The Elder Scrolls 6is still likely some years away, and there is still nothing known about its protagonist. The protagonist ofThe Elder Scrollsgames is, by tradition, usually a prisoner, who either escapes or is released during the prologue of the game. However, rather than remaining an anonymous figure and attaining fame purely from their exploits, the main storyline ofThe Elder Scrollsgames usually involves the player character at the center of a prophecy, as was the case inMorrowind,Oblivion, andSkyrim.
While this works well as a storytelling device,The Elder Scrolls 6has the chance to break this cycleand really lean into the narrative of a character overcoming adversity and creating a name for themselves through their actions alone, rather than because of their role in a prophecy.Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s protagonist, Rook, took the mantle of leadership because they had to step up, and forged a path on their own merits. The strength of this kind of storytelling is that it can lead to unpredictable places while building an empowering narrative.
The Strengths of Adopting Rook’s Character Archetype in The Elder Scrolls 6
One of thedraws ofDragon Age: The Veilguardwas that the player character, Rook, would be antithetical to the protagonist ofDragon Age: Inquisition, who was considered by many in-game to be the Herald of Andraste and a holy figure. Instead of being magically marked for greatness, it was a force of personality and skill that set Rook apart and made them the leader and protagonist ofDragon Age: The Veilguard.
The protagonists ofThe Elder Scrollsall start out as blank-slate characters, but all of them are destined for greatness. Theprotagonist ofMorrowindis the Nerevarine, the protagonist ofOblivionwas seen in a prophetic dream by the Emperor shortly before his death, and the protagonist ofSkyrimis the Last Dragonborn of legend.The Elder Scrolls 6has the chance to break this pattern and introduce a protagonist who starts out as a prisoner and becomes great because of their skills, courage, and actions, rather than being led along the main quest because it was their destiny.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Give Players More Agency
Approaching theprotagonist ofThe Elder Scrolls 6as a prisonerwithout giving the player hints of a larger destiny encourages the writing to be more creative, as it needs the story to give the player reasons to pursue the main storyline besides the need to fulfill a prophecy that supersedes player agency. Creating a compelling reason for the player to pursue the main storyline is important in any RPG, but is especially important in a sandbox game series likeThe Elder Scrolls, where players are free to ignore the main storyline for as long as they want.
Rather than being a predestined character, building a name from nothing and for no reason other than hard work, grit, and strength of character would be achange of pace from previous games inThe Elder Scrolls, and potentially be more rewarding than having “hero” status handed to the player character. Their role as a figure in Tamriel’s history could be defined by their actions and choices, rather than the prophecies made about them.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to June 17, 2025.EPIC FANTASY REBORNSkyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLDPlay any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAYChoose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.BATTLE DRAGONSBattle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
