10 Best Video Game Characters Of All Time

Video games are truly amazing. They’ve opened up incredible worlds and introduced us to memorable characters, and what sets them apart from movies and TV is that they let you experience those worlds yourself. You can either play *as* the characters or interact with them directly within the game.

Video games have given us some of the most memorable and beloved fictional characters ever created. Here’s a look at some of the very best. It’s worth noting that this is just a small selection – there are countless other amazing characters in video game history.

Mario

The Literal Face Of Gaming

Any list of the greatest video game characters has to include Mario, Nintendo’s famous plumber with the mustache. He practically rescued the home console market in the 1980s. Like Mickey Mouse, he’s a true icon, but Mario continues to be popular and well-regarded by people of all ages worldwide.

Nintendo consistently delivers high-quality Mario games, like *Super Mario Odyssey* and *Super Mario Bros. Wonder*. Beyond that, Mario is a remarkably endearing and straightforward character. His versatility allows him to shine in many different types of video games, broadening his appeal to a wide audience.

Samus Aran (Metroid)

The Best Female Main Character In The Industry

When Samus Aran, the main character of *Metroid*, was revealed to be a woman back in 1986, it was a surprising and significant moment. But Samus has remained popular for the last thirty-nine years not simply *because* of her gender, but because she’s a compelling and well-developed character.

Recent *Metroid* games, such as *Dread*, *Samus Returns*, and the *Prime* trilogy, first present Samus Aran as a strong, silent bounty hunter. But as the games progress, it becomes clear she isn’t motivated by a desire to simply destroy dangerous creatures—she genuinely wants to save lives, which is understandable given her difficult past. Her long-standing conflict with Ridley and her touching bond with the Baby Metroid further demonstrate that Samus has always been a complex and interesting character, even in the classic 2D *Metroid* games.

Solid Snake (Metal Gear)

Saved The World On More Than One Occasion

At first, Solid Snake (whose real name is David) seemed like a typical hero, particularly for a military-based stealth game. But everything shifted when the series moved to 3D with *Metal Gear Solid*. The improved graphics and voice acting let Hideo Kojima reveal Snake’s appealing personality and heroic qualities. Snake is, at his core, a brave soldier dedicated to one purpose: preventing a nuclear disaster caused by the Metal Gears.

Snake is a complex character—a tough hero with a surprisingly goofy side, showcased in his close bonds with Otacon and Meryl. His portrayal as the aged “Old Snake” in *Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots* truly solidified his status as a video game icon. Despite rapidly aging due to the cells he inherited from Big Boss, he bravely took on one last world-saving mission. He even had the chance to reconcile with his father before finally retiring to spend his remaining years in peace with his closest friend.

Dante (Devil May Cry)

A Cocky Half-Demon With A Heart Of Gold

Dante, the main character from *Devil May Cry*, is widely considered one of the most amusing heroes in video game history. This half-demon hunter is known for his confidence and playful insults directed at enemies before battles. While he might initially seem irritating, Dante’s clever lines and the excellent performances of his voice actors make him consistently entertaining. Whether he’s playfully teasing a monstrous Cerberus like a pet or making Dr. Faust dance like Michael Jackson, Dante is a wildly funny and exaggerated character.

Despite his confident and arrogant exterior, he’s secretly dealing with a painful past, and his humor is clearly a way to manage long-term trauma. This makes his relationships with others – whether it’s his intense rivalry with his brother Vergil, or his difficult connection with his nephew Nero – surprisingly layered and complex, adding depth to his personality.

Master Chief (Halo)

He Can Convey A Lot Without Saying Much (Or Even Showing His Face)

Master Chief, the star of the *Halo* series, is as important to Microsoft as Mario is to Nintendo. He’s become a hugely influential figure in gaming, despite being a relatively simple character. His iconic green armor gives him a cool, recognizable look, and like Samus Aran, he’s a compelling hero even though his face is rarely seen.

Master Chief, also known as John-117, had a difficult childhood but rose above it to become a hero who has saved the universe multiple times. The *Halo* novels offer a more in-depth look at his personality and what drives him—they’re generally very well-written. In the games themselves, you can see a quieter side to his character through his strong connection with Cortana, his AI companion. Their relationship is often praised as one of the most compelling and heartbreaking in video game history.

