The Contributions of NPCs

Often in the games we play we tend to overlook the importance of non-player characters. While some may look upon these characters as mere distractions, a function of moving the story along in some way or a bit of comic relief, I think that we may loose sight of how important they can be in certain games. I'll even take it a step further and say that in some games, they can be a key component. 

Most often NPCs are just background filler in a game. A device to make the world seem more real and natural. They offer little more than mere scenery to the game. Occasionally the main character may speak with an NPC in a game; again a device to help move the story along or provide some additional information. So when does an NPC become more than just a simple device? When they are a key component in the game or in the life of the main character.

As an example, I will use Alfred Pennyworth from the Batman Arkham games. First a little background on the beloved butler and father figure of Bruce Wayne.

General Information

Full Name:     Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth

Occupation:   Butler/Valet

Height:          6 Ft (1.83 Meters)

Eyes:             Blue

Hair:              Grey

Abilities:         Medical training, Confidant

Affiliations:     Bruce Wayne, Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Thomas and Martha                            Wayne
Game Appearances: Batman: Arkham Origins, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City, Batman: Arkham Knight

Biography

Prior to being employed as the Wayne's butler, Alfred claims to have been an actor. Records indicate the Alfred had a varied career prior to his employment with the Wayne family and may have had some background or involvement with the military. After the Thomas and Martha Wayne are murdered, Alfred becomes the legal guardian of their orphaned son Bruce, whom he raises as his own. When Bruce takes up the persona of Batman, Alfred reluctantly aids Bruce in his crusade. Alfred always has a formal appearance and helps to keep Bruce grounded. Alfred is often witty and sarcastic in his conversations with Bruce, but always demonstrates an unwavering devotion to him and cares for him perhaps more than anyone else. While never failing to assist Bruce, it is his ultimate hope that Bruce will lay down the cowl once and for all and lead a normal life.

Personality

While frequently sarcastic with a dry sense of humor, Alfred is a well mannered and sophisticated individual. Alfred can be very witty when he chooses to be. He cares very deeply for Bruce and demonstrates this by always supporting Bruce even when he doesn't agree with his choice to be a vigilante. He is very resourceful whether he preparing a seven course meal or analyzing field intel for Batman. While a staunch supporter of Batman he is not afraid to disagree and argue with him on a course of action. Alfred is at times a moral compass for the caped crusader.

More Than The Average NPC

One of the main reasons that I think Alfred is significant as an NPC in the Arkham games, more so than NPCs in other games, is that he is the primary point of interaction for Batman during the game. While Batman does frequently have an internal monologue in the games and will have conversations in cut scenes leading up to and after a boss fight, Alfred is one of the only characters he interacts with on a regular basis. He may be one of the only characters that Batman interacts with outside of cut scenes. Without Alfred, Batman would largely be going around the game thinking to himself.

Alfred's influence in the game is subtle, but important. Batman's interactions with Alfred during the games are sometimes as trivial as requesting an equipment drop or something more important such as suggesting a course of action or providing a key piece of information. Those interactions are what make Alfred a key element in moving the story forward or in a different direction. And as Batman's demeanor is dark and brooding, Alfred will be the one to inject some humor with his dry, sarcastic wit. 

While we play the game because its fun to be Batman with all his tools and abilities, the story is more engaging because of the interactions with Alfred. Again his contributions can be easily overlooked, but he helps make the story more engaging. It reminds the player that they are not alone and helps to add a human element to the game. Even with all his ability and intelligence, Batman needs the assistance of his trusted and unassuming ally. We all want to be Batman, and we all need Alfred.