Some villains swing swords. Others summon gods.
Enver Gortash? He doesn’t need either. His greatest weapon is his mind.
Charming, brilliant, and utterly ruthless, Gortash is the quintessential puppet master who is always several moves ahead and always smiling as he pulls the strings.
His rise to power is a masterclass in Machiavellian strategy, showing how ambition, manipulation, and charisma can cloak ruthless intent.
But what makes the tyrannical puppet master of Baldur’s Gate tick?
Before We Begin: A Quick Heads-Up
Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for Baldur’s Gate 3, especially Gortash’s role in Act 3 and his alliances with the Dead Three.
Why We’re Talking About This Character: We’re not here to chart every political move Gortash makes or break down his boss fight mechanics. Instead, we’re using him as a case study to explore psychological concepts like Machiavellianism, the dark triad, and how charisma can be both a gift and a weapon. Gortash gives us a vivid, fictional example of traits that we also see in real-world leaders, manipulators, and power players.
Meet the Character
Enver Gortash hails from Baldur’s Gate, but his childhood was anything but safe.
Sold by his parents to pay off debts, he grew up in an environment where exploitation was the norm. Survival meant cunning, not compassion. Those early lessons shaped him into a man who sees manipulation as strategy and empathy as a glaring weakness to be exploited.
By the time we meet him, he’s no longer a victim of circumstance. In fact, he’s risen to become the city’s Protector Duke, a worshipper of Bane (the god of tyranny), and the mastermind behind the Steel Watch: an army of clockwork enforcers that secures his firm grip on Baldur’s Gate.
Outwardly, he presents himself as a reasonable, even charming leader. But beneath that polished exterior lies a ruthless strategist who thrives on control and domination.
Spotlight Scenes: Machiavellian Moves and Ruthless Charisma
As one would expect, Gortash’s Machiavellianism shines in his interactions. He flatters, disarms, and offers alliances with one hand, all while keeping the dagger quietly ready in the other.
He’s not the kind of villain who shouts threats. Instead, he smiles, makes you feel like you’re on his side (and that that is, in fact, the logical decision that you arrived at all on your own with no suggestion from him…), and then quietly tightens the noose.
The defining moment in Gortash’s story is his masterful manipulation of Baldur’s Gate’s power structure.
Gortash engineers a crisis that only he can “solve,” deploying the Steel Watch to protect the city while consolidating his own authority. It’s the classic Machiavellian move: create the problem, then present yourself as the solution.
Another striking example appears if the player chooses the Dark Urge origin. Gortash leverages their shared history to manipulate emotions, offering partnership and camaraderie. But even then, his goal is never a true alliance but domination.
As we see time and time again, Gortash plays friends, rivals, and enemies alike as pieces in his grand political chess game.
The Psychology Behind the Mask
Gortash is a textbook case of Machiavellianism, one of the three traits in what is called the Dark Triad (alongside narcissism and psychopathy). Machiavellian individuals are defined by manipulativeness, strategic calculation, and a willingness to exploit others for personal gain.
But here’s the twist: Machiavellianism doesn’t always look villainous. In fact, more often than not, it looks charming.
Psychologists note that Machiavellian leaders succeed because they’re skilled at reading people, adapting their approach, and masking ruthlessness behind likability. Gortash embodies this perfectly. His calm demeanor and persuasive speech make him seem trustworthy, even as he schemes betrayal and (as the Chosen of Bane) tyranny.
His backstory (which is sadly easy to overlook in-game) adds depth to this psychology.
Being sold by his parents and raised in a world where only cunning ensured survival likely contributed to his worldview. Early trauma and a lack of secure attachments can foster a belief that manipulation is necessary and that empathy is dangerous.
You see, for Gortash, power isn’t just ambition. It’s security, identity, and proof that he will never again be powerless. (Hmm… that sounds a bit like a certain party member in BG3, doesn’t it?)
His worship of Bane reinforces this mindset. By aligning himself with the God of Tyranny, Gortash frames domination not just as a strategy but as destiny.
Specifically, HIS destiny.
This belief system allows for moral disengagement, where all of his cruelty and exploitation are reframed as strength, order, and/or necessity.
In Gortash’s eyes, he’s not ruthless, but righteous.
Beyond Baldur’s Gate: Why It Matters
Gortash’s story is a warning about the seductive nature of charisma and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
In the real world, leaders high in Machiavellian traits often rise quickly in politics or business. They know how to flatter, how to inspire confidence, and how to present themselves as the solution to every problem with expert precision.
But beneath all of that charm, their true motives may be self-serving, exploitative, or destructive.
Research on the Dark Triad shows that Machiavellian traits are linked to manipulative workplace behavior, political maneuvering, and even toxic relationships. The danger isn’t just that these individuals seek power, but that they’re so ridiculously good at convincing others to give it to them.
Gortash reminds us that charisma and strategic brilliance aren’t inherently virtuous. After all, these can be important tools for genuine leadership! But in the wrong hands, they become weapons of control.
Recognizing the signs of Machiavellian manipulation (such as strategic flattery, shifting alliances, and moral flexibility) can help us to better protect ourselves and our communities from being exploited.
Tomato Takeaway
Enver Gortash is the smiling face of tyranny: a master manipulator whose charm hides a ruthless hunger for power.
His story shows us how charisma can be weaponized, how ambition can mask exploitation, and why true leadership requires more than just strategy. Most importantly, it requires empathy, integrity, and accountability.
So as we wrap up with today’s Tomato Takeaway, now it’s your turn to join the conversation!
Have you ever seen someone in your work or personal life use charm or flattery as a mask for manipulation? How did you spot it, and what helped you resist it?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Fueled by coffee and curiosity, Jeff is a veteran blogger with an MBA and a lifelong passion for psychology. Currently finishing an MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (and eyeing that PhD), he’s on a mission to make science-backed psychology fun, clear, and accessible for everyone. When he’s not busting myths or brewing up new articles, you’ll probably find him at the D&D table or hunting for his next great cup of coffee.