Is Tartaglia a bad guy?
As one of the formidable Fatui Harbingers who periodically opposes the player in Genshin Impact, Tartaglia seems to fit the archetype of a villainous character at first glance. However, upon deeper analysis of his backstory, motivations, actions, and relationships, the picture becomes more nuanced. While bound by duty and his chaotic nature, Tartaglia operates by his own moral code and gains more depth beyond just being an evil "bad guy."
Raised by the Fatui But Grounding by Family
Hailing from the icy, militant nation of Snezhnaya ruled by the Tsaritsa and Fatui, Tartaglia was raised under the Fatui‘s strict regimen since childhood to be a powerful fighter. Given the codename "Childe" and Intrusion Delusion to amplify his combat capabilities, he was intensely trained by the best martial artists his realm had to offer. This has certainly shaped Tartaglia into the formidable assassin and fighter he is now, driven by the exhilaration of combat above all else.
Yet despite such an upbringing emphasizing duty and violence for the Fatui, Tartaglia retains his grounded, noble side thanks to thoughts of protecting his three beloved younger siblings. As the oldest brother to a sister and two brothers back home dependent on him, Tartaglia works partly to support his family and be a role model rather than just serving the Fatui. He sends regular gifts and letters to them, showing an empathetic side beyond chaos.
Driven by Love of Fighting, Not Fatui Ideology
Indeed, analyzing Tartaglia‘s core motivations reveals fighting strong enemies and self-improvement to be greater drivers than furthering Fatui plots and conquests. Cutscenes portray Tartaglia bored and restless with diplomatic meetings, only to become excited hearing that worthy opponents have emerged for him to test his skills against.
He may assist Fatui plans involving harming major cities to lure out challenging foes, as direly shown in his plot to unleash ancient god Osial on Liyue Harbor. But provoking such calamities has more to do with encountering the worthy adversaries who will rise up to stop him than any specific Fatui goals advancing from the aftermath.
This motivation of seeking ever greater battles as means of thrill and self-improvement explains why he maintains almost friendly rapport with the player Traveler despite past and future fights. To him, the player‘s rising strength makes them a prized rival to spar and evolve with rather than permanent enemy to destroy. Their battles let both parties push each other new heights through blood and steel – almost a form of honor beyond mere good or evil.
Both Opposed and Aided the Player
Indeed, while certainly an antagonist who has fought the player multiple times as a World Boss-style weekly boss, Tartaglia has also directly assisted the Traveler on multiple occasions. After beating Tartaglia in his Story Quest boss fight, he upheld his word in helping defeat ancient god Osial and proved he abides by a code beyong wanton death and destruction.
He has also aided the player during numerous seasonal events, teaming up with them in combat trials and minigames as a friendly rival at worst. Through these amicable moments and upholding promises despite previous conflict, Tartaglia displays complexity beyond being a one-dimensional evil villain who the player must always fight.
Family First Before All Else
Further demonstrating Tartaglia sees humanity beyond just violent conquest are the deep ties he still cherishes with family, particularly his younger siblings awaiting his return. Birthday letters to his sister and brothers reveal sentimental attachment and wanting to inspire them to find their calling as he did.
He hides little of the violence in his Fatui role, spins side stories to avoid traumatizaiton, and advises them to walk a less bloody path if possible. But he nonetheless commits everything to being a present, providing role model they deserve.
This singular devotion and principles regarding family further paints Tartaglia as layered Fatui agent acting not purely selfish cruelty but moral bonds beyond nation and institutional allegiances. Were his siblings ever endangered, he would surely turn his prowess against even the Cryo Archon Tsaritsa herself. And the Traveler can relate in always aiding their lost twin.
Analyzing backstory of martial childhood grooming, lust for combat evolutionary progression, upholding honor codes, and singular family devotion suggests Tartaglia acts based on much more than mere evil, chaos or Fatui orders compared to simplistic video game villains. His complexity may cause headaches, but an admirable persistence towards transcendence few can claim aligns him closer to rival seeking their best than outright villain deserving only death.
