best horse to use in the game, so a lot of fans will have fond memories of galloping around the map on this red-eyed dark-colored mare. Once unlocking Shadowmere there is no reason to use another horse, it really does become an integral part of the game.
3 Alduin, The Main Antagonist
Gamers will surely not forget Alduin, the main antagonist of the game's primary quest line. This dark and menacing dragon is introduced in Skyrim's opening. As the Dragonborn is about to be beheaded Alduin attacks Helgen starting the events of the game.
Without a shadow of a doubt. Alduin is one of the most unforgettable Skyrim characters, but once the Dragonborn acquires the Dragonrend shout, it is game over for Alduin. He is defeated in the final chapter 'Dragonslayer', but his actions in this game that has captured hearts have left a memorable impression on Skyrim fans and he is forever immortalized as one of the gaming world's most iconic foes.
2 Babette, The Child Assassin
The Dark Brotherhood quest line offers some unique and interesting Skyrim characters, and Babette is no different. This child member of the guild is actually a vampire. Vampires, of course, do not age, so Babette will remain in her youth for eternity.
Seeing a child in the deep, desolate layer of the Dark Brotherhood is a shock for viewers, and it is certainly one that sticks in the mind when thinking of Skyrim characters. The game constantly offers unique ideas and concepts, which has made Skyrim live the test of time and why Bethesda keeps finding ways to bring the game back into the hearts of its fans.
1 Any Guard In Skyrim
"I used to be an adventurer like you until I took an hour to the knee" Echoes around the brains of Skyrim fans still to this day, despite the game being out now for over a decade. The guards have some of the most memorable quotes out of any of the Skyrim characters.
All the guards roll into one character, and many of them do just look the same. They constantly bother the player when they are just trying to complete their quests in any of Skyrim's many cities. As a matter of fact, someone did steal my sweet roll.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was released on November 11, 2011, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and on PlayStation and Xbox Series X/S. It is also now available for free with PlayStation Plus as of November 2022.