Baldur's Gate 3 is most well-known for its excellent storytelling and iconic characters. This is no surprise considering how it takes place inside the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, which is well known for having almost unlimited potential for its characters and storylines. The videogame truly captures the essence of its tabletop source with its companions in particular, but also when it comes to the antagonists.

The main villain of Baldur's Gate 3 is the Netherbrain and is the ultimate foe for the game's finale. Dominating the brain in the game's climax will allow players to free themselves of their Illithid parasites or take over the world as the Absolute. This would be expected to be the most engaging antagonist for players to defeat, as that's what their entire adventure has led up to. However, the villain that fans seem to have unanimously declared the best is long gone by the time they reach this point in the story.

Ketheric Thorm Has The Most Chilling And Impactful Buildup & Introduction Compared To Other Antagonists

Gortash And Orin Simply Don't Compare To Ketheric Despite Them Filling Similar Roles

Ketheric Thorm is alluded to throughout Act One and is first encountered by players in BG3's Act 2. J.K. Simmons' performance is nothing short of spectacular, and his introduction is incredibly chilling. His first scene in Moonrise Towers immediately sets him up as an antagonist by showing off the sheer extent of his power as he stays cool and collected after having an axe lodged in his chest - making it all the more impactful when he eventually does lose his temper later on.

Ketheric succeeding so well in his role as an antagonist has led many to wonder what the game's final act could've looked like if Gortash and Orin had the same treatment, with entire portions of the game dedicated to them without having to share the spotlight with each other. Though the two certainly have tragic backstories, which made them into the villains they are, there is much more focus on Ketheric and his motivations. Players can find several notes, buildings, and other tidbits dedicated to Ketheric, his family, and his backstory throughout Act 2's Map.

Players can learn about Gortash's backstory by finding his parents in Flymm's Cobblers in the Lower City and Orin's by reading "a page from Sarevok's book" in the Murder Tribunal. Reading the page unlocks a hidden dialogue option during the confrontation with Orin.

Compared to Ketheric, Orin and Gortash are cartoonish. That's not to say Ketheric isn't also an over-the-top villain - in the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur's Gate 3, it's something to be expected - and welcomed. However, out of the three, Ketheric feels the most "human." It's quite hard to have sympathy for the other two chosen, and pieces of their backstory are quite easily missable. You can go through an entire playthrough without knowing that Gortash's treatment of Karlach mimicked his own treatment at the hands of his parents or Orin's complicated family dynamic.

Ketheric Has The Foundation Of Every Good Villain In Fiction

Ketheric Thorm Is The Definition Of "Everybody Is A Hero In Their Own Story"

Ketheric's writing is powerful because players can piece together his motivations throughout his entire story without them being clearly laid out. His descent to villainy is eerily realistic. He was once a loving husband and father, but his grief at their loss twisted him into something almost unrecognizable. His main motivation has always been to save his daughter, Isobel, yet he can't realize that his parental love has turned into a feeling of possession. Though he does care for her, he does so in a very self-centered way.

After Shar took advantage of Ketheric's loss, he turned his back on Selûne and anything to do with her, going against everything he raised Isobel to believe. He also trapped Isobel's lover, Dame Aylin, in the Shadowfell to grant himself immortality and clearly hates their partnership - not considering, or perhaps not caring, that Isobel could live a life of misery without her love. He does not value Isobel's autonomy, as when he revived her and told her Aylin was dead, she still ran away from him.

When players meet Ketheric, he clings desperately to any thread he can of his old, happy life. After l, players can find an absolutely heartbreaking letter from young Isobel telling him that she loves him. He would do anything to see her alive, including working with several "divine" powers to achieve his goals. Ketheric doesn't follow Myrkul in the same way Gortash and Orin are hopelessly devoted to their gods - if it weren't for the death of his wife and daughter, he would never have shown interest in serving him or Shar.

"Papa, I love you. LOVE FROM IZ" - Crumpled Note, found on Ketheric's Corpse

Ketheric's writing is incredibly tragic, and he's set up in a way that suggests he may be able to undergo a redemption arc. Ketheric was originally going to be a recruitable companion in BG3, so this may be remnants of that original storyline. However, no matter what the player does, they cannot save him from himself. Whether this was intentional or not, it makes him an incredibly memorable character - the frustration derived from him being so close to redemption but ultimately too far gone is a truly unique pain.

Despite Being Defeated In Act 2, Ketheric Is The Villain That Has Stuck With Players The Most

Fans Have Been Left Wanting More Ketheric Content

Ketheric, Raphael, and possibly the Emperor take the top places for the most unforgettable villains in the game. Ketheric is certainly the most compelling out of the three chosen, but it's possible that this isn't due to his time on screen. Even though he has the entirety of Act 2 dedicated to him, many fans like mikeoxlongdnb on Reddit agree that he deserves even more screen time since most players will learn about him from other characters and not directly through interacting with him.

Ultimately, Ketheric is just another pawn in the Absolute's plan. Despite his impact, players will hear very little of him from other characters in Act Three. Gortash and Orin's confrontations lacking the same show-stopping, dramatic effect that Ketheric's did, make the finale of the game feel a little underwhelming for some players, as it's hard to top such a fantastic villain. Though Larian is moving forward from Baldur's Gate 3, their phenomenal writing of Ketheric is extremely promising for the antagonists of their future games.

Source: mikeoxlongdnb/Reddit