Characters & Roles

Characters & Roles in Dishonored 2

This guide covers all major characters in Dishonored 2, with a focus on the two playable protagonists—Corvo Attano and Emily Kaldwin—and key supporting characters. For each playable character, you'll find background, strengths, weaknesses, playstyle advice, unlock conditions, recommended builds, and synergy tips. Supporting characters are described in terms of their role in the story and gameplay.

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Playable Characters

1. Corvo Attano

Background:
Corvo Attano is the legendary Royal Protector of the Empress, Emily Kaldwin. Framed for the murder of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin, he cleared his name with the help of the Loyalists and the Outsider. Now, 15 years later, he returns to protect Emily from a coup by Delilah Copperspoon. The Outsider grants him powers again (or for the first time, if you choose Corvo in a new game).

Strengths:

• Blink – Short-range teleportation. Silent, instant, and essential for verticality.


• Devouring Swarm – Summons rats to distract or kill enemies; great for chaos.


• Dark Vision – See enemies and items through walls (upgraded to highlight valuables).


• Possession – Take over animals or humans; very useful for bypassing tight spaces.


• Bend Time – Slow or stop time; extremely powerful for combat or stealth.


• Windblast – AOE push; can break doors and knock enemies off ledges.


Weaknesses:

• Lower mana pool than Emily if not upgraded; Blink costs mana per use.


• No long-range non-lethal crowd control (Emily has Domino).


• Rat swarm can cause unintended chaos if enemies are consumed.


• Possession of humans is expensive and requires line of sight.


Playstyle:
Corvo is a balanced stealth/combat character. His Blink allows rapid traversal, and his powers support both lethal and non-lethal approaches. For high chaos, use Devouring Swarm + Rat Swarm bone charms. For low chaos, rely on Blink + Possession + Bend Time. His combat is straightforward with sword and pistol, but powers can turn any fight.

Unlock Conditions:
Corvo is selectable from the very beginning of the game (mission selection screen). Choosing him locks Emily's powers for that playthrough.

Recommended Equipment / Builds:

• Low Chaos Stealth Build: Prioritize Blink (Agility upgrade), Dark Vision, Possession, Bend Time (upgrade to stop time). Equip bone charms that increase mana regen, reduce Blink cost, or extend Dark Vision duration. Weapons: Non-lethal bolts, choking, sword only for breaking objects. Runes: Spend on Blink (Agility), Dark Vision (Glimpse), Possession (Extended), Bend Time (Stopped).


• High Chaos Combat Build: Focus on Devouring Swarm (Rat Tide), Windblast (upgraded push), Bend Time (Stop and Slow). Bone charms for increased rat damage, faster mana regen, and reduced power cost. Use pistol with explosive bullets, crossbow with incendiary bolts, and sword with aggressive upgrades.


• Mixed Build: A balance of stealth and crowd control. Get Blink, Dark Vision, Domino? (No, Domino is Emily's). Actually Corvo lacks Domino, so use Possession to isolate enemies and Bend Time for critical moments.


Team Synergy:
Since you control only one character, "team" refers to NPC allies. Corvo works well with Meagan Foster (who provides transportation and mission intel) and Anton Sokolov (who can craft upgrades). In terms of power synergy, Corvo's Bend Time can be used to set up perfect headshots or non-lethal takedowns. Pair with choke and sleep darts for a quiet run. His Possession can carry him through areas with guards without killing.

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2. Emily Kaldwin



Background:
Empress Emily Kaldwin, daughter of Jessamine and Corvo (or Jessamine and a noble, depending on player choice). She was deposed by Delilah and forced to flee. Now she must reclaim her throne. The Outsider marks her with a new set of powers distinct from her father's.

Strengths:

• Far Reach – A grappling hook-like power that pulls Emily toward a point or pulls objects/enemies toward her. Can be upgraded to stop time while aiming.


• Domino – Link up to 4 enemies; actions (kill, choke, knock unconscious) affect all linked targets simultaneously. Excellent for non-lethal takes.


• Mesmerize – AOE area that hypnotizes enemies and slows time for affected targets.


• Shadow Walk – Transform into a shadow creature that cannot be seen in darkness; allows silent movement and quick kills.


• Dark Vision (shared with Corvo) – Same effect, but Emily can also see through walls and detect objects.


• Doppelgänger – Create a clone to distract enemies; can be upgraded to mimic actions or explode.


Weaknesses:

• No short-range teleport like Blink (Far Reach has a short travel delay and is less precise).


• Domino requires mana and foresight; linking the wrong enemies can ruin a stealth run.


• Shadow Walk is loud when uncloaking and consumes mana quickly.


• Doppelgänger can be destroyed, drawing attention.


• Less combat-focused; few direct damage powers (except upgraded Far Reach pulls).


