Decoding the Characters of Modern Warfare 2: Who Do You Really Play As?
The world of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is a complex tapestry woven with compelling characters and intense storylines. While the game throws you into the boots of several operatives, the most directly controlled characters are Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson of Task Force 141 and Private First Class Joseph Allen, who infiltrates a terrorist group. You also briefly control James Ramirez of the 1st Ranger Battalion. However, Roach is arguably the character you inhabit for the largest portion of the campaign, making him a central playable figure, even if the narrative threads eventually converge to focus on other key players.
Delving Deeper into the Playable Characters
While the spotlight might shine brightest on iconic figures like Soap and Ghost, understanding who you are controlling during each mission is crucial to appreciating the game’s narrative depth.
Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson: The Silent Protagonist
- Roach is a British member of Task Force 141, the elite international special forces unit spearheading much of the game’s covert operations. He serves under the direct command of Captain MacTavish (Soap) and works closely with Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley.
- As the player, you experience some of the game’s most harrowing missions through Roach’s eyes. From infiltrating Russian airfields to securing the DSM (Data Storage Module), you’re on the front lines, gathering crucial intelligence for Task Force 141.
- Roach’s perspective is particularly significant because of his tragic fate. The betrayal at the hands of General Shepherd is a pivotal moment in the game, and experiencing it firsthand as Roach amplifies the emotional impact.
- Although Roach is silent (i.e. a silent protagonist), his actions speak volumes. He is the embodiment of the player’s agency within the game, making life-or-death decisions under immense pressure.
Private First Class Joseph Allen: The Deep Cover Operative
- Joseph Allen, also known as Alexei Borodin during his undercover operation, is an American soldier assigned to infiltrate Vladimir Makarov’s inner circle. This storyline is one of the most controversial and impactful in the game.
- You control Allen during the infamous “No Russian” mission, which tasks you with participating in a mass shooting at a Russian airport. This mission is disturbing and pivotal, setting the stage for the escalating conflict between Russia and the United States.
- The purpose of Allen’s mission is to gain Makarov’s trust and gather intel. However, Makarov knows Allen’s true identity and uses him to trigger a war by framing the United States for the terrorist attack.
Private James Ramirez: The Frontline Soldier
- James Ramirez is a member of the 1st Ranger Battalion, fighting on the American front lines against the invading Russian forces. His missions are a stark contrast to the covert operations of Task Force 141, providing a perspective on the open warfare raging on US soil.
- You control Ramirez during missions focused on defending Washington D.C. from the Russian invasion. This offers a glimpse into the larger-scale conflict beyond the scope of Task Force 141’s clandestine activities.
- While Ramirez doesn’t have the same narrative weight as Roach or Allen, his missions are crucial to showcasing the global scale and devastating impact of the conflict.
Understanding Narrative Perspective
It’s important to note that while you play as these characters, the narrative is ultimately driven by figures like Captain Price, Soap MacTavish, and Ghost. Roach, Allen, and Ramirez serve as windows into different facets of the war, allowing the player to experience the conflict from multiple angles.
The deliberate choice of characters allows the players to learn about the horrors of war from multiple angles. To study these aspects of video games, check out the resources available at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the main villain in Modern Warfare 2 (2009)?
The main villain is Lieutenant General Hershel von Shepherd III, also known as General Shepherd. He orchestrates a series of events to ignite a war between the United States and Russia, ultimately betraying Task Force 141 to solidify his power.
2. What is Task Force 141?
Task Force 141 is an elite, multinational special operations unit composed of soldiers from various countries. It’s led by Captain John “Soap” MacTavish and includes key members like Ghost, Roach, and others.
3. Why is the “No Russian” mission so controversial?
The “No Russian” mission requires the player to participate in a mass shooting of civilians at a Russian airport, as Joseph Allen/Alexei Borodin. This mission sparked controversy due to its graphic violence and potential for causing distress to players. It’s often cited as an example of the ethical dilemmas present in video games.
4. What happened to Ghost in Modern Warfare 2 (2009)?
Ghost is betrayed and killed by General Shepherd along with Roach. Shepherd shoots them both in the back and then burns their bodies to cover up his tracks.
5. How does General Shepherd betray Task Force 141?
Shepherd betrays Task Force 141 to manipulate the United States into a full-scale war with Russia. He does this to solidify his own power and reputation as a war hero.
6. Is Soap MacTavish a playable character in Modern Warfare 2 (2009)?
No, Soap MacTavish is not a directly playable character in Modern Warfare 2 (2009). However, he plays a significant role in the story and leads Task Force 141.
7. What is the significance of the DSM (Data Storage Module)?
The DSM contains critical information about Makarov’s operations and Shepherd’s involvement. Securing the DSM is a primary objective for Roach and Task Force 141, as it’s the key to exposing Shepherd’s treachery.
8. What is the relationship between Makarov and Shepherd?
Makarov and Shepherd are initially presented as adversaries, but Shepherd manipulates events to frame Makarov’s actions as an attack by Russia on the United States, igniting the war. Ultimately, their alliance is revealed to be a complex web of deceit.
9. What is the role of the 1st Ranger Battalion in the game?
The 1st Ranger Battalion is responsible for defending the United States against the Russian invasion. As Ramirez, you participate in battles to protect key locations like Washington D.C.
10. How does Joseph Allen get involved with Makarov?
Allen is recruited and trained by the CIA to infiltrate Makarov’s terrorist group as an undercover operative. He’s given the alias Alexei Borodin to blend in with Makarov’s crew.
11. What is the overall theme of Modern Warfare 2 (2009)?
The game explores themes of betrayal, the corrupting influence of power, and the moral complexities of modern warfare. It also examines the human cost of conflict and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition.
12. Is Modern Warfare 2 (2009) connected to other Call of Duty games?
Yes, it is directly connected to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, forming a trilogy. The events and characters in each game build upon the overarching storyline.
13. What is the significance of Ghost’s mask?
Ghost’s mask has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the entire Call of Duty franchise. It represents his anonymity, tactical prowess, and the ruthlessness required for his role. In the narrative of Modern Warfare 2, the mask becomes especially poignant in light of his betrayal and death.
14. Did Roach’s actions have an impact?
Although players inhabit Roach for a significant amount of time, the impact of his actions is sadly muted due to his lack of character development and silent nature. Players get to experience crucial events via Roach, but his limited agency and eventual demise position him as a narrative device more than a fully realized character.
15. Is Valeria Garza in Modern Warfare 3?
Based on recent trailers and information, Valeria Garza is now allied with Task Force 141 in Modern Warfare 3. This marks a significant shift in her character arc, moving her from antagonist to a potential ally in the fight against Makarov.