Kratos (God of War)

The Most Inspirational Redemption Arc In Gaming

Initially, Kratos in the original *God of War* games was a flawed main character. He was a brutal and self-centered anti-hero, focused solely on revenge against the Greek Gods, regardless of the consequences. However, later installments like *God of War 3* and *Ascension* began to hint at his future growth and eventual desire for redemption, which became central to the Norse saga.

Both *God of War* (2018) and *God of War Ragnarök* center on Kratos grappling with the repercussions of his past and striving to become a better person. This journey isn’t just about his own redemption or avoiding a disastrous war with Asgard; he also wants to raise his son, Atreus, to be honorable. While still a powerful warrior when needed, Kratos now thinks before acting, and his close relationship with Atreus is genuinely heartwarming. The emotional high point comes in *Ragnarök*’s *Valhalla* DLC, where Kratos confronts his former self – a scene that powerfully demonstrates his hard-earned redemption and remains one of the most impactful moments in the entire series.

GLaDOS (Portal)

Who Doesn’t Love An Unhinged But Hilarious Villainess?

GlaDOS, short for “Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System,” is the central character in both *Portal* games. She’s the only character who speaks, and in the first game, she constantly mocks and insults the player, Chell, while guiding her through a series of challenging and dangerous tests. Her witty and humorous dialogue kept players engaged throughout the game and helped establish her as one of the most memorable villains in video game history.

In the second game, the character gets an even more hilarious twist – her consciousness is transferred into a potato, and she begrudgingly teams up with Chell. This change allows for witty conversations and a funny back-and-forth with the new villain, Wheatley. By the end, when she helps Chell escape, it’s clear that despite her harsh and cruel behavior, GlaDOS has developed a fondness for the main character.

Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

A Hard-Boiled Outlaw With An Unmovable Moral Compass

Rockstar Games has created many memorable characters, including iconic figures like Trevor Philips and John Marston. However, Arthur Morgan, the main character in *Red Dead Redemption 2*, stands out as their most well-developed and popular character. Despite knowing his tragic fate from the start—since the game is a prequel—players can’t help but root for him and hope for a different outcome.

Arthur, like many outlaws, isn’t afraid to use force, but he’s also guided by a strong moral code he rarely compromises, making him a complex and compelling character. What sets him apart from other heroes in Rockstar games is that Arthur fully recognizes his own flaws and genuinely tries to become a better person, even though it’s a struggle. Roger Clark’s critically acclaimed performance was also key to making Arthur Morgan such a memorable and beloved character around the world.

Susie (Deltarune)

From Unlikable School Bully To Lovable Heroine

Toby Fox, the creator of both *Undertale* and *Deltarune*, has a knack for designing and writing characters that players really connect with. While both games feature a cast of quirky and unforgettable faces, Susie from *Deltarune* stands out as his most compelling creation yet. She starts as Kris’s bully, but through their adventures in the Dark World, she unexpectedly becomes a close friend.

What makes Susie such a great character is that she grows and changes throughout the story without losing the qualities that made her so captivating initially. She remains funny, resilient, and always stands up for what she thinks is right. Her relationships are all genuinely heartwarming, from her strong connection with Kris to her unique friendship with Ralsei and her sweet romance. Even though the story of *Deltarune* is still unfolding, Susie has quickly become its most well-developed and compelling character.

Clive Rosfield (Final Fantasy 16)

A Brave Freedom Fighter Who Accepted The Truth Of Who He Is

Despite what many think, today’s big-budget games often feature compelling characters, and Clive Rosfield from *Final Fantasy 16* is a great example. He might initially seem like a typical swordsman, but his story is surprisingly moving and impactful. After experiencing the loss of his brother and betrayal by his mother, Clive lived much of his life enslaved until Cid rescued him and took him under his wing as a protégé.

After understanding the source of his incredible powers, Clive dedicated himself to helping others and continued Cid’s quest to shatter the Mother Crystals. Despite his fierce appearance, Clive is a genuinely compassionate person who deeply cares for those around him—including his loyal dog, Torgal, his mentor Cid, his friend Gav, and his love, Jill. Ultimately, Clive Rosfield is a hero who overcame a difficult past to forge his own path.

2025-10-20 13:59