The Enigmatic Figure: Unraveling the Main Character of Assassin’s Creed 1
The main character of Assassin’s Creed 1 is, in fact, two individuals: Desmond Miles, the modern-day protagonist, and his ancestor, Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad, the 12th-century Assassin. While the game’s narrative threads weave through both time periods, the primary focus for gameplay and historical narrative is centered on Altaïr. Players spend the vast majority of their time controlling Altaïr as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of the Third Crusade. Desmond, while crucial to the overall story arc, serves as the lens through which we experience Altaïr’s memories. Therefore, while it is not inaccurate to say there are two main characters, Altaïr is the dominant protagonist for Assassin’s Creed 1.
The Dual Narrative of Assassin’s Creed 1
Assassin’s Creed 1 innovatively introduced a dual narrative structure that would become a hallmark of the franchise. This structure juxtaposes the present-day struggles of Desmond Miles, a bartender kidnapped by Abstergo Industries (a front for the modern-day Templars), with the historical experiences of his ancestors. Abstergo forces Desmond to relive the memories of Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad through a machine called the Animus. This setup allows for a layered storytelling experience, adding depth and complexity to the game’s plot.
Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad: The Fallen Master Assassin
Altaïr, the historical protagonist, is initially depicted as a prideful and arrogant Master Assassin. After a disastrous mission in which he violates several tenets of the Assassin Order, he is demoted and tasked with a series of assassinations to regain his former status and honor. This journey becomes the heart of the game, forcing Altaïr to question his beliefs and grow as both a person and an Assassin. He’s not just completing missions; he’s learning, evolving, and fundamentally changing. The deliberate humbling of Altaïr allows players to witness a character arc unique within the franchise. His stoic demeanor and remarkable combat skills quickly made him an iconic figure in gaming history.
Desmond Miles: The Modern-Day Anchor
Desmond Miles, in the modern-day setting, is equally important to the narrative, although his role is more passive than Altaïr’s. He is thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, forced to relive the memories of his ancestors for the Templars’ nefarious purposes. The modern-day storyline provides context for the historical events, and it’s through Desmond’s eyes that we begin to unravel the larger conspiracy at play. While Desmond doesn’t directly engage in combat or assassinations during the game’s main story, his journey serves as a crucial framework for the overarching Assassin’s Creed saga.
Altaïr’s Journey of Redemption
The game’s main focus is on Altaïr’s missions, primarily set in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. Altaïr is tasked with eliminating nine prominent figures, each linked to the Templar Order, which seeks to control the world through manipulation and artifacts. He travels between major cities like Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus, gathering information and executing his targets with precision and skill. The assassinations, while the core gameplay mechanic, are framed within a larger narrative of Altaïr’s personal development. Each target he eliminates teaches him a different lesson, pushing him further down his path to redemption and helping him understand his role in the larger conflict between Assassins and Templars. This personal journey of Altaïr, with his inner struggles, was so powerful that it made him an iconic character with fans.
Why Altaïr is the Primary Focus
Although Desmond provides the overarching context, the gameplay and narrative structure heavily emphasize Altaïr’s experiences. The vast majority of the game’s playtime is spent controlling Altaïr, navigating historical cities, engaging in parkour, and executing assassinations. Altaïr‘s character arc is central to the story, which is about his journey of redemption and the changing ideals of the Assassin Order. While Desmond’s story is important, it is the tale of Altaïr that drives the primary action and engagement within Assassin’s Creed 1.
In conclusion, while both Desmond Miles and Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad are crucial to the story, Altaïr is the dominant protagonist of Assassin’s Creed 1 in terms of gameplay, narrative progression, and character development. His struggles, growth, and evolution are the core of the player experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the characters in Assassin’s Creed 1, aiming to further clarify the details and their roles.
1. Was Altaïr the first playable Assassin in the series?
Yes, Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad was the first playable Assassin in the franchise, setting the stage for all future games.
2. How is Desmond Miles connected to Altaïr?
Desmond is a direct descendant of Altaïr. This familial link allows Desmond to access Altaïr’s memories through the Animus.
3. What is Altaïr’s primary mission in Assassin’s Creed 1?
His primary mission is to assassinate nine Templar targets throughout the Holy Land to regain his honor and rank within the Assassin Order.
4. Why is Desmond held captive by Abstergo Industries?
Abstergo, a front for the Templars, holds Desmond captive to access the memories of his ancestors for their own purposes, specifically related to finding Pieces of Eden.
5. Is Desmond a skilled assassin in Assassin’s Creed 1?
No, Desmond is not a skilled Assassin in the first game. He is forced to learn and experience the skills through the Animus.
6. What is the significance of the Third Crusade to the story?
The Third Crusade provides the historical backdrop for the events surrounding Altaïr, creating a context of political and religious conflict in which the Assassins and Templars operate.
7. Does Altaïr undergo any significant character development?
Yes, Altaïr undergoes significant character development throughout the game, evolving from a prideful and arrogant assassin to a more introspective and thoughtful leader.
8. What are the tenets that Altaïr breaks, leading to his demotion?
The tenets he violates include revealing himself to the public, killing an innocent, and disobeying orders by attempting to take an artifact for himself.
9. What is the Animus, and how does it work?
The Animus is a machine that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors stored in their DNA.
10. Is the modern-day storyline in Assassin’s Creed 1 crucial to the overall narrative?
Yes, the modern-day storyline is crucial as it sets up the larger conflict between the Assassins and Templars and provides a frame for the historical events.
11. Does Altaïr have a special weapon or skill that makes him stand out?
Yes, Altaïr’s proficiency with the hidden blade, his agility in parkour, and his stealth tactics make him a formidable assassin.
12. Does Desmond ever interact directly with Altaïr in the game?
No, Desmond does not interact directly with Altaïr within the game’s narrative. However, he experiences his memories as if he were them through the Animus.
13. Is Assassin’s Creed 1 based on a true historical story?
While the game is heavily inspired by historical events, like the Third Crusade, it is ultimately a work of fiction.
14. How does Assassin’s Creed 1 compare to later games in the series?
Assassin’s Creed 1 is the foundation for the franchise, establishing core mechanics and the dual-timeline narrative, but later games often expanded on these mechanics and refined gameplay features.
15. What makes Altaïr a memorable character for many fans of the franchise?
Altaïr’s stoicism, his skill as an assassin, his character arc, and the fact that he was the first protagonist make him an iconic figure and a beloved character among fans.