Note: this post contains character spoilers for Royal Affairs. For a less in-depth introduction to Dominique de Saint Martel, check out their introduction post.

Buy Royal Affairs: Steam | Apple Store | Google Play Store | Browser | Amazon

Dominique was the second of the “approved” potential friendships or romances. With them I wanted to show someone whose family is very embedded in the socialite sphere, and demonstrate the sorts of problems Westerlind aristocrats might typically face.

Dominique’s parents are classic rich people living beyond their means, and Dominique has inherited their blase attitude to life because they’ve never been in a position where they have to think about such things. They’re someone who doesn’t necessarily know exactly who they are or where they’re going at the start of Royal Affairs; in some cases and from some perspectives they might figure that out, though often they might not.

For me Dominique is a character who has got by on charm, a hapless affect, and a sparkling family reputation for most of their life, and in Royal Affairs they’re starting to realise that that isn’t going to work forever. It’s a hard transition to make, especially as they find it hard to focus (the Crème de la Crème setting doesn’t have classifications like ADHD, but some neurodivergent players have seen aspects of themselves in Dominique, which brings me great joy) and there are points where they’re struggling to reconcile their fancy-free childhood and more serious concerns as they grow older.

They represent the carefree side of Westerlind aristocracy, who are content with how things are and don’t think much about how their lives and the system they live in impact others. I also wanted to have a student who simply isn’t suited to the expected Archambault -> leadership pipeline. Dominique isn’t all that sure what they want to do with their life, which is eminently normal for an eighteen-year-old, but the Archambault system expects young people to jump into and excel at whatever life path has been given them.

Dominique was tremendously fun to write. I particularly enjoyed their irrepressible interactions with other characters and the PC. Their romantic interactions with the PC are straightforward and easygoing; they aren’t a possessive character, and for them, knowing that they and the PC like each other is a simple matter. They’re eager to throw themselves into closeness, and to enjoy their quality time together.

I don’t know exactly where Dominique will end up after Royal Affairs – there are several different paths they can go down – but they’re someone who I believe might blossom after leaving school. They might well explore their talents and interests and come to realise more about themselves. With all the characters I wanted to leave a sense of openness about what’s coming in their futures – they’re only eighteen, after all, and who knows what might change in their lives and personalities even in the next couple of years? – but I think Dominique exemplifies this. Dominique truly finding their footing is yet to come.