Charlotte McBurney: The Voice Behind the Plague (Tale)
Meet Charlotte McBurney, the British voice actress who, at the tender age of 16, swapped her GCSEs for a medieval French accent and a whole lot of virtual rats. Sheās best known for bringing to life Amicia de Rune, the fierce and protective protagonist of the critically acclaimed video games A Plague Tale: Innocence and its sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem. But behind the rich tones of Amiciaās voice is a young talent with an inspiring story.
From Drama Workshops to Gaming Stardom
Charlotteās acting journey began in London, where she spent her formative years honing her skills at the Young Actors Theatre. A fan of storytelling and drama from an early age, Charlotte immersed herself in performance opportunities, never imagining that her path would lead to a starring role in one of the most beloved video game franchises of the decade. Before she was commanding legions of rats (virtually, of course), Charlotte was your average teenager balancing school life with her artistic passions.
Charlotteās big break came when she was cast as Amicia de Rune in A Plague Tale: Innocence. This wasnāt just her first major role; it was also her first experience in the gaming world. To prepare, she had to delve deep into the emotional and physical struggles of a young girl navigating the horrors of the Black Plague. She poured her heart into the role, spending hours in the recording booth to capture every nuance of Amiciaās complex personality. That commitment paid off in a big way.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
Released in 2019, A Plague Tale: Innocence is an unforgettable adventure that blends rich storytelling, survival gameplay, and the atmospheric dread of a rat-infested 14th-century France. The game follows Amicia and her younger brother Hugo as they flee Inquisition soldiers, navigate disease-ravaged villages, and confront supernatural horrors. Charlotteās portrayal of Amicia anchored the narrative, earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Critics and fans alike were blown away by Charlotteās ability to bring such humanity to the role. For many players, it wasnāt just the meticulously designed environments or challenging puzzles that stood outāit was Amiciaās growth as a character, brought to life through Charlotteās compelling performance.
Sequel Success: A Plague Tale: Requiem
Charlotte reprised her role in A Plague Tale: Requiem, the 2022 sequel that took the franchise to even greater heights. This time, Amicia faces even more daunting trials as she fights to protect Hugo while navigating the moral and emotional fallout of their journey. Charlotteās performance in Requiem was widely celebrated, earning her a nomination for Performer in a Leading Role at the BAFTA Games Awards in 2023.
The sequel also showcased Charlotteās growth as an actress. While Innocence focused on Amiciaās emergence as a protector, Requiem delved into her vulnerabilities, her anger, and her resilience. These layers made the character even more relatable, and Charlotteās delivery ensured that every line carried emotional weight.
Diversifying Her Portfolio
After her success with A Plague Tale, Charlotte began exploring other opportunities in the gaming industry. One such role was young Jill Warrick in Final Fantasy XVI. Though smaller in scope, this role highlighted Charlotteās range and introduced her voice to a whole new audience of gamers. Itās no small feat to transition from starring in a gritty, historically inspired tale to voicing characters in one of the most iconic fantasy franchises of all time, but Charlotte handled it with ease.
Beyond the Booth
While her voicework is what fans know and love, Charlotteās personal life is just as interesting. Off-mic, sheās humble and down-to-earth, often sharing her gratitude for the opportunities sheās had. Sheās also a self-proclaimed knitting enthusiastāa hobby she took up to unwind after intense recording sessions. And considering the sheer emotional gravity of her roles, who wouldnāt need a calming creative outlet?
Charlotteās transition from theatre workshops to global recognition hasnāt gone to her head. In interviews, she often credits her mentors at the Young Actors Theatre and the supportive team at Asobo Studio for shaping her career. Sheās quick to acknowledge the collaborative effort behind the success of A Plague Tale, reminding fans that voice actors are just one piece of the puzzle.
A Future Full of Potential
With her talent, work ethic, and an ever-growing list of credits, Charlotte McBurney is undoubtedly a rising star in the entertainment world. Whether sheās battling plagues in medieval France or diving into the fantasy realms of Final Fantasy, she continues to captivate audiences with her authenticity and emotional range. Itās no exaggeration to say that her best work is likely still ahead of her.
As Charlotteās career unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate what projects sheāll take on next. Whatever the role, one thingās for certain: Charlotte McBurney has a voiceāand a talentāthatās here to stay.
For a complete list of her roles, check out her IMDb page.
Be sure to read "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
