10 Most Polarizing Characters In Video Games

Ulfric Stormcloak is the driving force behind the entire civil war questline in Skyrim. He's responsible for the aptly-named Stormcloak rebellion: he murdered the previous High King of Skyrim with the power of the Voice, and he is openly opposed to the Thalmor regime, which forbids the worship of Talos in the region.

His decisive actions mixed with his hatred for Thalmor rule make him a very popular leader, not just in the world of Skyrim, but also among fans of the game. The fact that the player shares the same prisoner cart with Ulfric at the start of the game is also an important factor in making his character appear more sympathetic.

However, some evidence in the game has turned a good chunk of the player base against Ulfric. According to notes the player can find inside the Thalmor embassy, the Stormcloak leader was deliberately manipulated by the Thalmor. The Elves brainwashed him into hating the Empire so that he would start the rebellion and weaken their enemies. The game even suggests that Ulfric's cause is secretly sponsored by them.

Some see Ulfric as a brilliant and charismatic leader. Some see him as a fool who abuses an ancient power to unwittingly aid his sworn enemies. In either case, his character is the subject of many heated debates.