In the vast, character-rich world of video games, few figures are as compelling, divisive, and utterly unforgettable as Christine Trevelyan. To many, she is not just a character but an experience—a journey through faith, doubt, love, and the immense weight of choices that define BioWare’s epic fantasy series, Dragon Age. While her name might not be officially canonized in every player’s playthrough, the archetype she represents—the human noble mage from the Free Marches, the reluctant Herald of Andraste, the leader of the Inquisition—is a cornerstone of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Understanding Christine Trevelyan is to understand the very heart of the game’s narrative power, its exploration of theology and politics, and its mastery of character-driven storytelling. This article delves deep into the world of Thedas to unpack the legacy of this iconic figure, exploring her origins, her pivotal role, her complex relationships, and the reasons she continues to captivate fans years after the game’s release.
Christine Trevelyan is more than a name on a character creation screen; she is a vessel for player agency and a defined personality shaped by a thousand decisions. She embodies a specific path through the chaos that engulfs Thedas at the Conclave. Whether a diplomatic peacemaker, a hardened military general, or a shadowy manipulator, her actions ripple across continents. Her story begins not with a shout, but with a whisper—a survivor pulled from the Fade, marked with a mysterious green glow on her hand, and branded simultaneously as a savior and a suspect. This dichotomy, this tension between faith and fact, between the symbol people need and the person she actually is, forms the crucible in which her character is forged. Whether you love her, hated her for a specific act of betrayal, or guided her towards redemption, her impact on the Dragon Age lore is undeniable and profound.
The Origins and Background of a Trevelyan
The House of Trevelyan is a noble family of significant influence from the Free Marches city-state of Ostwick. As a member of this house, Christine Trevelyan was born into a life of privilege, duty, and expectation. The Trevelyans are devout followers of the Chantry, the dominant religious institution in Thedas, and often have close ties to the Templar Order—the military arm of the Chantry tasked with regulating mages. This background is crucial to understanding the starting point of her character. A human noble origin provides a specific worldview, one shaped by political maneuvering and religious doctrine. For a player crafting Christine’s personality, this can mean she is a faithful believer, a cynical participant in the system, or a rebel straining against the confines of her upbringing.
If the player chooses to make her a mage, this background becomes even more richly layered and conflicted. Being a mage in Thedas is to be inherently dangerous, feared, and locked away in Circles of Magi for life. For a Trevelyan mage, this means her noble status offers little protection from this fate; in fact, it might demand stricter adherence to the rules to avoid scandal. This creates a fascinating internal conflict. Christine Trevelyan the mage is a walking contradiction: a privileged noble who is also a feared outsider, a supposed believer in a system that incarcerates people like her. This dynamic informs her potential perspectives on the Mage-Templar war that serves as the game’s central inciting conflict. She could be sympathetic to the mage rebellion, having experienced the Circle’s oppression firsthand, or she could be a loyalist who believes wholeheartedly in the Circle’s necessity, internalizing the Chantry’s teachings to a painful degree.
The Reluctant Herald of Andraste
The central premise of Dragon Age: Inquisition hinges on a case of mistaken identity that balloons into a world-changing prophecy. Christine Trevelyan is at the center of this storm. After the catastrophic explosion at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, she is the only one who emerges from a rift in the Veil—the barrier between the physical world and the Fade—alive, and with a mark on her hand that can inexplicably close the very same dimensional tears that are now plaguing the land. To the terrified and faithful masses, her survival is nothing short of a miracle. They see the mark not as a mysterious anomaly, but as a divine brand, and they name her the “Herald of Andraste,” the prophet of the Maker who was sent to save them all.
This title, “Herald of Andraste,” is the burden Christine must carry. For a character who may or may not be devout, this can be a source of immense comfort, crippling anxiety, or outright annoyance. The game masterfully allows the player to role-play Christine Trevelyan’s reaction to this faith. She can embrace the role, using the influence it grants her to unite people under a common banner of hope. She can politely but firmly deny any divinity, insisting she is just a woman in the right place at the wrong time. Or she can be openly hostile to the title, rejecting the religious fervor that threatens to erase her own identity and agency, reducing her to a symbol. This negotiation between her personal truth and the public’s perception is a continuous thread throughout the narrative, making her journey deeply personal and philosophically engaging.
The Formative Relationships of the Inquisitor
A BioWare game is defined as much by its protagonist as by the family they find along the way—their companions. Christine Trevelyan’s relationships with her inner circle are not side quests; they are integral to the main story, shaping her perspective, providing critical support, and often challenging her beliefs to the core. Each interaction adds a layer to her character, revealing new facets of her personality based on the choices the player makes. From the stern, duty-bound Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast who first judges her and later becomes a staunch ally, to the charming, witty Varric Tethras who provides much-needed levity, these relationships define the human (or elven, or dwarven, or qunari) experience of leading the Inquisition.
