Talking...its good for you.

With the release of Fire Emblem: Three Houses and the disappearance of over 30 hours of my life, I have encountered an interesting example of the importance of Characterization. See, before now, I understood the necessity of Characterization but always put it below Character because Character is what we care about in the end. The struggle for victory, the hard choices that haunt a person, and what people do when pushed against the wall. However, now I realize that none of that can be accomplished if not for Characterization. I have previously said that if you want your characters to be remembered, you have to give them a good starting hook. Characterization is the initial hook that gets the audience to care about a character. If Frodo hadn't been depicted initially as a carefree and joyful person that we grew to like, we wouldn't care about his eventual struggle with Evil and the temptation of the Ring or what those did to him as a person.

Now you might be wondering what sparked this revelation in Three Houses. What monumental masterwork of writing opened my eyes to the sheer brilliance of this writing tool? Well, sorry to disappoint, but this epiphany is founded in one of my complaints about the game; oh, and don't worry, I won't spoil anything major.

While you can find most of my complaints about the overall writing of Three Houses entirely within the first 4-ish chapters of the game, the prevailing problem in my eyes is the player avatar Byleth. At first, I thought Byleth was a dull non-character, mainly because Intelligent Systems decided to make him a silent protagonist. Now say what you like about other silent protagonists like Link or Gordian Freeman, but to me, they are the least interesting kinds of leads because it removes the best way to characterize a character, their voice.

A character's voice, be it spoken or text on a screen, is the best way to create a personality for a character. This is done in the way they speak, the words they use, mannerisms while speaking, and tone. Think back to early BioWare games like Dragon Age Origins. While yes, your player character wasn't voiced like the rest of the cast. You were equipped with extensive dialog options that painted a different picture for your hero using different wording, tones, and punctuation. You could make them intelligent, dumb, cold-hearted, stoic, sarcastic, and anywhere in between without speaking a single word.

A similar thing is attempted in Three Houses but without the same results; because Byleth is given too few similar-sounding choices for dialog, which most of the time conveys the same thing. However, despite all that, I have a decent picture of Byleth in my head; why is that? Well, it's because Intelligent Systems did something pretty clever with Byleth and turned the fact that he's a stone-faced silent protagonist into his Characterization. In most conversations with other characters, almost all point out how Byleth throws them off due to his stoic presence and lack of verbose language. However, the astute readers would probably have noticed the words "point out" in that previous sentence and gotten a chill down their spine. So yes, unfortunately, this gold star is almost instantly taken away as the game breaks the old adage, show don't tell.

Characters tell a lot about Byleth, and while this isn't horrible, as I said, it gives a decent picture of the guy. However, this means that Byleth's Characterization is given to him by others and not shown through his interactions. Making them a pretty good entry into the Mary Sue awards where characters do nothing but are lavished with praise and Characterization; while also clashing with other elements of the story. For instance, in Byleth and Dorothea's B support, she admits that Byleth unnerves her since she thinks he can see right through her and thinks he's without a weakness. Before this, Byleth had not shown any signs of being hard to read or being invincible. In their C support, the conversation mainly centered around Dorothea's lively dating life and her fears of being old and alone without anything or anyone. Nowhere was there anything given to Byleth or shown by Byleth that would lead her to the conclusion she came to in B. Nowhere did he try to make guesses about her true intentions; that was told to us. Nowhere did he make her think he was invincible aside from saying he doesn't fear getting older. Honesty, if this conclusion she came to were in the A support, it would make more sense, seeing how she tried to come onto Byleth in B but to no avail.

Now I could keep ranting for another three pages, but instead, I'm going to do something more productive and fun on my part. Below is a video containing the complete C-S support chain for Byleth and Dorothea. Then below that is my rendition but with Byleth as a speaking character. Watch and read both and decide for yourself, which is better, and if you care to know more about the changes, I'll include a brief summary at the end. Also, just a little side note, these will not be one-to-one as adding more dialog changes how a scene flows, and adding another talking character changes what can be asked and brought up in a scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKovOzLdvaM

Either way, I hope you found something interesting.

Peace.

C Rank.

Dorothea.

Well, I had fun today. Of course, you’ll want to see me again, yes?

Knight.

O-of course! I’d love to, Dorothea!

Dorothea.

Well, until we meet again!

[Knight leaves Byleth Enters]

Dorothea.

Oh! Hello, Professor. Were you…watching that?

Byleth.

Only the end. However, if memory serves me well that is date number eight with man number eight.

Dorothea.

Have you been stalking me that intently Professor? That must be some kind of violation on your part.

Byleth.

If I was following you, you’d be correct. However, my count is just of the men I spotted with you as I walk to dinner.

Dorothea.

