Who Was the Main Character in Resident Evil?
The question of who is the main character in Resident Evil is surprisingly complex and doesn’t have a single, definitive answer. Unlike many franchises that center around one consistent protagonist, Resident Evil features a rotating cast of characters, with different individuals taking center stage in different games. There isn’t one singular “main” character that anchors the entire series; rather, a core group of heroes and villains continually reappear, their stories intertwining throughout the saga. However, if we were to consider a group of characters that consistently drives the plot and are arguably the “main” heroes of the franchise, then we are mostly talking about: Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Claire Redfield, and Jill Valentine. While all four are strong contenders, popularity polls often indicate Chris Redfield as the most popular main character, followed by Jill Valentine and Leon Kennedy.
The franchise also allows a unique approach to storytelling that features a variety of perspectives rather than being limited to just one protagonist’s journey. This has resulted in a more dynamic universe, rich with complex storylines and character development, and it has created a dedicated fanbase that loves to debate about their favorite characters and their individual contributions to the ongoing battle against bio-organic weapons.
The Core Protagonists: A Closer Look
While no single character is definitively the main character, these four consistently appear as core heroes within the franchise:
Chris Redfield
Often considered the ultimate male hero of Resident Evil, Chris Redfield is a founding member of S.T.A.R.S., the Raccoon City Police Department’s special forces team. He is known for his strong combat abilities, unwavering resolve, and leadership qualities. Chris is often at the forefront of the fight against bio-terrorism, with significant appearances in the original Resident Evil, Code: Veronica, and Resident Evil 5. He is also an important character in more recent titles as well.
Jill Valentine
Jill is a significant figure from the very first Resident Evil game, also a member of S.T.A.R.S. She is often referred to as the ultimate female hero of the franchise. Jill is skilled in combat, possesses a cool head in stressful situations, and often relies on her quick thinking and resourcefulness to survive. She has also appeared in a number of the games, including the iconic Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.
Leon S. Kennedy
Leon is introduced in Resident Evil 2 as a rookie police officer arriving in Raccoon City just as the zombie outbreak occurs. He then becomes a recurring figure in the franchise. Leon is known for his agility, marksmanship, and cool demeanor, often showcasing a talent for quickly adapting to extreme situations. He appears in popular titles like Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 6.
Claire Redfield
Claire is introduced as Chris Redfield’s younger sister in Resident Evil 2, searching for her missing brother. Her determination and survival skills make her a formidable character. She’s a strong figure who has been featured in both main titles and spin-off games like Code: Veronica. She brings a more personal touch, often highlighting the emotional toll of the bio-terrorism events.
The Importance of Shifting Perspectives
The decision to not have a singular main character has allowed the franchise to tell a more diverse and complex story. By shifting between these characters, the games allow the audience to witness different perspectives of the same events and the ever-expanding world of Resident Evil. This variety is what keeps the franchise fresh and compelling, even after multiple installments. Each character brings their unique strengths, weaknesses, and motivations to the narrative. This approach also opens up possibilities for new protagonists to be introduced in future games, maintaining the series’ dynamic nature and allowing for fresh gameplay experiences.
Resident Evil: A Focus on the Group
In the end, there is no one true main character. Rather the core protagonist consists of Chris, Jill, Leon, and Claire. They all have their importance within the series and each contributes to the overall themes and narrative of the franchise. The series has been well-loved for its rotating protagonist cast, allowing the player to experience multiple perspectives, and keep the universe feeling fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the main characters and other key elements of the Resident Evil universe:
1. Who is the most popular Resident Evil main character?
While preferences vary, Chris Redfield often ranks as the most popular main character, followed closely by Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine.
2. Who is the main male character in Resident Evil?
Chris Redfield is widely considered the main male protagonist of the franchise.
3. Who is the main girl in Resident Evil?
Jill Valentine is frequently seen as the main female protagonist, known for her strength, resourcefulness, and leadership.
4. Who is the most important character in Resident Evil?
Many fans would argue that Albert Wesker is among the most important characters due to his overarching role as a major antagonist and his involvement in many of the series’ pivotal events.
5. Does Resident Evil have LGBT characters?
Yes, but mostly confirmed outside of the games themselves. Characters such as Crispin Jettingham (Dee-Ay) have been confirmed as gay, but these were revealed post-release.
6. Who is the strongest Resident Evil villain?
Albert Wesker, particularly in Resident Evil 5, is frequently cited as one of the strongest villains due to his physical prowess, intelligence, and superhuman abilities.
7. Who is the most evil in Resident Evil?
Albert Wesker is generally regarded as the most evil, due to his ruthless nature, pursuit of power, and the number of times his actions resulted in global crises.
8. Who is the most popular Resident Evil villain?
Again, Albert Wesker often tops popularity lists among the villains, due to his iconic presence and consistent role in the series.
9. What happened to Jill Valentine?
In the lore, Jill Valentine is assumed dead after tackling Wesker in a battle that leads to them both falling through a window. She is later found and has been brainwashed by Wesker, and is in fact, still alive.
10. Why is Alice not in Resident Evil games?
Alice is a character created solely for the live-action Resident Evil movie franchise and has no canonical connection to the games.
11. Who is the scariest character in Resident Evil?
Many fans consider Eveline, from Resident Evil 7, to be among the scariest due to her unsettling powers, psychological manipulation, and terrifying transformations.
12. Who created the T-virus?
The T-Virus was originally created by Dr. James Marcus.
13. Who is the mastermind behind Resident Evil?
Albert Wesker is often seen as the mastermind, due to his vast plans, involvement in multiple conspiracies, and relentless pursuit of power.
14. Who is the weakest Resident Evil character?
Ashley Graham from Resident Evil 4 is frequently cited as the weakest playable character due to her lack of combat skills and reliance on the player for protection.
15. Is Chris Redfield stronger than Leon?
It’s generally accepted that Leon is more agile and acrobatic, while Chris relies more on his raw strength and endurance in combat. They are both incredibly capable in their own respects.