10 Most Complex NPCs In Video Games

10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Cicero

Found alongside his broken down cart just north of Whiterun, Cicero is dressed as a jester, transporting the remains of his “mother”.

Upon first meeting, all seems relatively normal - if a little eccentric - as Cicero asks you to speak to a nearby farmer to help get his cart back up and running so he can bury his “mother” in a new crypt.

If the player chooses to steer clear of the Dark Brotherhood, this will be the extent of your interaction with ol’ Cicero and it will be little more than a strange encounter. However, if you join the Dark Brotherhood or choose to take them down, you will gain access to the Falkreath sanctuary and with that, Cicero's Journals.

Chronicled within is the story of the Cheydinhal sanctuary and the death of its head "Listener". It becomes apparent upon reading that Cicero has well and truly gone mad following his final kill, from whom the assassin adopted various personality traits from, as well as his appearance.

The eccentric killer appointed himself keeper of the Night Mother and decided to transport her to Skyrim, explaining the encounter with him near Whiterun.