Well…that’s…reassuring.

Byleth.

That being said, this encounter was planned, as it is to placate a curiosity of mine.

Dorothea.

That being?

Byleth.

Why?

Dorothea.

A little elaboration if you’d be so kind professor.

Byleth.

Why this many men, why so many dates, why in such rapid succession, why…

Dorothea.

That’s…good professor, please, no more. Look, I know what it may look like but you mustn’t worry. I’m not just playing games with these boys. This is for my future. You have no right to object.

Byleth.

That still hasn’t answered why Dorothea.

Dorothea.

Sigh…Professor, I simply wish to find a good partner here at the academy. Something who will be with me for the rest of my life.

Byleth.

You’re on no deadline then, so why this many men?

Dorothea.

But I am professor, time is not kind and it may take away much of what I have now.

Byleth.

Many find love late in life, in fact the chance of finding someone who will stay with you increases as you age.

Dorothea.

And what if that chance is low? Where does that leave me, an old woman with nothing that’s what!

Byleth.

I never said you’d have nothing Dorothea.

Dorothea.

Oh, yes…apologies, in the heat of the moment I slipped into some old dramatics. Anyway, while I value your option, professor, I won’t have you interfering with my life plans. Understood?

Byleth.

….yes.

Dorothea.

Good. Now if you excuse me, I must continue my search for a dinner partner. Unless…you want to join me, eh professor. See firsthand what I’ve been…subjecting, these boys to.

Byleth.

Will you answer my question there Dorothea?

Dorothea.

I think you’ve heard enough professor.

Byleth.

Really? Because I do believe we are getting some-

Dorothea.

Good day professor!

[Dorothea leaves in a huff]

Byleth.

-where…Well, that was unexpected. Or was it? I’d better ask father next time I see him.

B Rank.

[Dorothea stands alone in the Dinning Hall thinking to herself. Lost in thought she neglects to notice Byleth enter and approach from behind.]

Byleth.

Dorothea. Do you have a moment?

Dorothea.

Professor?! I-….

Byleth.

Do you have something to say?

Dorothea.

Oh…. don’t worry. It’s nothing.

Byleth.

Is it, you’ve been avoiding me sense our conversation in the hall. That’s actually why I want to speak right now.

Dorothea.

….sure, but can we move somewhere a little more…private?

Byleth.

Of course, lead the way.

[Dorothea leaves with Byleth in tow. The two now stand in Dorothea’s dorm room]

Dorothea.

…so, what do you want to say?

Byleth.

Its about our previous conversation. I want to apologize for my…oh what’s the word…metallic response, yes, that sounds about right.

Dorothea.

….

Byleth.

Anyway, I hope this alleviates whatever tension has grown between us and continue operating in a normal manor.

Dorothea.

That…that’s not going to be possible Professor.

Byleth.

Really?! Oh, have I really offended you that much?

Dorothea.

No, that’s not it professor, well, you did, but that’s not why…oh Goddess…Look, I’m just going to come right out and say it. I find you a little difficult to be around.

Byleth.

Difficult? Well if that is the case please tell me in what regard and I will attempt to make the necessary changes.

Dorothea.

I don’t think its going to be that easy professor. Its just…the way you look at me sometimes…it’s like your seeing right though me.

Byleth.

I see…now, forgive me if I offend again, but what exactly am I seeing though?

Dorothea.

That’s exactly what I’m talking about. Whenever I look at you, it’s like your eyes are accusing me…trying to find a way in.

Byleth.

And what is so bad if I find my way in? I’m sure if you’re hurting or afraid, I can help.

Dorothea.

I don’t think so professor. No offence but you’re a tad…unapproachable, when it comes to problems such as mine.

Byleth.

Well then, how can I rectify that?

Dorothea.

If you really want to know, then try appearing more… human, professor.

Byleth.

Human?

Dorothea.

Yes, human! Its unsettling how impervious you are, how you seem without weakness or fault, like you’re a doll that suddenly sprang to life.

Byleth.

Weakness? Yes, that might be difficult. There is little that- No wait, I think I got something.

Dorothea.

Really, wow, didn’t think you actually find one but now I’m curious.

Byleth.

Will you tell me what’s troubling you if I share?

Dorothea.

If it’s good enough.

Byleth.

Well then in blanket terms: Talking.

Dorothea.

I don’t understand professor. You talk all the time, hell, your job is based around talking!

Byleth.

Yes, but that’s to a crowd with a goal. One on one with nothing I tend to flounder, as you saw last time. It also tends to be worse when talking to women. The only females I grew up with where old enough to be my mother, so I never grew adapt at talking to women my own age.

Dorothea.

…

Byleth.

Dorothea?

Dorothea.

