#4: Bigby Wolf (The Wolf Among Us)
One of the best type of characters are former villains turned heroes. Characters that do both evil and good things are more realistic, as morality is honestly a matter of perspective when you think about it. Telltale managed to convey this concept really well with their interpretation of Bigby of the Fables Comic.
Originally the Big Bad Wolf of Legends, Bigby’s rampage was put on hold after he and other Fabled heroes and villains were driven from their universe. Forced to settle in 1980s New York, the Fables have built their own community hidden from the mundane people of our world. Despite his villainous past, Bigby was reformed by Snow White, and given the duty of Sheriff; to protect the Fables as they attempt to make a living for themselves in the new world. This duty was already difficult enough with everyone still convinced the wolf intends to eat them all, but things are made even more complicated when a dismembered head shows up on Bigby’s doorstep. Now the former wolf must solve the mystery while dealing with the rest of the community, all of whom are convinced he’s not reformed.
I’ve always loved wolves as a kid, and getting the chance to play as the Wolf of both Red Riding Hood and the Three Pigs stories was rather awesome to say the least. Bigby himself plays the part of a grizzled detective out of a Noir flick, but it’s made better by the fact that he’s essentially a werewolf, and can tap into the powers he held as a wolf whenever the going gets too tough for him. But his struggle to show his community that he’s a reformed hero while also trying not to let others take advantage of him really resounds with me personally, as the balance between kindness and gullibility is something I’ve struggled with for some time. It’s worse for Bigby, as no one ever let go of his past, and every attempt he makes to show he’s not as bad as they think usually ends in disaster. The only people who really have his back are Snow and the friends of the murdered people, and even their help has limits.
Bigby’s personal struggle is what makes him compelling because, as a player, you have the option of deciding how he reacts to the constant negativity sent his way. Does he cling to his newfound morals, or let his old bad side loose? The choice is up to you. And that choice is what makes Bigby one of the better heroes of the story: he has a legitimate personality, yet can still be influenced by the choices of the player and still feel in-character.
Well done, Sheriff Wolf. You may not have many friends in your world, but you definitely have some friends out here.