So I went back to play the other DA games-well at least DA2, had some issues with Origins.
I wanted to analyze Cullen's character.
In DAO:
Cullen seemed to a little awkward and wanting to prove himself as newly recruited Templar. But by the time events in The Tower happened, Cullen became a bitter angry a'hole.
DA2:
Second year into Kirkwall, Cullen is well a real douche bag. Mr. "All mages are evil, grrr. Must do my duty."
Fourth year in Kirkwall Cullen starts to break down-not a lot-a little.
Seventh year in Kirkwall Cullen starts to show signs of his current personality in DAI. Questioning the order, who he is truly serving, more approachable and less prone to male PMS. While he does not display this constantly it does show when you speak to him candidly.
Makes me wonder if Cullen was always intended as the Commander in Inquisition.
None the less I found it most interesting to back track and see how Cullen was before and what we have now.
Just wanted to share my thoughts etc. etc. 
~Oh and I will say I am super grateful the developers put Cullen in DAI and gave him such a huge role and a romance path. Don't think I'd be playing this game if Cullen was not in it. ~