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Who is the Main Character in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2?

The question of who the main character is in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (Black Ops II) is surprisingly complex. While Alex Mason, the protagonist of the original Black Ops, returns and is playable during the Cold War flashbacks, the overall narrative scope suggests that David “Section” Mason, Alex’s son, is the primary protagonist for the majority of the game. The story revolves around his mission to stop Raul Menendez, the game’s antagonist, in 2025.

Understanding the Dual Narrative Structure

Black Ops 2 employs a dual narrative structure, shifting between the past (the late Cold War era) and the future (2025). This structure contributes to the ambiguity surrounding who is truly the “main” character:

Alex Mason in the Past: During the Cold War sequences, you embody Alex Mason, reprising his role from the first Black Ops. You experience his missions, his relationships with Woods and Hudson, and the events that ultimately lead to Menendez’s rise. These sections are crucial for understanding Menendez’s motivations and the roots of his conflict.
David “Section” Mason in the Future: In the 2025 storyline, you primarily control David “Section” Mason, a JSOC commander leading a team to neutralize Menendez’s threat. His perspective is central to the contemporary events, and his actions directly influence the game’s multiple endings. His journey and decisions are the driving force of the primary plot.

Why Section Mason is the Main Protagonist

Several factors support the argument that David “Section” Mason is the main character:

More Gameplay Time: Players spend significantly more time controlling Section in the 2025 sections than they do controlling Alex in the past.
Narrative Focus: The core conflict between Section and Menendez in 2025 is the central driving force of the game’s storyline. The past serves as backstory and context for this present-day struggle.
Multiple Endings and Player Choice: Section’s actions and choices in 2025 directly determine which of the multiple endings the player experiences. This highlights his agency and importance in the overall narrative.
Emotional Core: The emotional heart of the story often revolves around Section’s relationships, particularly his bond with his father, Alex, and his struggle to prevent Menendez from causing global chaos.

The Role of Alex Mason

While Section is the primary protagonist in the 2025 timeline, Alex Mason’s role is undeniably important. His experiences in the Cold War, particularly his interactions with Menendez, are essential for understanding the antagonist’s motivations and the origins of the conflict. Alex’s past directly influences the present, shaping Section’s mission.

The Ensemble Cast

Black Ops 2 also features a strong ensemble cast of supporting characters, including:

Frank Woods: A central character in both timelines, Woods serves as a link between Alex and Section, providing invaluable insight and support.
Jason Hudson: Hudson, another returning character, plays a crucial role in the Cold War sections.
Harper and Salazar: Members of Section’s team, Harper and Salazar provide critical support but also present difficult choices for the player. Salazar’s betrayal directly impacts the game’s plot.

Final Verdict

While the dual narrative structure complicates matters, David “Section” Mason is arguably the main protagonist of Black Ops 2. His perspective, actions, and choices drive the core narrative of the game and determine its multiple endings. Alex Mason, however, remains a vital character, providing the necessary historical context and emotional depth to the overarching story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Ops 2 Characters

1. Who is the main villain in Black Ops 2?

The main villain in Black Ops 2 is Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan revolutionary seeking revenge against the United States for perceived injustices. He is the founder and leader of the terrorist group Cordis Die.

2. What is Cordis Die?

Cordis Die is a global populist movement and terrorist organization led by Raul Menendez. Its members are motivated by anti-establishment and anti-capitalist sentiments.

3. Who are the playable characters in Black Ops 2 Zombies?

The playable characters in the Black Ops 2 Zombies mode (known as Victis) are Abigail “Misty” Briarton, Marlton Johnson, Samuel Stuhlinger, and Russman.

4. How many endings are there in Black Ops 2?

Black Ops 2 has multiple endings, with the exact number varying depending on the specific criteria used for counting them. However, it’s commonly stated that there are 5-8 significant variations based on player choices.

5. What choice affects the ending the most?

The most significant choice that affects the ending is the player’s decision regarding Harper and Farid. Whether Farid is forced to shoot Harper, or Harper is allowed to live, has major consequences on later events, primarily during the attack on the USS Obama.

6. What is considered the “canon” ending of Black Ops 2?

The “canon” ending of Black Ops 2 is generally considered to be the one where Section executes Menendez, leading to a global insurrection by Cordis Die and setting the stage for Black Ops III.

7. Who is the girl in Black Ops 2 Zombies?

The girl in Black Ops 2 Zombies is Abigail “Misty” Briarton, one of the four playable characters in the Victis crew.

8. Who betrays you in Black Ops 2?

Salazar betrays Section and the American forces during the attack on the USS Obama, allowing Menendez to hack into and seize control of the US drone fleet.

9. How old is Frank Woods in Black Ops 2?

As of 2025 in Black Ops 2, Frank Woods is 95 years old, making him one of the oldest characters in the Call of Duty franchise.

10. Who is the Japanese character in Black Ops Zombies?

The Japanese character in Black Ops Zombies is Captain Takeo Masaki, a stereotypical Japanese soldier and samurai warrior.

11. Who is General Tian Zhao?

General Tian Zhao is a Chinese military leader and the Chairman of the Strategic Defense Coalition (SDC), the primary rival to the United States in 2025. He serves as a tertiary antagonist in the game.

12. Who is Viktor Reznov in Black Ops 2?

Captain Viktor Reznov is a Soviet squad leader from Call of Duty: World at War and a recurring character in the Black Ops series. Although he doesn’t physically appear in Black Ops 2, his influence is felt through Alex Mason’s memories and conditioning.

13. What happens if Harper dies in Black Ops 2?

If Harper dies, Farid survives and will be present on the USS Obama during Menendez’s attack. This will significantly impact later story events and the ending. His death also closes off some dialogue options.

14. How do you save Harper’s face in the Vietnam flashback?

During the Vietnam flashback, if the player chooses to drive on the right side of the road, Harper’s face will be protected from the explosion.

15. What kind of game is Black Ops 2?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a first-person shooter (FPS) video game with a strong emphasis on single-player campaign gameplay, multiplayer modes, and a cooperative Zombies mode. It combines fast-paced action with a complex narrative and branching storylines, allowing players to experience a variety of outcomes depending on their decisions.

Interested in how games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 can be used for learning and educational purposes? Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore research and insights on game-based learning.

Who is the main character in the Black Ops 2?