Many characters in World of Warcraft have changed drastically. However, three of them more than all others – we present them to you here.
In World of Warcraft, there are numerous major characters that have been involved in the game’s history for years. Many of them had their origins in the strategy games, while others joined only during WoW and its various expansions.
While a few characters have remained virtually unchanged in their personality or behavior, there are several NPCs that have changed drastically. They are hardly recognizable when compared to their former selves. For some, it’s simply because they have aged, while others have undergone a massive transformation in recent years. We showcase the most interesting characters with the biggest changes and how they have evolved.
Jaina Proudmoore
Jaina Proudmoore was introduced in Warcraft III as the apprentice of the archmage Antonidas, a high-ranking mage from Dalaran. She was the friend of Arthas Menethil and primarily served as the moral compass of the humans in WC3. She turned away from Arthas when he commanded the cleansing of Stratholme and instead tried to lead the people to Kalimdor.
This led to the founding of the city-state Theramore and a friendship with Thrall and parts of the Horde. After all, they fought together at the end of Warcraft 3 against the Burning Legion. She even had to make a decision against her father, who died in battle against the Horde as a result. An incident that inspired the folk song “Daughter of the Sea” in Kul Tiras:
However, after the final death of the Lich King in “Wrath of the Lich King”, peace begins to crumble. With the influence of Garrosh Hellscream, the Horde begins to attack Theramore and destroys the city with the use of a mana bomb.
This destruction affects many people Jaina loved, a large part of “her people”, and her apprentice is also killed in the process. Jaina narrowly survives, but her character drastically changes from then on. She seeks revenge and wishes for the Horde to be wiped out and brought to heel.
Her hatred continues to grow, leading her to carry out a cleansing in Dalaran after further incidents in Mists of Pandaria. All loyal blood elves in the city are banished or killed.
Jaina remained true to this hardline approach against the Horde until the expansion Battle for Azeroth. Only during the course of the campaign does she soften a bit and fits into her new role as advisor to the king. She becomes more diplomatic and conciliatory, which is also due to the incidents with her mother – one of the most emotional cinematics:
In the meantime, Jaina is not only one of the most powerful sorceresses of Azeroth but also the Lord Admiral of Kul Tiras, essentially making her the leader of this seafaring people and advisor to the High King. Her influence thus extends far beyond that of an ordinary mage of the Kirin Tor.
Jaina’s entire story with all details can be found in this article:
Sylvanas Windrunner
The most prominent example on this list is the undead Sylvanas Windrunner.
She started as the ranger general of Silvermoon and was thus a defender of Quel’thalas, the realm of the high elves. When the Scourge, under the leadership of Arthas, invaded the elven lands, she was killed and subsequently resurrected as a banshee.
She reclaimed her former body, freed herself from the Lich King’s influence, and became the Banshee Queen, leading the Forsaken.
This role continued in World of Warcraft for a long time. Although she was always calculating and somewhat cold, this only intensified over time. When she was appointed Warchief of the Horde in Legion, she initiated the Fourth War, which led to the destruction of Teldrassil.
At the end of Battle for Azeroth, she left the Horde and it was revealed that she has now made a completely different pact, namely with the Jailer, the antagonist from Shadowlands. Sylvanas is now the most wanted person in Azeroth, as both the Horde and the Alliance want to hold her accountable.
These massive changes are also noticeable in-game in many places. Hardly any other character has received new models as often as the Banshee Queen. In Vanilla, she was still a night elf in dark clothing, but over time she first got the model of the high elves and then a distinct design. After a midriff-baring look, she transitioned to leather armor with Legion, and finally received another redesign with Shadowlands.
Her most recent appearance resembles her depiction in Warcraft III the most.
Anduin Wrynn
Anduin Wrynn is now the High King of the Alliance. He has developed into a true hero in shining armor, although that hasn’t always been the case. Anduin has been in the game since the Vanilla version of WoW, but back then he was much younger.
In “Classic times”, he was a little child waiting in the castle for his father Varian Wrynn to return. He was so insignificant at that time that he had only the generic appearance of an ordinary human child.
His true personality and development only came with the Mists of Pandaria expansion. Here, Anduin traveled to Pandaria and was captured by the Horde. As an aspiring priest, he even had control over shadows and escaped his pursuers through magic. Later, he met the dragon Wrathion in Pandaria and befriended him.
Since Battle for Azeroth, Anduin has been the respected king and thus also the supreme commander of the Alliance troops. He can also be seen on the battlefields – such as during the siege of Undercity – although he continues to seek a peaceful way.
This personality development is also reflected in the evolution of his model. From a little child to an adult man in heavy armor, Anduin has gone through the typical role of a growing prince who now feels the weight of the crown with all its might.
Which characters do you think have undergone a massive transformation?
If you are eager for the whole story of Warcraft, we have here a large summary of the entire WoW lore.
