Throughout its extensive history, Resident Evil has seen a revolving door of protagonists. Some characters have risen to fame, capturing the hearts of fans with their daring escapades and captivating narratives in a world teeming with monsters. These standout figures have made recurring appearances in Resident Evil's mainline titles and spin-offs. Conversely, others have struggled to make an impact due to a lack of the cutting-edge factor that keeps players engaged. While future franchise installments may breathe new life into these characters, there exists a hierarchical arrangement of protagonists based on Resident Evil's current catalog.
With the franchise approaching its ninth mainline installment, nearly every major character has taken on a playable role at some juncture. Consequently, determining the best protagonists in Resident Evil poses a challenge. Various factors influence a protagonist's public reception, ranging from nuanced character design to a relatable backstory. Nevertheless, certain characters have wielded more influence than others, allowing for an efficient ranking of Resident Evil's protagonists based on their impact.
Standout Protagonists
Leon S. Kennedy: Often synonymous with Resident Evil, Leon Kennedy boasts a substantial fan base owing to his stellar lead role in Resident Evil 4 — widely regarded as one of the franchise's best entries. The groundbreaking success of Resident Evil 4 Remake has further elevated his reputation. Since his humble beginnings as a rookie police officer in Resident Evil 2, Leon has featured in three canon games.
Chris Redfield: While Leon may enjoy fan-favorite status, Chris Redfield epitomizes a legendary figure within the franchise. With a remarkable 15 appearances across Resident Evil mainline and spin-off titles, few protagonists in gaming history can rival Chris. Sporting a distinct muscular build, this franchise stalwart transitioned from an Air Force Pilot to a co-founder of the BSAA, combatting bioterrorism.
Jill Valentine: Renowned for her formidable combat skills, Jill has garnered a dedicated following within the Resident Evil community. Few can match her prowess within the S.T.A.R.S Alpha team, notably triumphing over Nemesis and requiring two BSAA members to subdue her in RE5. Her pivotal role in events such as Raccoon City and the Spencer Estate solidifies her status as a Resident Evil icon.
Noteworthy Mentions
Ada Wong: Embodying a James Bond-esque spy persona, Ada Wong's enigmatic background and intricate ties to Leon Kennedy have cemented her popularity in the Resident Evil franchise. Her versatility in combat, ranging from hand-to-hand combat to adept crossbow skills, has solidified her presence, despite limited mainline story expansion following RE6.
Barry Burton: Despite never assuming a lead role in the mainline series, few have influenced Resident Evil's narrative to the extent of Barry Burton. As the eldest member among the original characters, this weapons specialist serves as a mentor to Jill and takes center stage as a protagonist in the Revelations 2 spin-off, embarking on a gripping quest to locate his daughter.
Claire Redfield: Although overshadowed by her brother Chris, Claire has amassed an impressive list of achievements since her debut in Resident Evil 2, contributing to the franchise-defining Raccoon City saga. A formidable force in combat, Claire remains one of the most underrated Resident Evil characters, often eclipsed by Chris' prominence.
Lesser Spotlight
Rebecca Chambers: Often overlooked in the Resident Evil universe due to limited involvement in newer titles, Rebecca was a consistent presence in earlier games. Her cheerful demeanor and co-lead role in Resident Evil Zero offered a refreshing contrast to the typical paranoid personas prevalent in the series.
Jake Muller: With Albert Wesker's shadow looming large over the Resident Evil series, Jake Muller's introduction in RE6 initially raised eyebrows due to his lineage. However, Jake utilizes his superhuman abilities for noble purposes, setting him apart from his notorious father.
Carlos Oliveira: While Jill Valentine undeniably took the spotlight in Resident Evil 3, Carlos' supporting role added depth to the narrative. The fearless mercenary fearlessly confronted hordes of zombies in his playable missions, offering a stark contrast to Jill's evasive approach. His character warrants further exploration within the series.
Ethan Winters: The seemingly indomitable protagonist of RE7 and Village faced extraordinary adversity. Ethan's unwavering resilience is commendable, particularly within a franchise steeped in apocalyptic turmoil. Despite his narrative adhering to the traditional Resident Evil rescue theme, Ethan diverges from consistent combat, favoring a hide-and-seek dynamic that may not resonate with all audiences.
Limited Impact
Billy Coen: A character who narrowly escaped death row, Billy Coen, alongside Rebecca, embarked on a thrilling escape from the clutches of the Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil Zero. However, he pales in comparison to the series' mainstays.
Sheva Alomar: Perceived to lack depth within the Resident Evil franchise, Sheva faced criticism in Resident Evil 5. Her absence from subsequent installments leaves her future within the series uncertain.
Rosemary Winters: Representing the Winters family in RE Village's Shadows of Rose expansion, Rosemary reintroduced traditional gun-wielding elements to the franchise. However, her limited combat capabilities place her behind the franchise's elite protagonists.