Playstyle:
Emily excels at crowd control and non-lethal gameplay. Domino allows you to neutralize multiple guards at once. Far Reach enables vertical mobility but requires more planning than Blink. Mesmerize is invaluable for bypassing patrols. For combat, rely on weapons and timing; Shadow Walk can be used for assassinations.

Unlock Conditions:
Selectable from the start of the game, same as Corvo. Choosing Emily prevents using Corvo's powers.

Recommended Equipment / Builds:

• Non-Lethal Stealth Build: Max out Domino (3 links, then 4), Mesmerize, Dark Vision (Glimpse, Oracle), Far Reach (upgrade to stop time). Bone charms: reduce mana cost for Domino, increase choke speed, extend Mesmerize duration. Equipment: Non-lethal bolts, sleep darts, springrazor traps (for distraction). Use shadow walk only when necessary.


• High Chaos / Aggressive Build: Focus on Far Reach (upgrade to pull enemies and smash), Shadow Walk (upgrade to assassinate), Doppelgänger (upgrade to explode). Bone charms: faster mana regen, increased Shadow Walk damage, extended Doppelgänger duration. Weapons: pistol, crossbow with explosive or incendiary bolts, sword upgraded for damage.


• Boss Killer Build: Use Domino to link Delilah's sisters or guards, then take one down to affect all. Far Reach can yank enemies off ledges. Combine with Mesmerize to stop groups while you dispatch them.

Team Synergy:
Emily benefits greatly from Meagan's boat upgrades (e.g., increased mana capacity, equipment slots). Sokolov's inventions like the rewire tool and upgraded bone charms enhance her powers. In terms of her own powers, Domino + Mesmerize is a devastating combo: Mesmerize holds enemies still, then Domino-linked chokes take out the whole group. Far Reach can be used to retrieve items or pull enemies into shadows.

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Major Supporting Characters

3. Meagan Foster (The Boat Captain)

Role: Ally, transport, mission hub.
Background: Meagan Foster is the captain of the Dreadful Wale, a custom ship that serves as your mobile base. She is a former Royal Guard and smuggler with a personal grudge against the Duke of Serkonos. She provides transport between missions, offers side missions, and upgrades your gear.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Meagan is not playable. She is reliable but can be wounded if you cause high chaos (affecting her availability). She gives you important intel and a rewire tool.
Gameplay Impact: She upgrades your crossbow capacity, mana refills, and bomb crafting. Complete her side tasks for more upgrades.

4. Anton Sokolov

Role: Ally, inventor, upgrade provider.
Background: The world's greatest inventor and natural philosopher. He created the rewire tool, improved scopes, and many gadgets. He is captured early in the game and must be rescued. He then joins your crew.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Not playable. He can craft upgrades and enhancements for your equipment using resources you collect. His sanity degrades if you kill around him; angry Sokolov gives less upgrades.
Gameplay Impact: Bring him whalebone and coins to upgrade weapons and gadgets. Also, he provides commentary on characters and lore.

5. Delilah Copperspoon

Role: Main antagonist, final boss.
Background: A powerful witch and painter who once tried to take the throne during the events of Dishonored: The Corroded Man. She has returned with a coven of witches and usurped the throne using her supernatural abilities (granted by the Outsider). She can paint reality into existence.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Immensely powerful with magic: she can teleport, summon spectral claws, create duplicates, and slow time. She is vulnerable to Domino (Emily) or Bend Time (Corvo) combos. High chaos makes her fight harder.
Gameplay Impact: Boss fight in A Crack in the Slab. You can kill her or spare her. Defeating her ends the game. She has minions and traps in her throne room.

6. Mortimer Ramsey

Role: Secondary antagonist, loyalist.
Background: A Royal Spymaster loyal to Delilah. He betrays Emily and Corvo at the beginning. He is encountered in several missions.
Strengths/Weaknesses: A skilled swordsman but not supernatural. Can be found alone or with guards.
Gameplay Impact: Killing or sparing him affects the end credits and chaos level. He is a boss encounter in The Royal Conservatory.

7. The Outsider

Role: Neutral supernatural entity, power giver.
Background: A mysterious god-like being who marks individuals with powers. He appears at key moments to comment on your choices. He does not directly participate but grants runes and bone charms.
Gameplay Impact: By collecting runes you unlock powers. Bone charms found in the world provide passive bonuses. He also judges your actions.

8. Billie Lurk / Meagan Foster (Spoilers)

Note: It is later revealed that Meagan Foster is actually Billie Lurk, a former assassin from the first game. This changes her backstory but not her gameplay role.

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Summary Table

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Final Thoughts

Choosing between Corvo and Emily dramatically changes your approach. Corvo's Blink and Bend Time reward precision and timing, while Emily's Domino and Far Reach enable creative group takedowns. Neither is strictly better; both can complete the game in any style. Experiment with both to find your preference. Supporting characters like Meagan and Sokolov enhance your capabilities, so protect them through low chaos decisions and complete their side quests for maximum upgrades.