Garrus Vakarian
General Info
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Turian Agent, Advisor to Commander Shepard |
| Birth Place | Palaven |
| Knows about | Reapers, Spectres, Omega |
| Nationality | Turian |
| Alternate Name | Archangel |
| Character Name | Garrus Vakarian |
| Member of Organization | Normandy Crew |
Introduction
Raised in the highly disciplined Turian hierarchy, Garrus initially showed great promise in C-Sec, the Citadel's law enforcement department. However, his distaste for bureaucratic obstacles and his passion for frontier-style justice led him to end his promising career and join forces with Shepard to fight a cosmic enemy known as the Reapers. Equally fascinating is the evolution of Garrus as a character in the Mass Effect trilogy. From an idealistic and somewhat naive officer, Garus transforms into a mature leader who understands the intricacies of warfare and makes painful sacrifices for the greater good. His deep bond with Shepard, whether as a best friend or love interest, creates heartfelt moments and adds depth and emotion to the entire story.
In the realm of video game characters, Garrus Vakarian is a symbol of undying loyalty and fierce determination, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits of the Mass Effect saga have rolled.
Biography
Garrus is a species of turian, unique and complex both emotionally and intellectually. Unlike many of his counterparts, he exhibits an unmatched determination and indomitable intensity when it comes to the success of his mission. His life took a dark turn when he became a vigilante Archangel in Omega, proving his determination to right the wrongs of the universe, even if it meant defying convention. Garrus' loyalty to Shepard is one of his most endearing qualities. Their partnership has evolved over the seasons, starting as companions to a deep-rooted friendship that can develop into a romantic relationship. This dynamic shows that Garrus is more of a cold, combative turian, he is complex, compassionate and very principled.
At the end of the Reaper War, Garrus Vakarian, if he survives, assumes the role of advisor to the task force and advisor to the turian hierarchy. His relentless pursuit of justice and order, complemented by his undying loyalty, shows a promising future as a leader not only in his career, but possibly elsewhere in the recreated universe as well. Despite his progress, he continues to show a strong attachment to his old life in Normandy and Shepard, marking him as a character full of depth and sentimentality.
Garrus Vakarian's journey from textbook security officer to ruthless vigilante to loyal friend and enduring warrior highlights his profound evolution in the Mass Effect series. His character development perfectly illustrated how boundaries can be crossed to uphold the ideals of justice and proved that a hero can be made from the most unlikely of individuals.
Creation and Development
As a turian, Garrus' visual design process focused on reflecting the avian and reptilian influences of his alien species. His sharp, angular jaws, high cheekbones, and metal shields perfectly reflected these unique features. The artists at Bioware went to great lengths to ensure that his distinctive appearance would set him apart from the ensemble cast. The character's development spanned three games in the trilogy. In the original introductions, Garrus was described as a strict rule follower who strictly adhered to the codes and regulations of C-Sec, the security of the Citadel. However, later episodes saw Garus take on a more rebellious role and become a disillusioned vigilante known as Archangel, deepening the character's explorations.
In terms of personality, the goal was for Garrus to mix wit, cynicism, and deep honor. At the core of his character, the creators wanted to emphasize Garrus as a fiercely loyal person who would go out of his way to help his allies. The idea was to show the power of friendship and common purpose through his experiences with the main character, Commander Shepard.
All in all, the design and development of Garrus Vakarian was fine-tuned to fit the thematic essence of Mass Effect. His evolution reflected the world he found himself in, embodying the turbulent and morally complex universe that defines Mass Effect, giving players a rich and multifaceted character to interact with and grow with.
Character Profile
Garrus is known for his unwavering moral compass, which is often at odds with stifling bureaucracy. As a result, he leaves C-Sec and takes on the alias Archangel, the feared watchman of Omega. His transformation reflects his frustration with the strict rules of C-Sec, which often obstructed justice. Despite the changes, Garrus still retains his marksmanship skills, with sniper rifles being his weapon of choice. His strategic acumen and battlefield skills make him a valuable asset to Shepard's team. But it's his wit and friendship that fosters a mutual respect and camaraderie with Shepard and the crew.
Throughout the series, whether he's facing Saren, the Collectors, or the Reapers, Garrus remains loyal to his cause. His unwavering determination and loyalty make him a powerful ally in the fight to save the galaxy. His evolution from law-abiding officer to vigilante hero paints a compelling portrait of the beloved Mass Effect character.
Story Arc
In the first game, Garrus starts out as a C-Sec officer disillusioned with bureaucracy and longing for effective justice. His meeting with Commander Shepard begins a transformative journey. Working with Shepard, Garrus realizes that justice can be done outside the law. He eventually leaves C-Sec and takes a black-and-white approach to justice, with criminals deserving nothing but death.
In the second game, Garrus is supposedly "killed" on Omega, but is discovered as an Archangel on duty, determined to destroy mercenary groups. He completely abandoned the idea of due process, instead playing the role of the Punisher. But he bears the imprint of this tumultuous time, both literally and figuratively, with his partially shattered armor and scarred face a lasting reminder.
The endgame sees even more change in Garrus, where he begins to question his previously ruthless stance towards justice. His experience makes him an ideal candidate to help deal with the looming Reaper crisis, and he is appointed as an advisor to the Turkish military. The series ends with a more mature and thoughtful Garrus, coming to terms with his ideas of justice and fairness.
From imposing officer to uncompromising vigilante to mature consultant, Garrus Vakarian's evolution in the Mass Effect games is the epitome of a deep and progressive character arc. His journey reflects the constant struggle between the law and his personal sense of justice, making him an enduring figure in the Mass Effect universe.
Cultural Impact
Garrus' popularity goes beyond the game itself. His image appears in fan art, merchandise, and cosplay, reflecting his widespread recognition. His oft-quoted phrase "I'm just warm" conveys the character's spirit of perseverance and has become an inspiration to many.
Additionally, Garrus challenged traditional video game archetypes with his complex and multi-layered character development. Initially appearing as a somewhat stoic and strict law enforcement officer, he evolves with each game, showing vulnerability, a quick wit, and a deep capacity for friendship and love. This multi-dimensional representation has positively changed the expectations and standards of character development in the gaming industry. His continued popularity, demonstrated by his consistently high ranking in fan polls, shows just how beloved and consistent Garrus has become in the Mass Effect universe and beyond.