Samantha Béart Reveals the Hidden Depths of Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
2025-07-06 22:00:31Samantha Béart, the talented actor behind Baldur's Gate 3's fan-favorite companion Karlach, recently opened up about what they believe is the most widespread misconception among fans regarding their character. It's always fascinating to hear how actors perceive their roles differently from the audience, especially when it comes to beloved figures like Karlach.
When Baldur's Gate 3 launched nearly two years ago, players were immediately captivated by Karlach. Much of this appeal stemmed from Béart's heartfelt performance, which solidified the tiefling as a staple in most adventuring parties. Interestingly, during the game's Early Access phase, Karlach was originally intended as a minor quest character before being expanded into a full companion later in development.
In an interview with TheGamer, Béart was asked about the biggest misconception surrounding Karlach. Their response might surprise those who view the character as purely cheerful: "That she is a really sweet, nice, happy-go-lucky person. I think she was a very different person in hell... I imagined being locked in a supermax prison, with no hope of getting out and doing all sorts of horrible gang stuff to survive, and then finally getting out and deciding, 'I get to choose who I am now.'"
Béart elaborated further, stating, "I think she was a piece of work in hell. She would have had to be. She's someone who didn't really talk much. She just kept her head down and survived." While Karlach's upbeat personality contributes significantly to her popularity, these insights reveal the depth and complexity that went into crafting such a multidimensional character.
The question remains whether fans will see Béart reprise their role as Karlach in future Baldur's Gate projects. Last year, the actor confirmed they'd be open to returning to the franchise, even without Larian Studios' involvement. Given Karlach's enduring popularity, her return in future installments would certainly delight fans.