Diving Deep: Unpacking the Protagonists of Assassin’s Creed
The question of “What is the main character’s name in Assassin’s Creed?” is deceptively simple. The Assassin’s Creed franchise isn’t about just one protagonist. Instead, it utilizes the Animus to explore the lives of multiple ancestors, each a central figure in their respective storylines. In the original Assassin’s Creed, the main character within the historical setting is Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. However, the overall narrative also hinges on Desmond Miles, the modern-day protagonist experiencing Altaïr’s memories through genetic memory.
The beauty of the series lies in its ensemble of leads, each with their own compelling stories and unique roles within the overarching conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. From the charismatic Ezio Auditore da Firenze to the fierce Eivor Varinsdottir, the Assassin’s Creed games provide a rich tapestry of characters that drive the narrative forward.
A Legacy of Assassins: More Than Just a Name
The series’ innovative approach to storytelling means that there isn’t a single, definitive “main character” across the entire franchise. Each installment introduces us to a new protagonist (or sometimes two, as in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate), allowing us to experience different historical periods and perspectives within the overarching Assassin’s Creed universe. This approach not only keeps the gameplay fresh, but it also enriches the series’ lore and expands upon the central themes of free will versus control.
While Altaïr might be the original Assassin we control, characters like Ezio and Connor Kenway have become equally iconic, demonstrating the series’ ability to create memorable and impactful characters. The diversity of protagonists—from privateers to Vikings to street thieves—reflects the series’ commitment to exploring different cultures and time periods. The stories resonate with players because they are grounded in these different points of view.
Modern Day Protagonist: Desmond Miles and Beyond
The importance of Desmond Miles in the early games cannot be overstated. He was the linchpin that connected the historical narratives, providing context and a sense of urgency to the Assassins’ struggle. While later games have shifted away from the heavy focus on a single modern-day protagonist, the modern-day storyline remains an integral part of the Assassin’s Creed experience, exploring the ramifications of the past and the ongoing conflict in the present.
The shift in modern-day characters allows for greater flexibility in storytelling. However, the core idea of experiencing the lives of past Assassins through genetic memory remains the defining feature of the series. This innovative approach makes the choice of protagonist in any particular installment such a vital part of the Assassin’s Creed formula.
FAQs: Your Assassin’s Creed Protagonist Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of main characters within the Assassin’s Creed universe:
What is the main character’s name in Assassin’s Creed 2?
The main character in Assassin’s Creed 2 is Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an Italian nobleman who becomes a Master Assassin. He also stars in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed Revelations.
Who is the main character in Assassin’s Creed 3?
The main character in Assassin’s Creed 3 is Ratonhnhaké:ton, later known as Connor Kenway. He is a Native American Assassin fighting for freedom during the American Revolution.
What is the name of the main character in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?
The protagonist of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag is Edward Kenway, a Welsh privateer-turned-pirate who later becomes an Assassin.
Who is the main character in Assassin’s Creed Unity?
The main character in Assassin’s Creed Unity is Arno Dorian, a French-Austrian Assassin during the French Revolution.
Who are the main characters in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate features two playable protagonists: Jacob Frye and Evie Frye, twin Assassins in Victorian London.
What is the main character’s name in Assassin’s Creed Origins?
The main character in Assassin’s Creed Origins is Bayek of Siwa, a Medjay (a protector of the people) in ancient Egypt and one of the founders of the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood.
Who is the main character in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows players to choose between two protagonists: Alexios or Kassandra, Spartan mercenaries during the Peloponnesian War. They are both considered canon, depending on player choice.
Who is the main character in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
The main character in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is Eivor Varinsdottir, a Viking raider leading their clan to settle in England. Players can choose to play as either a male or female Eivor.
Who is the main character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?
The main character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage is Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief in 9th-century Baghdad who joins the Hidden Ones.
Is Desmond Miles still a main character?
Desmond Miles was the primary modern-day protagonist in the first five main Assassin’s Creed games. While the modern-day storyline continues, Desmond’s direct role ended with Assassin’s Creed III.
Are all the Assassin’s Creed protagonists related?
Many of the historical Assassins are related to Desmond Miles through genetic memory. However, not all Assassins are directly related to each other. For instance, Altaïr, Ezio, and Connor are not directly related but their bloodlines converge in Desmond.
Who is considered the most skilled Assassin in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
This is a highly debated topic, as each Assassin has their strengths and weaknesses. However, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is often considered the most skilled due to his extensive knowledge and understanding of the Assassin arts, along with the advancements he made to the Assassin order. Other contenders include Ezio Auditore and Eivor Varinsdottir.
Is there a canonical female protagonist in Assassin’s Creed?
Yes, there are several canonical female protagonists in the Assassin’s Creed series. Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Evie Frye in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and Eivor Varinsdottir (female version) in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are prominent examples.
Do the protagonists ever meet each other?
Due to the historical settings of the games, it is impossible for Assassins from different eras to meet each other within the historical simulations. However, the modern-day storyline sometimes bridges these gaps through technology and artifacts.
Why are there so many different main characters in Assassin’s Creed?
The multi-protagonist approach allows the Assassin’s Creed series to explore a wide range of historical periods, cultures, and perspectives. This keeps the gameplay fresh and allows for a deeper exploration of the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars throughout history. Understanding how people learn through games is crucial to appreciating this narrative design. Consider exploring the insights offered by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.