God of War: How To Write a Quiet Character

Summary

This analysis delves into the masterful character writing of Kratos in *God of War* (2018), highlighting the power of restraint and silence in storytelling. Kratos, a character defined by action rather than words, develops a complex, emotional bond with his son, Atreus. Through moments of quiet tenderness and subtle gestures, the writers reveal Kratos’s internal struggle and growth as a father. The video explores how his silent actions, grunts, and decisions convey profound emotion, while Atreus serves as a conduit for Kratos’s evolution. The video celebrates the strength of non-verbal communication in shaping one of the most well-written characters in gaming history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kratos' character is defined by action rather than words, with his actions speaking volumes about his inner thoughts and feelings.
• 😀 The game opens with Kratos' quiet moment of tenderness, setting the tone for his character as stoic and restrained, yet capable of deep care.
• 😀 The first words in the game come from Atreus, highlighting the contrast between Kratos' silence and his son's talkative nature.
• 😀 Kratos' silence towards his son, Atreus, reflects an internal struggle and emotional paralysis rather than cruelty, showing his difficulty in connecting.
• 😀 Small, seemingly insignificant details, like Kratos adjusting his wife's body to prevent her from hitting the door frame, reveal his deep care and thoughtfulness.
• 😀 Kratos uses grunts to communicate a wide range of emotions, from frustration to amusement, with his voice actor, Christopher Judge, playing a key role in conveying these feelings.
• 😀 Despite his cold exterior, Kratos deeply loves and protects Atreus, with his actions often putting him in harm's way to shield his son.
• 😀 Kratos leads by example, encouraging Atreus to learn and think for himself while providing guidance when the situation becomes dangerous.
• 😀 The game uses 'show, don't tell' storytelling, allowing the player's actions to fill in the gaps of Kratos' character development.
• 😀 Through moments of silence and small gestures, the writers show that Kratos learns from Atreus as much as he teaches him, evolving their relationship into one of mutual understanding and respect.
• 😀 By the end of the game, Kratos and Atreus communicate effectively without words, culminating in a powerful, wordless exchange that mirrors the growth of their bond.

Q & A

How do the writers of God of War handle Kratos' character despite his silence?

The writers handle Kratos' silence by using restraint, focusing on his actions, body language, and minimal dialogue to convey his emotions. This allows Kratos' complexity to emerge through what he doesn't say, rather than relying on constant verbal communication.

What is the significance of Kratos' lack of dialogue in the opening scene of God of War?

Kratos' silence in the opening scene establishes his character as one of action rather than words. His quietness, juxtaposed with the task of preparing his wife’s funeral pyre, sets the tone for his emotional reserve, hinting at the depth of his grief and the complexity of his inner world.

How does the game differentiate between Kratos and Atreus in terms of character development?

Kratos is portrayed as a man of few words who communicates through actions, while Atreus is more talkative and expressive. The dynamic between them is marked by Kratos' cautious, action-driven approach to parenting, and Atreus' curiosity and emotional openness. This contrast helps to highlight their individual growth and mutual understanding over time.

What role does Kratos’ internal dialogue play in his character development?

Kratos' internal dialogue, expressed through his actions and subtle gestures, allows the player to understand his emotions without him directly articulating them. This silent reflection reveals his inner conflict, desire for connection, and care for Atreus, making his character more relatable and layered.

How do small, non-verbal moments communicate Kratos' feelings?

Small non-verbal moments, like Kratos adjusting the body of his deceased wife or his hesitant hand hovering near Atreus, communicate deep emotions like tenderness, care, and inner turmoil. These moments of action tell us what Kratos feels even though he doesn’t express it verbally.

Why is Kratos' relationship with Atreus central to the story of God of War?

Kratos' relationship with Atreus is central because it drives much of his emotional and character development. Through their interactions, Kratos learns to trust and care for his son, while Atreus learns to navigate the world and understand his father's complexities. Their evolving bond serves as the emotional core of the game.

How does Kratos teach Atreus about the world and their relationship?

Kratos teaches Atreus through action rather than words, showing him the importance of caution, resilience, and self-reliance. While Kratos remains emotionally distant at first, he gradually reveals his care for Atreus through protective actions, guidance, and trust as their relationship deepens.

What is the significance of Kratos' question, 'When are you angry?'

Kratos' question, 'When are you angry?' serves as a moment of reflection, showing that Kratos is processing and analyzing his son's emotions more deeply than Atreus realizes. It highlights Kratos' evolving understanding of Atreus' feelings and demonstrates the depth of his concern and desire to connect, even though he doesn’t often express it.

How does Atreus' growth reflect Kratos' development throughout the game?

Atreus' growth, from a curious and impulsive boy to a more independent and thoughtful young man, mirrors Kratos' own development. As Atreus learns from his father, Kratos also learns from Atreus, particularly in terms of emotional openness, trust, and vulnerability.

What is the thematic importance of silence in the game's narrative?

Silence plays a central role in conveying the depth of character relationships, particularly between Kratos and Atreus. The game uses silence not just as an absence of words but as a powerful narrative tool, allowing emotions, thoughts, and character growth to unfold subtly through non-verbal cues and actions.