10 Most Engaging Skyrim NPCs

The Jarl of Whiterun, known as Balgruuf the Greater, is one of the first major characters the player comes across in the game. The main questline requires the player to interact with him, and it's that first meeting that really sets things in motion.

Balgruuf is an honorable and respectable man that is deeply protective of the people in his city. His leadership qualities and strong character make him quite likable almost immediately. He puts a good amount of trust in the Dragonborn soon after meeting them, and that gives the player a significant sense of duty and purpose early on in the story.

Whiterun's Jarl sticks firmly in the minds of many gamers not just because of his traits and personality, but also because the interactions with him are instrumental in helping the player discover exactly what Skyrim is all about. The conversations with Balgruuf set the tone for the rest of the game, and it's safe to say he was a big part in getting many fans hooked.