Harding

Lace Harding could have easily been a throwaway party member in The Veilguard. The dwarven rogue started as a supporting character in 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition, and that’s a long time for fans to project an idealized vision of the mostly jovial scout in their minds. But Harding is so much more complex in The Veilguard, and a lot of it has to do with its willingness to examine the cracks in the happy-go-lucky attitude she’s been known for.

Harding becomes a centerpiece for some of the biggest reveals in dwarven lore Dragon Age has ever dropped, and as she uncovers truths about her people, her anger for what the dwarves have lost becomes central to her world. Things are changing for everyone in The Veilguard, and it often feels like Harding has no one to relate to as she carries heavy dwarven baggage on her back. Rage for what she and her people have lost doesn’t have to consume her, as justified as it might be. But one way or another, someone who once played the support role for the Inquisition becomes a pillar for the dwarven people to build upon. It’s inspiring to see.