Anders

A wise-cracking healer possessed by a spirit of vengeance.

Anders is a human mage companion who first appeared in Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening before returning as a central figure in the 2011 title, Dragon Age II. Initially depicted as a carefree apostate focused on his own freedom, he evolves into a zealous advocate for oppressed mages by the second game. His personality is shaped by a possession from a spirit named Justice, which heavily influences his lighthearted demeanor before shifting toward radicalism. Anders orchestrates the destruction of the Kirkwall Chantry, an act that sparks the Mage-Templar War across Thedas in Dragon Age: Inquisition. He remains one of the most divisive characters in the franchise, with opinions split between those who appreciate his nuance and those who dislike his darker turn.

Quick Facts

Series: Dragon Age
First: Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening (2010)
Voice: Greg Ellis (Awakening); Adam Howden (Dragon Age II)
Home: Ferelden

Lore & Background

Born in Ferelden to a father from the Anderfels, Anders was named 'the Ander' by other apprentices due to his heritage. After manifesting magic at age twelve, he was taken to Kinloch Hold Circle but refused to speak until given that name. Having known freedom as a child, he constantly rebelled against the Circle's restrictions. He escaped multiple times before being captured and brought back. By Dragon Age II, he operates a clinic in Kirkwall's Darktown, healing refugees for free while hiding his identity. He previously conscripted into the Grey Wardens after the siege of Vigil's Keep but deserted soon after. The spirit Justice, stranded in a dead Warden named Kristoff, merged with Anders to help him understand the world's problems and the plight of mages. This possession eventually transformed Justice into a spirit of Vengeance due to Anders' hatred toward the Templars.

Reader's Guide

Anders is a potential romance option for Hawke regardless of gender, though he presents as heterosexual in Origins – Awakening and only reveals a past relationship with Karl if the player is male. He is aggressive and proactive in his romantic pursuit, often developing feelings even without prior flirtation from the player. Rejecting him yields rivalry points, which unlock unique bonuses and inspire loyalty just as effectively as high friendship scores.

In combat, he utilizes spirit magic, reflecting his dual nature as a healer and a vessel for vengeance. His narrative arc is driven by the conflict between his compassionate desire to help the downtrodden and Justice's rigid belief in moral absolutes. Mattie Brice noted that his actions intertwine anger and sympathy 'in an uncomfortable knot.' Fans debate whether his fanaticism lacks depth or offers necessary nuance, with some criticizing his characterization as a downgrade from his original carefree self.

Did You Know?

Anders was originally intended to be replaced by the elven mage Velanna in Dragon Age II before developers decided to bring him back.
Greg Ellis voiced Anders in Origins – Awakening, while Adam Howden took over for Dragon Age II, adopting a slightly more 'angsty' inflection.
Unused concept art by Art Director Matt Rhodes depicts a disheveled Anders living as a hermit in a cave during Inquisition's development.
Anders kept a stray kitten named 'Ser Pounce-a-lot' that he found at Vigil's Keep.