Which Is Canon: Chris or Jill? Unraveling the Resident Evil Narrative
The question of whether Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine is the “more” canon character in the original Resident Evil is a common point of confusion and debate among fans. The truth, however, is more nuanced than a simple “either/or” answer. Neither Chris nor Jill is singularly “more” canon. Instead, both characters’ experiences in the Arklay Mansion are considered part of the overall canon narrative. What complicates the matter is that neither character’s individual playthrough perfectly represents what truly happened in the canonical timeline. Instead, the ‘best’ outcome, where all four main characters survive, is canon. This is a situation where we have to consider elements from both playthroughs as well as information established in the series outside of the original game.
Essentially, while you can play either Chris or Jill, both of their stories contribute to the established lore. It’s not about one character’s playthrough being the “correct” one, but rather understanding how their combined experiences shape the broader narrative of the series. The canon ending that is confirmed across the series is one where both Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, and Rebecca Chambers survive the events of the Arklay Mansion. This means elements of both Chris’s and Jill’s playable scenarios are considered to have happened in the canon timeline, even though neither character’s in-game experience results in all four surviving.
Canon and Gameplay: A Dichotomy
The core of the confusion comes from the fact that the original Resident Evil game provides two distinct, playable scenarios: one as Chris Redfield and another as Jill Valentine. These scenarios have significant differences in gameplay, item availability, and the presence of certain characters and bosses.
Chris’s playthrough, generally considered harder, offers less inventory space, forcing players to backtrack more often. He also faces certain bosses that Jill does not, and requires specific keys to unlock doors that Jill can pick with her lockpick. Conversely, Jill’s playthrough is generally considered easier due to having more inventory slots and access to the grenade launcher, as well as being able to bypass the Plant 42 boss fight.
The “Best” Ending: The Canon
Neither individual playthrough can result in all four characters surviving. Chris’s “best” ending sees him escaping with Jill and Rebecca, while Jill’s “best” ending usually involves her escaping with Chris and Barry. Therefore, the “best ending,” where all four characters survive, is considered the canon outcome. This outcome was not explicitly presented in a single playthrough but is supported by the series’ overall continuity and subsequent titles. Later Resident Evil games established that all four Chris, Jill, Barry, and Rebecca lived through the events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the canon of the original Resident Evil:
1. What is the canon ending of the original Resident Evil?
The canon ending is where Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, and Rebecca Chambers all survive the events of the Arklay Mansion. This outcome is not directly achievable in either character’s single playthrough, but is the accepted canon for the series.
2. Does the Resident Evil novelization change anything regarding canon?
The novelization attempts to combine elements of both Chris and Jill’s stories but is only considered canon to the novel universe itself. It was also written before the remake was released, and is not canon to the main game series.
3. Is it better to play as Chris or Jill first?
There is no “better” character for a first playthrough. Jill’s playthrough is generally considered easier due to more inventory space and access to the grenade launcher, whereas Chris’s playthrough offers a greater challenge for those seeking it. It’s more a question of preference and player skill level.
4. Does Chris Redfield have romantic feelings for Jill Valentine?
No. Canonically, Chris and Jill are depicted as close friends and partners, not lovers. There is evidence in the remake that Chris even mentions meeting other girls while on vacation.
5. How does inventory space differ between Chris and Jill?
Jill has two more inventory slots than Chris, which significantly reduces the need for backtracking to storage boxes.
6. Why is Jill considered easier to play?
Besides the inventory difference, Jill can skip certain areas, bypass the Plant 42 boss fight, and has access to the grenade launcher, all of which make her playthrough less challenging.
7. What are some notable differences between Chris and Jill’s scenarios?
Chris needs to find small keys and is required to fight the Tyrant on the helipad, whereas Jill has the lockpick ability and must fight the Tyrant in the underground passageway. They also encounter other characters at different times, or not at all.
8. Are the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3 canon?
Yes, both Resident Evil 2 and 3 are considered canon, and their events are directly related to the overall plot of the series.
9. Is Leon A/B or Claire A/B canon in Resident Evil 2?
The canon scenario for Resident Evil 2 is Claire A/Leon B. This has been confirmed in later games and expanded universes.
10. Does the order of play matter in Resident Evil 2?
Yes. While both scenarios occur, Claire A/Leon B is the canon sequence. Playing the opposite way is a valid in-game playthrough, but is not canon.
11. Is the game Resident Evil: Raccoon City canon?
No, Resident Evil: Raccoon City is not canon. It is a hypothetical scenario set around the same time as Resident Evil 2 and 3, but does not fit within the series’ canon timeline.
12. Who is Claire Redfield’s main love interest?
Claire Redfield’s main love interest is Steve Burnside. This relationship is established in Resident Evil Code: Veronica.
13. Is Albert Wesker’s character canon?
Yes, Albert Wesker is a major canon character. His motivations, experiments, and allegiances shape much of the series’ narrative.
14. Why did Chris Redfield gain so much muscle in Resident Evil 5?
Chris gained substantial muscle mass in Resident Evil 5 to showcase that he had trained intensely, specifically to fight Albert Wesker bare-handed.
15. Who is considered to be stronger, Leon Kennedy or Chris Redfield?
While both are capable combatants, Leon Kennedy is generally considered more agile, whereas Chris Redfield is viewed as a more powerful brawler.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of whether Chris or Jill is “more” canon in the original Resident Evil is a misnomer. Instead, the canon timeline merges elements from both of their experiences to reach the established outcome where Chris, Jill, Barry, and Rebecca all survive the horrific events within the Arklay Mansion. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but recognizing that both characters and their storylines contribute to the foundational narrative of the Resident Evil franchise. The “best” ending is the one that is canon, and it requires that both characters (and all four surviving characters) succeed in their respective missions.