As gaming developers continue to leverage more advanced technology to create more potent games, so to do writers craft more exciting and riveting characters. The protagonist in a video game helps drive the storyline. These days, gaming storylines are more intricate and intriguing than ever. And in some ways, gaming characters are beginning to rival Hollywood TV and movie characters.
Let’s explore the concept of the video game protagonist and look at some of the coolest we’ve known.
What is a Protagonist in Gaming?
A protagonist is the main character in a story. In video games, this often means the character which the gamer controls. The protagonist is central to the video game story’s plot.
A video game protagonist has several key features beyond being the player gamers control.
The protagonist is always the primary focus of the story. The game’s narrative should revolve around their actions and decisions.
For a protagonist to be truly interesting, the character should experience some sort of growth or change during the game. Moreover, there’s often a moral complexity attached to the really good video game protagonists. These moral complexities are often the centerpiece of moral dilemmas that writers create throughout the game.
Most often, the story is told through the protagonist’s point of view, hence, you control them.
And lastly, a great protagonists hardly exist without an equally awesome antagonist who stands in opposition and creates conflict.
What Makes a Great Gaming Protagonist?
Complexity and Depth: A good protagonist should offer a complex personality. This allows players to explore deeper emotional narratives.
Relatable: A protagonist without flaws isn’t relatable, so realistic flaws are central to an engaging protagonist. We look for struggles and failures and vulnerabilities.
Growth: A protagonist should grow through their experiences during the game. This growth often occurs through the conquest of moral dilemmas.
Decisions: Protagonists often face morally ambiguous choices. The weight and consequences of these decisions can add to the protagonist’s depth.
Top Video Game Protagonists
There are a number of memorable video game protagonists. And that list is growing as gaming stories become more complex. Here’s a few we believe are grade A video game protagonists.
Niko Bellic (Grand Theft Auto IV)
- An Eastern European immigrant seeking the American Dream, only to find himself in a world of crime.
- Offers a nuanced perspective on life, morality, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Here’s a great Niko Bellic character breakdown.
Kratos (God of War Series)
- Initially driven by vengeance, evolves into a more nuanced character grappling with fatherhood.
- Known for his immense strength and brutal combat style.
Solid Snake (Metal Gear Series)
- A stealthy, tactical espionage expert with a complicated legacy.
- Central to intricate narratives involving military, politics, and philosophy.
Joel (The Last of Us Series)
- A complex, morally ambiguous character shaped by loss and survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
- His relationship with Ellie forms the emotional core of the series.
Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
- A complex outlaw wrestling with his own morality and loyalty to his gang.
- His story is one of redemption, identity, and the decline of the Wild West era.
Ellie (The Last of Us Series)
- A brave and resilient young woman facing the challenges of a hostile, post-apocalyptic environment.
- Her journey from innocence to maturity is central to the narrative.