retrogameindex
Skyrim adventure archiveThe Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimGUIDES
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim / Characters

Skyrim characters and followers: the Dragonborn, Lydia and the Greybeards

Meet the main original-Skyrim characters and learn how followers fit into early exploration.

Edition covered

Original 2011 PC base game with official patches. Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, Special Edition, Anniversary Edition, Creation Club content and mods are outside this guide. Pictures come from the original Skyrim Steam listing.

6 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.

Characters

The Dragonborn in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Player character

The Dragonborn

Your race and appearance are chosen at Helgen. Skills improve through use, while perk choices shape your fighting, magic and crafting strengths.

Reference

Lydia in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Whiterun housecarl

Lydia

Lydia becomes available after the early Whiterun main-quest milestones. She is a combat follower and can carry equipment, but careless friendly fire can still endanger her.

Reference

Jarl Balgruuf in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Jarl of Whiterun

Jarl Balgruuf

Balgruuf receives the warning about Helgen and sends the player to assist his court wizard. His early quests lead to the Dragonstone and the first dragon fight.

Reference

Arngeir in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Greybeard

Arngeir

Arngeir helps explain the Voice at High Hrothgar. The Greybeards teach the Dragonborn how words and shouts relate to the larger dragon threat.

Reference

Delphine in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Riverwood innkeeper

Delphine

Delphine becomes an important contact in the dragon investigation. Follow the main quest before assuming that every part of her role is apparent from the inn.

Reference

Alduin in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
World-Eater

Alduin

Alduin is the dragon at the center of the main story. His return draws the Dragonborn toward ancient knowledge and the mystery of the Dragon War.

Reference

Quick notes

  • The Dragonborn and the first allies. The player is the Dragonborn, a character whose race, appearance and skills can vary between playthroughs.
  • Balgruuf, Farengar and Lydia. Jarl Balgruuf rules Whiterun, while Farengar studies dragons at Dragonsreach.
  • The Greybeards and the Blades. The Greybeards at High Hrothgar study the Voice and summon the player after the first dragon encounter.
  • Follower limits and practical care. The ordinary follower system normally allows one humanoid companion, with some quest followers handled separately.
FIELD NOTE

Keep companions out of narrow firing lanes when using broad melee swings, arrows or area spells.

Picture details

Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.

References

Covered edition: Original 2011 PC base game with official patches. Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, Special Edition, Anniversary Edition, Creation Club content and mods are outside this wiki. Pictures come from the original Skyrim Steam listing.