…phf…ha ha ha ha!

Byleth.

Did It work, I’m I human now.

Dorothea.

A little professor. Ahem. Sorry for laughing, I just never could imagine that your one weakness would be a simple conversation with a woman.

Byleth

Yes when you put it like that it is quite silly. Now what about you?

Dorothea.

Yes of course I think you’ve deserve a taste at this point. Here we go… as you’ve probably deduced, I don’t have much going for myself. I hold no lands, no title, no fortune, nothing. The only thing I have is my voice and my looks and both are fleeting gifts. And I’m…scared…scared that once those are gone all that’s left is a withered old crone that did nothing and touched no one…

Byleth.

…

Dorothea.

Well professor?

Byleth.

…Thank you for sharing this with me Dorothea. I must admit that you were correct, I do have little expertise on this matter, I am sorry.

Dorothea.

Don’t be professor. It was kind of nice just being able to get this off my chest. So few people know this side of me so its nice to have another person to talk to.

Byleth.

That is reassuring but if there is one thing I hate it’s a problem, so know this Dorothea. I will put these thoughts to rest. I don’t know how or how long it will take, but that’s a promise.

Dorothea.

That almost sounds like a proposal professor, quite apt for someone so ill experienced with romance. Maybe we should find some way to properly gauge your

understanding...

[Dorothea runs a hand down Byleth’s chest drawing herself closer to the point where the two are almost touching.]

Byleth.

…is it working?

Dorothea.

Not quite. Huh, well, that’s a little un-easing. Your hearts not even beating.

Byleth.

My heart doesn’t really beat to begin with.

Dorothea.

Nice try professor but I won’t fall for something like that. Either way this has still been an enlightening evening and I look forward with bated breath for your solution.

Byleth.

Then I’ll get to work immediately, good day Dorothea.

[Byleth leaves]

Dorothea.

Ha ha, what a strange man. Shame he’s not interested in women.

A Rank.

Dorothea.

Professor, this may seem a bit sudden, but…I want to thank you.

Byleth.

Hum, for what Dorothea? I haven’t been all that active for the past few years if you recall.

Dorothea.

Well yes, but what I want to thank you for something you did before falling off the face of the earth.

Byleth.

That being?

Dorothea.

For letting me live my life the way I want. Ever sense our little heart to heart I’ve noticed you’ve been giving me fewer of those soul-revealing gazes.

Byleth.

Oh, that. There is no need to thank me Dorothea, that is what you wanted after all.

Dorothea.

Still, I appreciate you making the effort. It’s kind of sweet, in its own way.

Byleth.

That’s…wonderful Dorothea.

Dorothea.

Professor, are you alright? You look like your about to fall over, is it food poisoning?

Byleth.

No, that I could have dealt with…what troubles me today is…[breathes deep]…I have found a solution.

Dorothea.

You have?! Then why do you look so distraught? I thought you would have been elated once you found the answer.

Byleth.

I did as well, but once I left to tell you I can not shake this sense of unease.

Dorothea.

That so…I think I know what’s going on then.

Byleth.

You do?! Then please, tell me.

Dorothea.

Its just stage fright professor, plain and simple. Here we can fix that in a jiff, just take a deep breath.

Byleth.

[Inhales Deeply]

Dorothea.

Now close your eyes. And when you open them, I don’t want you to see just me in the Greenhouse, but instead, picture we’re back in the classroom and your about to address all of us.

Byleth.

That might be a tad awkward.

Dorothea.

Then make it anyone you feel comfortable telling this to, and don’t worry, I won’t laugh this time.

Byleth.

Here we go then…[Inhales]… Dorothea. You are far from nothing. To even joke about such a ludicrous thought is absurd, and if all people see is a beauty and a songbird when they pass you then they are fools of the most intense use of the phrase. For those even with a passing glint of intellect will see more. They will see that behind that face lies a mind sharper than any sword and a tongue equally as cutting. They will find a heart larger and stronger than any, capable of devotion even in the fiercest of situations. They will see not only the songstress, but the lover, the fighter and the friend willing to lay down all for the sake of another. They will know that if your star were to fade, it would still shine twice as bright as any other star in the sky; and when it does sadly vanish from the sky, none will forget its brilliance, or the light it shown on their lives.

Dorothea.

….

Byleth.

Dear Seiros that did it! Dorothea that was- Dorothea? Are you alright?

Dorothea.

[Crying] Yes, quite so professor

Byleth.

Then have I helped.

Dorothea.

More then helped professor, however, I think I was a little to eager to thank you for not trying to look though me.

Byleth.

Oh no, please, I assure you my solution is only based on hypothesis gathered though….

Dorothea.

Ha ha, professor I only jest. However you were pretty dead on.