Two relationships, in particular, stand out for their depth and narrative impact: one a romance, and one a rivalry that defines the game’s central conflict. The first is her dynamic with Solas, the elven apostate mage who is far more than he appears. His wisdom, his unique knowledge of the Fade, and his enigmatic nature make him a fascinating confidant for a curious Christine Trevelyan. A romance with him is particularly poignant, layered with a sense of tragedy and mystery that pays off in devastating ways in the game’s DLC and upcoming sequel. Their conversations about the nature of the Fade, spirits, and the history of Thedas can fundamentally shape how Christine views her own mark and the anchor, adding a rich, scholarly dimension to her quest.
The Romance with Cullen Rutherford
Perhaps one of the most beloved and emotionally satisfying arcs for a human or elven Inquisitor is the romance with Cullen Rutherford, the former Templar who serves as the Inquisition’s military advisor. For a Christine Trevelyan character, this relationship is packed with historical and personal significance. Cullen represents a path to reconciliation and understanding. He is a man deeply scarred by his past experiences with mages—from the horrors of the Circle Tower in Ferelden during the Fifth Blight to the tragedy of Kirkwall. He is actively overcoming his prejudice and dealing with the trauma of his addiction to Lyrium, the substance that grants Templars their power.
A romance between Christine Trevelyan and Cullen is a story of two people finding peace and redemption in each other. If Christine is a mage, the relationship becomes even more powerful, directly confronting and overcoming the entrenched conflict that defines their world. It’s a narrative about seeing the person behind the label—the mage behind the magic, the man behind the Templar armor. Their love story is one of quiet moments, shared vulnerability, and mutual support, offering a gentle reprieve from the world-saving chaos. It provides a very human heart to the grand, epic tale, showing that even an Inquisitor needs a place to be soft and vulnerable.
The Ultimate Betrayal and the Choice at the Temple of Mythal
The narrative of Dragon Age: Inquisition builds towards a shattering revelation that recontextualizes everything Christine Trevelyan and her allies believe they are fighting for. The Corypheus they pursue is not the ultimate evil but a symptom of a much deeper and more ancient conflict. This revelation is delivered by none other than Morrigan, the Witch of the Wilds from the first game, but it is cemented during the journey into the ancient elven temple known as the Temple of Mythal. Here, Christine is faced with a choice that tests her values, her curiosity, and her willingness to trust ancient power.
Morrigan presents Christine Trevelyan with the option to drink from the Well of Sorrows, a source of immense ancient knowledge, but one that comes with a terrible price—an eternal bond of servitude to Mythal. The alternative is to let Morrigan drink it herself. This is a quintessential Dragon Age choice, with no clear “good” or “bad” option, only consequences that extend far beyond the current moment. Does Christine Trevelyan, as the leader, take this power and its burden upon herself for the good of the Inquisition, risking an unknown future? Or does she allow a powerful, often manipulative ally to gain that power, maintaining her own freedom but potentially creating a powerful rival? This decision, made deep in a forgotten temple, is a defining moment for her character and has significant implications for the future of Thedas.
The Confrontation with Corypheus and the Aftermath
The final confrontation with the darkspawn magister Corypheus is the culmination of Christine Trevelyan’s journey from prisoner to prophet to military commander. It is a battle across physical and metaphysical realms, testing the strength of the Inquisition she built and the alliances she forged. The victory over this ancient evil is a moment of triumph, but it is immediately followed by another profound choice. The Inquisition has grown from a desperate gathering of survivors into the most powerful military and political force in Southern Thedas. With the central threat neutralized, the world holds its breath to see what the Inquisitor will do next.
The mark on Christine Trevelyan’s hand, the source of her power and her title, becomes unstable. In a final act of sacrifice, she must use its last vestiges of energy to defeat Corypheus for good, seemingly losing the mark in the process. In the aftermath, she stands before the Exalted Council of Orlais and Ferelden, who are deeply fearful of this unchecked power she commands. She is presented with a choice: disband the Inquisition, integrating its members into the Divine’s Chantry as a peacekeeping force, or defiantly maintain it as a independent army. This decision is the final stamp on her legacy. Does she relinquish power to assure the world of its safety, or does she hold onto it, believing that the world will always need a guardian, even if it makes her look like a potential tyrant? It is the ultimate test of her character and her vision for Thedas.
The Legacy of Christine Trevelyan in Dragon Age Lore
The impact of Christine Trevelyan on the world of Thedas is indelible. Whether she was a compassionate diplomat, a ruthless pragmatist, a faithful zealot, or a skeptical agnostic, her actions reshaped the political and religious landscape. She ended the Mage-Templar War, either by brokering a fragile peace, allying with one side, or conscripting both under her banner. She restored the Orlesian Empire, choosing between Empress Celene, Duke Gaspard, or a truce mediated by Briala, thus determining the fate of a nation for years to come. She uncovered the secrets of the Grey Wardens and decided their fate after a failed coup.
