How Fatherhood Shaped Sam Riegel's Critical Role Character

July 1, 2026 - 23:29

Parenting is tough, but parenting in the middle of a Critical Role campaign is something else entirely. Sam Riegel, a longtime cast member of the hit Dungeons & Dragons show, recently revealed that his real-life experience as a father directly inspired his Mighty Nein character, the chaotic and lovable goblin cleric Nott the Brave.

In a candid interview, Riegel explained that Nott's fierce protectiveness of her son, along with her deep insecurities about being a good parent, came straight from his own life. "When you have kids, you start thinking about what you would do to keep them safe," he said. "Nott would burn down a city for her family, and honestly, I get that now." He noted that the character's constant anxiety and tendency to overcompensate with humor were traits he recognized in himself after becoming a father.

Riegel also pointed to Nott's struggle with identity and self-worth. As a goblin who was transformed from a halfling, Nott often felt like a failure in her old life. That sense of not measuring up, Riegel said, mirrors the pressure many parents feel. "You worry you are messing up your kids every day. Nott is that fear turned into a character who still tries anyway."

The revelation adds a new layer to one of Critical Role's most beloved characters. Fans have long admired Nott's blend of comic relief and heartbreaking depth. Now they know the real source of that emotional weight: a dad who brought his own parenting journey to the gaming table.