6 Netflix's Witcher Characters That Deviated From The Books (Perhaps Too Much)

Anytime a book is adapted for the screen, there is scrutiny over its authenticity to the source material. Books tend to allow for a deeper delve into characters and, often, fans of the book end up feeling let down.

The Witcher has caused huge upset for fans, with many feeling that some characters have been changed beyond recognition.

Here are 6 that have deviated from the books (perhaps too much).

1. Yennefer

Book Yennefer is controlled, assured and slightly wary of the power she holds. In the show, she is portrayed as always uncertain yet craving power. But perhaps the most striking change in TV Yennefer (played by Anya Chalotra) is her relationship with Ciri. The show sees her prepared to sacrifice Ciri to reclaim her ability to cause chaos, whereas book Yennefer will sacrifice anything for Ciri.

2. Cahir

TV Cahir (Eamon Farren) is almost nothing like his character from the source material. One of his key characteristics in the books is that he is not the violent zealot Ciri believes him to be in her nightmares. He’s a soldier with a capacity for violence and he will obey almost any order given to him, but he’s not an evil person. On screen, he is pretty much Ciri’s imagined version of him.

3. Vilgefortz

It looks as though Vilgefortz will be the main villain in the TV series – but so far he is a far less powerful character than that which we meet on the page. In the books, he is a hugely powerful sorcerer, and yet he failed to beat Cahir in a sword fight. He’s also far less devious in the TV show (where he’s portrayed by Mahesh Jadu).

4. Fringilla

Fringilla is simply not as heavily involved in the books. So, to make a more influential character in the TV show, new storylines were required for the character. For example, in the books, she was never captured after the battle at Sodden. And the Elven baby plot does not exist at all in the books. As a character, she is portrayed on screen by Mimi Ndiweni as far more hot-headed and volatile than her book counterpart.

5. Francesca

Once you know the Elven baby plot didn’t feature in the books, it’s easy to see why Mecia Simson’s portrayal of Francesca deviates so much from the character originally created by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski. In the books, she is determined and ambitious – something not really evident on the show – but far more compassionate.

6. Vesemir

In terms of mannerisms and general characteristics, TV Vesemir (Kim Bodnia) is not too far from the book version. But his storyline on screen is another that has been invented for the show. And book Vesemir is unlikely to have wanted to use Ciri’s blood to rebuild the Witchers as he saw her almost as a niece.