When one talks about some of the most iconic characters in video game history, then it goes without saying that Ciri's name would be part of this esteemed list. The heir to Nilfgaard's throne was introduced late in The Witcher trilogy, yet still managed to capture the hearts of fans all over the globe with a brilliant performance. Her quest to come into her own as a character and use her powers to save the world is a truly noble endeavor indeed, and one can't help but cheer her on as she tackles the White Frost and brings an end to this calamitous event once and for all.
Ciri's character from the books has been faithfully adapted, for the most part. One might argue that the changes that CD Projekt Red has made to the character have been for the better, but there's a hardcore section of the fanbase that feels Ciri is a completely original character, as opposed to a faithful adaptation from the novels. To bring the arguments of both these sides to light, here are five ways in which Ciri is a faithful adaptation of her character in the books, coupled with five ways in which she's completely different.
10 TRUE TO THE BOOKS: They Nailed Her Looks, For The Most Part
CD Projekt Red might've taken certain liberties when it comes to the looks of certain characters in their games, but there's no denying the fact that they've nailed Ciri's features to a T.
Ashen blond hair, pale skin, green eyes, and a facial scar — three of her most noticeable physical features from the books have been replicated faithfully in the games. One can argue that she's been beautified quite extensively in the games, but that's a pretty small gripe in the grand scheme of things.
9 NOTHING LIKE THE BOOKS: Her Outfit
However, while her physical features might be faithful for the most part, her outfit looks like a bad attempt at a half-baked cosplay in an anime convention.
Nothing about her outfit makes any sense, from her impractical high heels to her constantly open shirt. This might've been CD Projekt Red's way to make Ciri more marketable, although that is pretty suspect regardless.
8 TRUE TO THE BOOKS: Resilient And Headstrong
One quality of Ciri's that's kept intact in both the books and the games is her incredibly resilient nature, allowing her to bounce back from any unfavorable situation and trying her hardest to turn things around for the better.
There are numerous instances of this mentality in both the books and games and goes to show just how headstrong she really is.
7 NOTHING LIKE THE BOOKS: Lacks That Psychotic Edge That Made Her Such A Polarizing Figure In The Books
Most people considered Ciri from the video games to be a watered-down and more likable version of her character in the books, and it's easy to see why this is the case. After all, book Ciri ended up joining a group of bandits during a particularly rebellious phase, where she took pleasure in murdering people and also kicked a dog out of sheer frustration.
Thankfully, such horrible traits don't exist in the video game version of Ciri.
6 TRUE TO THE BOOKS: As A Child Of The Elder Blood, She Has Massive Potential
One thing that is communicated time and time again in both the books and games is the power Ciri harbors inside her as a descendant with Elder Blood in her.
No other example can illustrate this point enough that the Battle of Kaer Morhen, where a distraught Ciri — upon witnessing the death of Vesemir — loses control over her emotions and expels a barrage of energy that incapacitated everyone on the battlefield. With proper control over this power, Ciri can become an absolute powerhouse.
5 NOTHING LIKE THE BOOKS: Gives Up Way Too Easily At Times
While this might be due to the loss of her mentor, Ciri does act somewhat out of character when she gives up in the middle of her training with Avallac'h in The Witcher 3.
This tendency to give up early is not something that is shared with Ciri from the books... although it may stem from unstable emotions as opposed to a general sense of laziness.
4 TRUE TO THE BOOKS: Her Training With Geralt And The Witchers Was Clearly Fruitful
One need only control Ciri in battle to witness how elegant, strong... and familiar she feels in a fight.
It seems that her training under Geralt and the witchers in the books definitely paid off in the best way possible.
3 NOTHING LIKE THE BOOKS: She's Quite Selfless And Looks Out For Others Before Herself
As mentioned before, Ciri in the games just feels like a nicer incarnation of her character from the books. She's willing to consider the wants of others before her own happiness, going so far as becoming the Empress of Nilfgaard to bring peace to the land and the people in it.
Ciri from the books would've never chosen to become an Empress and sacrifice her own happiness in the process — in fact, the thought wouldn't have even registered.
2 TRUE TO THE BOOKS: Her Relationship With Geralt Is Depicted Beautifully
One thing from the books that the developers absolutely nail in the games is Ciri's relationship with Geralt. This is quite impressive, given the fact that she's not even introduced properly until the third game itself.
From their reunion to the various moments they share later on — it must be said that Geralt and Ciri's relationship seems surprisingly natural. The same can't be said for the next person, however.
1 NOTHING LIKE THE BOOKS: Her Interactions With Yennefer Are Sorely Lacking
For someone whom Ciri considered to be her mother, it must be said that her relationship with Yennefer in the games is sorely lacking.
This might be a by-product of the fact that Geralt can romance either Yennefer or Triss in the games, but it's still somewhat disappointing to not see Yennefer and Ciri interact like they do in the books.