Who is the Main Character in Assassin’s Creed 3? The Saga of Connor Kenway
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The main character of Assassin’s Creed 3 is Ratonhnhaké:ton, later known as Connor Kenway. He is a half-English, half-Mohawk assassin who fights against the Templars during the American Revolution. His journey is one of self-discovery, revenge, and a desperate attempt to protect his people and their ancestral lands from the encroaching conflict and expansion of both the colonists and the British Empire.
Connor Kenway: A Deeper Dive
Connor’s story is a complex and often tragic one. He is driven by the loss of his village to a mysterious fire, an event that sets him on a path to becoming an assassin. He’s mentored by Achilles Davenport, a retired assassin who reluctantly agrees to train him. Connor’s unwavering dedication to his cause often puts him at odds with both the colonists and the British, forcing him to make difficult choices that blur the lines between right and wrong.
Unlike previous Assassin’s Creed protagonists, Connor operates during a large-scale war, which is a different environment and a unique challenge for any Assassin. He works to undermine the Templar’s influence on both sides of the conflict, which leads him to encounter some significant historical figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Charles Lee.
Connor’s Personality and Motivations
Connor is often portrayed as stoic and serious, a direct contrast to the more charismatic Ezio Auditore from previous games. His motivations are rooted in a deep sense of responsibility and a desire for justice. He’s fiercely protective of his tribe, the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), and their way of life. This protection is the main motivation behind his actions, and many times he finds that to achieve the protection he craves for his people, he needs to work alone, making him a lone wolf.
While he allies himself with the Assassin Brotherhood, he frequently struggles with their methods and goals, especially when they conflict with his own. This internal conflict makes him a compelling character, even if his stoicism sometimes makes him difficult to connect with.
FAQs: Unraveling Connor Kenway’s Story
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the character of Connor Kenway and his role in Assassin’s Creed 3:
1. Why is Connor’s name Ratonhnhaké:ton so difficult to pronounce?
Ratonhnhaké:ton is a Mohawk name, and its pronunciation is unfamiliar to many English speakers. The developers acknowledged this difficulty and allowed players to refer to him as Connor, his adopted English name, which was given to him by Achilles.
2. Who trained Connor to be an assassin?
Connor was trained by Achilles Davenport, a retired assassin living in the American colonies. Achilles initially refused to train Connor, scarred by the events of his past that lead to the destruction of the American brotherhood. Eventually, Achilles changed his mind after seeing Connor’s determination and unwavering will, and began to train him in the ways of the Assassin Brotherhood.
3. What is Connor’s relationship with Haytham Kenway?
Haytham Kenway is Connor’s father. However, Haytham is also a Grand Master of the Templar Order, making him Connor’s sworn enemy. Their relationship is complex and fraught with conflict, as they represent opposing ideologies and fight on opposite sides of the American Revolution.
4. Does Connor ever reconcile with Haytham?
While there are moments of understanding and even a grudging respect between Connor and Haytham, they never truly reconcile. Their conflicting loyalties and ideologies ultimately prevent them from forming a genuine father-son relationship. They fight each other until the end.
5. What role does Connor play in the American Revolution?
Connor becomes intertwined with the American Revolution. While he is not fighting for American Independence, he is fighting to end the Templar influence within the colonies. Connor often aids the Colonists, but ultimately his goals are to safeguard his people and destroy the Templar Order.
6. How does Connor’s Mohawk heritage influence his actions?
Connor’s Mohawk heritage is central to his identity and motivations. He is driven by a desire to protect his tribe’s lands and traditions from being destroyed. The constant infringement of colonists is the reason why he is pushed to start his assassin journey. The constant threat of displacement and cultural erasure fuels his fight against the Templars and anyone else who threatens his people.
7. What are Connor’s signature weapons and fighting style?
Connor’s signature weapon is the Tomahawk, which reflects his Native American heritage. His fighting style is brutal and efficient, favoring close-quarters combat and stealth. He is skilled in using a variety of weapons, including hidden blades, swords, and bows.
8. Is Connor a likable character?
Connor’s personality is a subject of debate among fans. Some find him stoic and unlikable, while others appreciate his unwavering dedication and strong moral compass. His seriousness is a sharp contrast to the more lighthearted personalities of previous protagonists like Ezio.
9. What happens to Connor after the events of Assassin’s Creed 3?
Connor’s story is further explored in the Assassin’s Creed novel Forsaken and in some downloadable content for Assassin’s Creed 3. These additions show the end of the war, and that Connor continues his fight against the Templars after the Revolution, working to protect his people. The DLC “The Tyranny of King Washington” explores an alternate reality where George Washington becomes a tyrannical king, forcing Connor to fight against him.
10. How does Assassin’s Creed 3 end for Connor?
The ending of Assassin’s Creed 3 is bittersweet for Connor. He succeeds in defeating the Templars and securing a degree of safety for his people. His success is short-lived, as he soon finds that the new nation is not grateful to him, and that his people are again being pushed out of their lands. Ultimately, the story ends with Connor sacrificing his future for his people.
11. What are some of Connor’s most memorable moments in the game?
Some of Connor’s most memorable moments include his first meeting with Achilles, his confrontation with Haytham, his participation in historical battles like the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the heartbreaking ending where he realizes that his sacrifices may have been in vain.
12. How does Assassin’s Creed 3 connect to the overarching Assassin’s Creed storyline?
Assassin’s Creed 3 continues the modern-day storyline with Desmond Miles, who uses the Animus to relive Connor’s memories. Connor’s story is important because it reveals more about the First Civilization and their artifacts, which are crucial to Desmond’s mission to prevent the end of the world.
13. What are some criticisms of Connor’s character?
Some criticisms of Connor include his perceived lack of personality, his stoicism, and his sometimes contradictory actions. Some players find it difficult to connect with him due to his reserved nature. Others consider him to be naive and easily manipulated.
14. How did the historical setting of the American Revolution influence Connor’s character?
The historical setting of the American Revolution significantly influenced Connor’s character. He had to navigate the complex politics of the time and make difficult choices that often pitted him against both sides of the conflict. The turbulent era added depth and complexity to his story. This unique setting shows how video games can reflect real-world history and allow users to learn while enjoying the gameplay. You can learn more about this from the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
15. What is Connor’s legacy in the Assassin’s Creed series?
Connor’s legacy is one of sacrifice and unwavering dedication to his people. While he may not be as popular as some other Assassin’s Creed protagonists, he is a complex and compelling character who represents the struggles of indigenous people during a time of great upheaval. He made the ultimate sacrifice to keep his people safe and away from danger, ultimately leading to his own downfall. His stoic attitude, while sometimes grating, shows his dedication and will.
Connor Kenway remains a pivotal, albeit sometimes polarizing, figure in the Assassin’s Creed saga, and his journey continues to spark discussion and debate among fans.