Byleth.

Really? Well, in either case I would like to know the whole truth though. If I’m still not to, off-putting.

Dorothea.

No professor, you’ve more than eared the right. It all began when I was younger, I was an orphan on the streets of Enbar, alone and scared, until one day, someone overheard me singing. After that I was swept into the world of the stage. I met so many people, performers, nobility all of which showed me with gifts and praise, but none made me feel less scared. I knew this life was fleeting, that one day my looks would fade, and my voice would change and I’d be right back where I started, only with no escape.

Byleth.

I see, so that is why you seek a partner?

Dorothea.

Yes. If I can just find someone who loves me, someone as you put it: “With a passing glint of intellect.” Who will love a girl that used to be scared and alone on the streets of the capital…then I won’t be afraid anymore.

Byleth.

…I hope you find this person then, and I hope they treat you well.

Dorothea.

Thank you, professor. However… maybe my search is at a close…we’ll have to see what the future holds…

Byleth.

And I am sure it’s a glorious future.

Dorothea.

Ha ha, even if this strange person I search for never speaks up, I do believe the future is quite bright indeed.

S Rank.

[Goddess tower- Byleth sits alone near the balcony as Dorothea appears behind him]

Dorothea.

Oh, so this where you’ve been? Everyone’s looking for you.

Byleth.

Oh, Dorothea. Yes I know, but I just can’t breathe down there with that many people.

Dorothea.

I understand. This isn’t the first overexcited crowed I’ve waded though. However, I at least got a moment to myself, you think they extend the same curtsy to you for winning the darn war.

Byleth.

You think, but every five steps its, “Thousand thanks sir,” or “How in Sophis name did you do it?” Its maddening…you’re not going to tell on me, are you?

Dorothea.

Don’t worry, I won’t tell them you’re here. It’s a rare occasion to have you all to myself.

Byleth.

But, don’t you still have your ‘Strange person’ to search for? Surly you rather be looking for them rather then being stuck up in some old tower with me.

Dorothea.

See…there is one person I must confess I’m just a little bit interested in. I’ll let you guess who…

Byleth.

[Takes a deep breath closes eyes]…Then lets hope I’m right by this.

[Byleth hands Dorothea his mothers ring.]

Dorothea.

What? Is that—That’s a ring.

Byleth.

It is.

Dorothea.

It would be very embarrassing if I had the wrong idea so I have to ask…are you proposing? Here? Now? T-to me?

Byleth.

Father told me to give it to someone special, and there’s no one as special as you Dorothea.

Dorothea.

Even though I’m not a songstress anymore? And I don’t come from a noble family or have any wealth or land. I mean, you won the war. You could pick anyone in the world. Why would you--

Byleth.

Dorothea, I am not concerned with the prattling of fools. I love you, plain and simple. The list of things I adore about you reaches to the bottom of this tower, far outpacing trivial matters of status or wealth. So I must ask…Dorothea…will you walk with me for the rest of our collective days?

Dorothea.

Well, when you put it like that…yes! I’d be happy to marry you!

Byleth.

You…you would…

Dorothea.

Yes, I love you madly. I have ever since what you said in the Greenhouse. You are the first person to truly make me feel safe, to make me feel happy.

Byleth.

Then it appears we’re on the same page, so you wouldn’t mind if I called you my darling from now on.

Dorothea.

If I can do that same, darling.

Byleth.

I do believe that’s the first time I’ve felt my heart skip a beat, you never stop to amaze, do you?

Dorothea.

You know…I stared in so many operas where I captured the heart of my beloved…but I never dreamed that it would feel this wonderful when it actually happened. I love you. I could never sing anything as pure as those three little words.

---

So quick rundown of what happened.

1] I gave Byleth a voice of his own so he can converse with Dorothea. Allowing us to get a better idea of who Byleth is though his interactions with Dorothea.

2] I gave Byleth a flaw. Good characters have good flaws, in by making characters flawed this makes them more human. Dorothea is likable not only for her flirtatious personality and razor-sharp wit, but her fears of abandonment. I wrote about this in a previous entry, but in brief; we look to media for answers to difficult questions, for people making sense of mad situations. That’s what we connect to, that’s what makes I like them, their ability to over come obstacles that most people struggle with, making our own problems seem manageable.

3] I added more opportunities for Byleth to grow and connected his growth to his relationship with Dorothea, making both stronger.

4] I made them a little longer. Yes I have gone on about how game writing should be concise however at time of writing none of these conversations are transcribed so I cant get a precise word count. Second, these are already pushing that limit as is and if you divide them up, mine average about 5 pages per support rank so about 2.5 minutes per support.

Either way, hope you found something interesting

Peace