Most significantly, she reformed the Chantry itself. Through her influence, she helped elect a new Divine—whether it be the hardened traditionalist Cassandra, the progressive reformist Leliana, or the moderate diplomat Vivienne. This choice dictates the future of religion in Thedas, affecting the lives of mages and commoners alike. The Inquisition, whether dissolved or maintained as a shadow organization, remains a part of the world’s fabric. Christine Trevelyan’s story is not just one of personal growth but of world-building on a massive scale. Her decisions, both big and small, are the variables that will influence the state of the world in the upcoming Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, ensuring her legacy will be felt long after the credits roll.
Why Christine Trevelyan Remains a Fan-Favorite Character
Years after the release of Dragon Age: Inquisition, discussions about world states, character builds, and role-playing choices remain vibrant within the community. At the center of many of these discussions is the figure of Christine Trevelyan. Her enduring popularity stems from the perfect storm of player agency and compelling narrative framing. She is a blank slate with just enough defined background to be grounded, allowing players to project their own personalities onto her while still feeling like a part of the world. The voice acting performances (by Alix Wilton Regan and Sumalee Montano) add a layer of warmth, strength, and nuance that makes her feel real and relatable.
Furthermore, her relationships feel authentic and impactful. The romance arcs, particularly with Cullen and Solas, are often cited as some of the best in gaming, offering deep emotional connections that players invest in. The betrayal and mystery surrounding Solas, especially, created a fervent fan culture dedicated to analyzing every line of dialogue for clues about the next game. Christine Trevelyan is a character that players feel for. They feel her pain, her triumph, her anger, and her love. This emotional resonance, combined with the power to shape her story, is the key to her lasting appeal. She is not just a character we watch; she is a character we are, and that personal investment is what cements her status as an iconic RPG protagonist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christine Trevelyan
Can Christine Trevelyan be romanced in the game?
No, Christine Trevelyan is the player character and the protagonist of Dragon Age: Inquisition. She is the one who romances other characters. Players guide her decisions and relationships, meaning she can pursue romances with several companions and advisors, such as Cullen Rutherford, Josephine Montilyet, Sera, The Iron Bull, Blackwall, and Solas, depending on her race and gender.
What happens if Christine Trevelyan drinks from the Well of Sorrows?
If Christine Trevelyan chooses to drink from the Well of Sorrows, she gains the knowledge of the ancient elven servants of Mythal. This grants her unique dialogue options and a special connection to the ancient lore of Thedas. However, the crucial consequence is that she binds herself to the will of Mythal. This has major implications in the Trespasser DLC and will likely be a significant factor in the upcoming Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, as the one who drank the Well becomes compelled to obey the commands of Mythal’s successor.
Is the name “Christine Trevelyan” actually canon?
The name “Christine Trevelyan” itself is not official canon. In Dragon Age: Inquisition, the player chooses their character’s name. “Trevelyan” is the default surname for a human Inquisitor, but it can be changed. “Christine” is a popular fan-given first name for a female Trevelyan character. The canon Inquisitor, as often referenced by BioWare in broader terms, is the one who made certain overarching world state decisions, but their specific name and appearance are left to player imagination.
What are the best specializations for a Christine Trevelyan mage build?
For a mage build, Christine Trevelyan has access to three specializations: Knight-Enchanter, Rift Mage, and Necromancer. The Knight-Enchanter is often considered one of the strongest and most thematic. It allows her to create a spirit blade from her marked hand, making her a powerful battlemage who can fight on the front lines, which fits the idea of a hands-on leader. Rift Mage, which manipulates the raw power of the Fade, is also highly thematic given her connection to the Breach.
How will Christine Trevelyan’s actions impact Dragon Age: Dreadwolf?
While the exact details are unknown, it is certain that the major decisions made by Christine Trevelyan will significantly impact the world state in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Key factors include the fate of the Inquisition (disbanded or maintained), the choice of the new Divine, the resolution of the Well of Sorrows quest, and the outcome of the relationship with Solas. These world states will be imported into the new game, likely shaping dialogue, available allies, and the overall political and magical landscape of Thedas that the new protagonist will inhabit.
Conclusion
Christine Trevelyan is far more than a simple avatar for the player. She is a narrative masterpiece of modern gaming, a character whose depth is achieved through a brilliant combination of player agency and expertly crafted world-building. Her journey from a suspect in chains to the most powerful person in Thedas is a compelling power fantasy, but it is the personal moments—the conversations with companions, the flirtations with a lover, the difficult choices with no easy answers—that give her story its soul. She represents the best of what role-playing games can offer: a chance to not just save a world, but to define a character within it, to explore complex themes of faith, power, and identity, and to leave a legacy that feels truly personal. Whether her story ended in triumph, tragedy, or a quiet retirement, the mark she left on Thedas, and on the players who guided her, is permanent.
