Is Chris Redfield a Villain in Resident Evil Village? Unraveling the Mystery
No, Chris Redfield is not a bad guy in Resident Evil Village (RE8). While the opening sequence might strongly suggest otherwise, his actions are ultimately revealed to be driven by a complex mission to protect Ethan Winters and his daughter Rosemary from the true villain, Mother Miranda. Chris’s seemingly ruthless act of shooting Mia (who was actually Miranda in disguise) and taking Rosemary was a desperate attempt to prevent Miranda from enacting her plan, which involved using Rosemary as a vessel for her deceased daughter, Eva. He wasn’t acting out of malice but out of a grim necessity to neutralize a dangerous threat. Further investigations reveal that Chris was working with Blue Umbrella as an advisor, keeping an eye on the organization due to his suspicions about its former Umbrella Corporation employees.
The Initial Impression: A Hero Gone Rogue?
Initially, players are understandably shocked and confused by Chris’s actions in RE8. His sudden appearance, the brutal execution of “Mia,” and the subsequent abduction of Rosemary paints him in a decidedly villainous light. This misdirection is a deliberate narrative choice by Capcom to create suspense and intrigue. It forces players to question their preconceived notions about established characters and adds a layer of mystery to the unfolding events. The game deliberately plays on the player’s trust in Chris, only to shatter it in the opening moments.
Unveiling the Truth: Chris’s True Motives
As the story progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that Chris’s actions, though drastic, are motivated by a desire to protect innocents. He isn’t acting on his own accord but is part of a larger operation, investigating the origins of the Mold and the activities of Mother Miranda. His association with Blue Umbrella, a reformed organization aiming to atone for the sins of the original Umbrella Corporation, is also explained. He acts as an advisor due to his suspicions, providing oversight and mitigating any potential risks. The BSAA send him over to Blue Umbrella to keep an eye on it as he does not trust it fully.
Understanding Blue Umbrella’s Role
Blue Umbrella, comprised of former Umbrella employees, is a controversial entity within the Resident Evil universe. While seemingly dedicated to combating bioterrorism, its ties to the past raise legitimate concerns. Chris’s presence within the organization as an advisor is a direct result of these concerns. He is there to monitor their activities and ensure they don’t revert to their nefarious ways. Blue Umbrella, despite its reformed image, remains a subject of suspicion, and Chris serves as a vital safeguard.
Character Design: Reverting to a Classic Look
One of the criticisms of Chris’s appearance in Resident Evil 7 was his altered design, which deviated significantly from his previous portrayals. In Resident Evil Village, Capcom opted for a more familiar look, reminiscent of his Resident Evil 5 and CGI movie appearances. This “bulked up” version with a more traditional haircut resonated better with fans, reinforcing his image as a seasoned and capable soldier. The change signifies an attempt to rectify a design choice that proved unpopular with the fanbase.
Chris and the BSAA: A Complex Relationship
Chris Redfield’s loyalty lies with the BSAA (Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance), an organization dedicated to combating bioterrorism globally. While he may cooperate with Blue Umbrella on occasion, his primary allegiance remains with the BSAA. The ending of Resident Evil Village raises questions about the BSAA’s own ethics, as they are shown using bioweapons. This adds another layer of complexity to the narrative and suggests that even organizations dedicated to good can be compromised.
Why is Chris suspicious of Blue Umbrella?
Chris is suspicious of Blue Umbrella because its executive board consists of former Umbrella employees, leading him to distrust the company’s motives and the potential for reverting to malicious practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Chris shoot Mia?
Chris shot “Mia” because she was actually Mother Miranda in disguise. Miranda used her shapeshifting abilities to take Mia’s place, and Chris recognized the deception. His intention was to eliminate Miranda and secure Ethan and Rosemary’s safety.
2. Is Chris working with Umbrella in RE8?
No, Chris is not working for Umbrella. He is an advisor from the BSAA, monitoring Blue Umbrella due to his concerns about its ties to the original Umbrella Corporation. He doesn’t fully trust it, and his presence is to oversee their operations.
3. How old is Chris in RE8?
Chris Redfield is 48 years old in Resident Evil Village. Despite his age, he remains a formidable combatant, showcasing his extensive training and experience.
4. Why is Chris depressed in Resident Evil 6?
Chris’s depression in Resident Evil 6 stems from the loss of his team during a mission. He carries the guilt and trauma of their deaths, leading to a period of self-destructive behavior.
5. Does Ethan know Chris?
Yes, Ethan and Chris are acquainted. Ethan saw Chris as someone he could trust.
6. What happened to Jill Valentine?
In the Lost in Nightmares DLC for Resident Evil 5, Jill Valentine tackled Albert Wesker through a window to save Chris. Neither of their bodies were recovered, and Jill was initially presumed dead. She was later revealed to be alive but brainwashed by Wesker. After the events of Resident Evil 5, Jill was saved and reunited with Chris.
7. Why did Chris take Rose?
Chris took Rosemary to protect her from Miranda and other organizations seeking to exploit her unique powers. He wanted to ensure she was safe and potentially train her to control her abilities.
8. Is Ethan alive at the end of RE8?
No, Ethan sacrifices himself at the end of Resident Evil Village to destroy the Megamycete and ensure the safety of Mia and Rosemary. His body was already deteriorating due to Eveline’s influence, and the final act accelerated his demise.
9. Is Chris Redfield evil in Village?
No, Chris Redfield is not evil in Resident Evil Village. Despite the initial impression, his actions are driven by a desire to protect Ethan and Rosemary from Mother Miranda.
10. Who is Chris Redfield’s wife?
There is no confirmation that Chris is married in Resident Evil lore. The Jill Valentine romance is a fan-made theory, not a confirmed canon.
11. What happened to Chris and Claire Redfield after Resident Evil: Afterlife?
After being reunited with Chris in Resident Evil: Afterlife, Claire continues to work alongside him, fighting against the Umbrella Corporation. Their commitment to stopping bioterrorism remains unwavering.
12. What happened to Jill Valentine after Resident Evil 5?
After the events of Resident Evil 5, Jill was saved from Wesker’s control and rejoined the BSAA. She continues to fight against bioterrorism, working alongside Chris.
13. Is Leon mentioned in RE7?
Leon is not mentioned in Resident Evil 7. Despite his popularity, he does not make an appearance in the game.
14. Why does Wesker hate Chris?
Wesker hates Chris because Chris and Jill disrupted his plans to deliver the Tyrant as a gift to a rival company, thwarting his ambitions.
15. How many Resident Evil games is Chris in?
Chris has appeared as a playable character in six Resident Evil games, making him the character with the most appearances in the franchise.
Conclusion: A Complex Hero, Not a Villain
While Chris Redfield’s actions in Resident Evil Village are initially shocking and appear villainous, a deeper understanding of the narrative reveals his true motives. He is not a bad guy but a complex hero, willing to make difficult choices to protect innocent lives. His dedication to combating bioterrorism and his unwavering commitment to justice ultimately define his character, solidifying his place as a central figure in the Resident Evil universe. Games can teach us a lot about ethics, morality, and teamwork. For more information on games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The Age of Resident Evil Characters.
Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy show the characters in the Resident Evil universe have gotten old. They can’t always stop a world disaster.