Anora

Anora Mac Tir is the wife of King Cailan Theirin and daughter of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir. She is the Queen of Ferelden, a consummate ruler and committed to ensuring economic security for Ferelden. .

Anora is capable and quick-witted, which she can use to be charming or to cut someone up verbally -- which she will not hesitate to do, if the situation calls for it. It is to Anora's eternal irritation that, had she been born a man, it would have been much easier for her to achieve power in the world. She is easily bored by those of lesser intelligence and often assumes a somewhat imperious manner. She has become accustomed, after all, to being served -- though this should never go over the top, as she was not born into luxury. Her father is of common birth and thus she has no noble blood, herself, and so she is no stranger to work. Ultimately Anora is a pragmatist and when she speaks she should always strain to make it plainly obvious that what she is saying is the clearest, most intelligent path to take. .

Anora puts forward an air of confidence and competence mixed with majesty and grace. She does not use her feminine wiles to her advantage -- not because she does not possess them, but simply because it does not occur to her. She uses her intelligence far more readily, as it was how her father raised her. She is direct and often pointed in her manner without being overbearing, until annoyance or irritation wears at her patience. She is also very much her father's daughter, and like her father she is capable of setting morals aside to achieve the ends she desires.

Her appearance is described as slim and beautiful.

Background
Anora was born a commoner, at a time shortly after her father had driven foreigners out of Ferelden. Her father was rewarded with his elevation to Teyrn, so in truth Anora grew up knowing privilege -- it was her father that kept her very much aware of her common roots. Her mother died when she was young and thus it is her father that raised her. This made her a bit tomboyish in some ways, but at the same time she inherited her father's skills and mannerisms. According to her father, as a child she acted as if she were the undisputed monarch of the whole world. She never joined the local children in play. Instead she read a lot, followed her mother around like a shadow about the gardens, and practiced archery and swordplay. Later she was moved to the palace where she became friends with her betrothed, the young Prince Cailan, while they were still both children. He was slightly younger than she was, and she would lead him around like a puppy on a leash, deep in adventures together. They once fought an army of Ogres in the wine cellar together, or at least that was their explanation for all the broken bottles.

Eventually they were married, and while she is happy enough, it has always been a marriage of convenience in her eyes.She has grown fond of Cailan over time, nevertheless she still considers her husband to be something of a fool, albeit a charming, lovable one. She is shrewdly intelligent, capable and has been more or less running the nation behind the scenes for the past five years in her husband's name while wishing she were ruling in her own name. Cailan is an easygoing man who cares little for politics and is thus more than happy to leave much of the business of governing to his wife.

Quotes

 * "Eamon! I may have done a terrible thing." 
 * "I realize that my... actions at Howe's estate may not have painted me in the best light. For that, I apologize and hope that we can start again." 
 * "I have ruled this nation on Cailan's behalf for many years. I am a great queen, and as beloved by my people as I love them." 
 * "I am tired of ruling in a husband's name. If I marry again, it will not be to become a figurehead. If being a consort is not enough, then marry Alistair. Perhaps he will bend over more gracefully than I would." 
 * "It gets you near to the throne. I am the queen, and you are my consort... remember that and we will have no issue." 
 * "Anora's only real loyalty is to herself. She's capable and determined, but she'll sacrifice anything for her goals. Remember that." (Her father speaking of her.)
 * "We have been given the gift of freedom by our forebearers. Let us not squander it." 

Trivia

 * Writer Sheryl Chee has said that when going out for a drink Anora would, "skip the beer and go straight to tequila shots."
 * Writer David Gaider said that, "the most important thing to know about Anora is that she is her father's daughter."
 * Upon first meeting Queen Anora she is wearing guard armor. The Warden may say "Aren't you a little short for a guard?" Many Star Wars fans know this is similar to what Princess Leia said upon first meeting Luke Skywalker who was wearing Stormtrooper armor. If a dwarven character uses this line, Anora points out the irony.