Devora Wilde Talks Character Connections in RPGs: Clea and Lae’zel’s Mean Girl Vibes

In a recent chat, Devora Wilde opened up about her experiences voicing Clea in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and how she sees a notable connection between her character and Lae’zel from Baldur’s Gate 3. It seems that someone needs to defend Lae’zel’s reputation, especially when some players treat her like the least favorite ex-girlfriend!

Wilde shared, “One of my favorite lines was, ‘What an auspicious start,'” pointing out that it mirrors Lae’zel’s use of the term. While she suspects it wasn’t a deliberate nod, she loves that it’s like a fun throwback to the other RPG heroine. Both characters share a bit of a mean girl vibe, making them intriguing yet problematic in their own rights.

As the Dessendre heir, Clea comes off as cold, clever, and somewhat irritable, while Lae’zel embodies a warrior’s frosty discipline, always quick to let others know when they’re wasting her time. Wilde mused, “If Lae’zel didn’t have that githyanki superiority complex, she might actually enjoy hanging out with Clea and venting about how foolish everyone else is.”

Interestingly, Wilde noticed a difference in how fans react to both characters. “Clea might not be the most likeable, but people seem to give her a lot of grace, saying things like, ‘She’s justified in her behavior; she’s the only sane one in the family.'” On the flip side, Lae’zel takes a harsher hit from fans, who often label her as just plain mean. This might stem from her role as a romance option, making her sharp words feel more personal for players.

Clea, meanwhile, usually directs her disdain at her family members who don’t meet her expectations. Even though she could stand to show a bit of vulnerability, like admitting fears or missing someone, her tough exterior resonates more with players than Lae’zel’s grumpy demeanor. As Wilde points out, “It’s not Lae’zel’s fault that she’s so stunning, which adds another layer to her character.” In fact, the actress voicing Lae’zel confessed that she almost opted out of pursuing the character during her own gameplay, but ultimately didn’t have the heart to go through with it!