Arthur Morgan is the main character in Red Dead Redemption 2, and players quickly connected with him for many reasons. While he’s not a perfect person, the game lets you shape his journey. You can choose to keep him loyal to his outlaw gang, or guide him towards a path of redemption, where he tries to leave his criminal life behind and become a better person in the Old West.
No matter how players approach the game, Arthur Morgan is a compelling protagonist, and his story is guaranteed to be emotionally impactful. But are there other characters in darker games with similarly powerful and dramatic journeys? Absolutely. Let’s look at examples like Joel Miller from The Last of Us and Leon S. Kennedy from Resident Evil 4.
There will be spoilers.
| Character | Game Title | Achievements/Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Strife | Final Fantasy 7 | EX-SOLDIER, saved the world. |
| Naked Snake | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | Spy, dearmed a nuke. |
| Francis York Morgan | Deadly Premonition | FBI Agent, solved a murder case. |
Who’s That Character? 
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
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Joel Miller
A Second Chance At Fatherhood
Joel Miller is the main character in The Last of Us, and he also appears in the sequel. The story begins with a tragic event for Joel – the loss of his daughter during the initial outbreak in Texas. Years later, we find him as a tough and cynical smuggler in a world destroyed by the infection, focused solely on his own survival and unwilling to get involved with others.
He went so far as to cut off contact with his brother, Tommy. But the heart of Joel’s story, and what makes the first game so powerful, is Ellie. He gradually begins to see her not just as a responsibility, but as a daughter figure. Despite his flaws and sometimes harsh actions, Joel finds a path toward his own kind of redemption.
Cloud Strife
An EX-SOLDIER Looking For Purpose
Cloud Strife is the main character in Final Fantasy 7, and his story is full of twists – he struggles with memory loss, a stolen identity, and even the possibility that he’s a clone. However, the recent remakes of the game have added even more depth to his character. Through improved voice acting and script changes, Cloud feels more real and engaging in Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
At the beginning of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Cloud is a mercenary motivated by money, and he’s initially uninterested in forming bonds with the members of AVALANCHE, the group fighting against Shinra. Despite his quiet nature, people are drawn to him, and their faith in him gradually causes him to open up and even show a sense of humor – sometimes even when facing unusual situations, like having to wear a dress. It’s been rewarding to watch his character develop throughout the remakes so far, and fans are hoping the story will provide a satisfying conclusion to his journey.
Naked Snake/Big Boss
The Man Who Would Unite The World
Big Boss began as a hidden enemy in the original Metal Gear, but his story actually starts in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater as a new soldier named Naked Snake. This game is being remade as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. In it, Snake’s mission is to prevent Soviet defectors – and his former mentor, The Boss – from triggering a nuclear conflict. Throughout the dangerous operation, Snake is completely focused on completing his objective, and often appears distant or cold to his teammates who try to check in with him via radio.
Snake isn’t flawless, but he’s a capable soldier who always completes his missions. The story takes a dramatic turn when he discovers The Boss wasn’t a traitor trying to hurt America, but was actually working to protect it. This revelation profoundly changes Snake, ultimately leading him to adopt the codename Big Boss and dedicate himself to becoming a stronger, more effective soldier. The original Metal Gear Solid, its remake, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker on PSP all beautifully portray his development, subtly hinting at his eventual descent into villainy. For a complete understanding of his backstory, it’s also worth exploring Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops and Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.
Leon S. Kennedy
Bingo Time
I first met Leon S. Kennedy back in Resident Evil 2, and honestly, he was pretty basic – just a determined cop doing his job. But man, did he change by Resident Evil 4! He was working for the government now, and his mission was to rescue the President’s daughter, Ashley. Somewhere between those games, Leon seriously leveled up. He got way more resourceful and started dropping these awesome, cheesy one-liners that felt straight out of an 80s action flick. It was a total transformation!
Leon S. Kennedy is the quintessential action hero for a horror game—strong, proficient with weapons, and quick with a cutting remark. Though his role was weaker in Resident Evil 6, he regained his heroic stature in the recent Resident Evil Requiem. He might not be the most nuanced character, but he’s undeniably cool and capable.
Kazuma Kiryu
Lets His Fists Do The Talking
Kazuma Kiryu is the main character throughout the Yakuza series. Yakuza 0 tells the story of his early life, and from that game through Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, his core personality remains consistent. While some characters change and grow significantly, Kazuma doesn’t because of his strong upbringing and loyalty to his Yakuza family – he begins as a dedicated member and continues to be a highly respected figure throughout the series.
Kazuma has a strong sense of personal honor and always tries to fix what’s broken, often using his strength. Though he can be tough, he’s never intentionally cruel. A significant change in his life comes when he starts caring for children at a local orphanage he helps support. He stays a bit rough around the edges, but reveals a kind heart and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and show his emotions, even shedding a tear when moved.
Geralt Of Rivia
A Practical Monster Hunter
Geralt of Rivia appears slightly different in the Witcher books compared to the games, but he’s at his best in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. He’s a monster hunter for hire – a mercenary who gets paid to protect people from dangerous creatures. Though he underwent procedures that suppressed his emotions, he isn’t completely without feeling or compassion.
Geralt has friends and romantic interests, and he cares for Ciri like a daughter, actively searching for her throughout the game. However, he doesn’t undergo a significant personal transformation; instead, players gradually grow to appreciate his personality, including his distinctive voice and how he interacts with others. He isn’t necessarily cold, just world-weary and exhausted from his experiences.
Kratos
Reborn As A Father
The original God of War games featured Kratos as a furious Spartan warrior who felt betrayed by the gods. After years of violence, including killing countless creatures and deities, he sought peace in a new world, which was explored in the 2018 game. During his time away from the spotlight, Kratos found love with a woman named Laufey, and they had a son, Atreus. When Laufey dies, Kratos embarks on a journey to honor her memory and learn how to raise Atreus as a father on his own.
Kratos isn’t a flawless father, but he’s making a real effort with his son, Atreus, in a way he never did with anyone in the original games. While he doesn’t go to therapy, it’s obvious he’s spent time reflecting on his violent past. It’s genuinely surprising to see this changed version of him, and the game’s reboot does a great job of showing his growth.
Francis York Morgan
Pretty Cool, Right Zach?
In the game Deadly Premonition, players control FBI Agent Francis York Morgan, who travels to the quiet town of Greenvale to solve a murder. While the game isn’t known for its visuals, controls, or shooting, its story is what truly captivates players, and Morgan is central to that experience. He’s an eccentric character, frequently holding conversations with an imaginary friend named Zach.
Whether he’s chatting with others or driving alone, Morgan will happily discuss anything – from coffee to his favorite films. He’s one of the most charming and lovable characters in gaming, and even in a game that people disagree about, his positive energy makes it enjoyable. Despite being quirky, Morgan is also kind, sweet, and competent, which makes him a well-rounded and compelling character.
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2026-03-25 10:36