Best RPG Protagonists With Set Backstories

Key Takeaways

RPG games offer diverse protagonists, from customizable characters to established personalities affecting narratives.
Unique backstories deepen player connection and immersion, enhancing storytelling experiences in RPGs.
Uncover personal truths, battle inner darkness, and adapt to new realities with iconic characters in modern RPGs.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that these protagonists have truly left their mark in the vast world of role-playing games. From the tormented Nameless One in Planescape: Torment to the enigmatic Revan in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, each one has a past shrouded in mystery and intrigue that keeps us hooked.

RPG (Role-Playing Games) offer diverse protagonists, some having straightforward backgrounds that players can shape freely, while others have established histories significantly influencing the game’s narrative. This range of options enhances the gaming experience by providing different avenues for engagement and fostering a deeper bond with the storyline.

Some gamers enjoy crafting unique characters, while others find joy in exploring well-established heroes whose actions significantly shape the game’s narrative. By delving into these character backgrounds, we can introduce more nuances to the gameplay experience, making the presentation of key events even more profound.

10 Harry Du Bois (Disco Elysium)

Discovering the Truth As An Amnesiac Detective

In the morning, Harry Du Bois finds himself in an unfamiliar hotel room, reeling from drunkenness and lacking clear recollections about his identity or his recent activities. This mysterious amnesia sets the stage for players, as they unravel the enigma of Harry’s character alongside the exploration of the central crime that serves as the core mystery in ‘Disco Elysium’.

As I delve deeper into this game, the decisions I make and the interactions I have uncover pieces of Harry’s past, helping me piece together his character and driving forces. This narrative makes my journey in Disco Elysium feel more intimate and meaningful, drawing me into one of the most compelling RPG protagonists I’ve ever encountered.

9 The Grey Warden (Dragon Age Origins)

Character Origins That Created One Of The Best RPG Protagonists

In “Dragon Age: Origins”, players get to select various backstories when crafting their Grey Warden character, the central figure of the game. Each origin concludes with a pivotal moment, and these decisions deeply influence the storyline that unfolds later on in the game, adding depth and richness to subsequent gameplay.

Example: Beginning as a character with noble status gives the expansion DLC added emotional impact, since encounters with the family responsible for your character’s parents’ demise become crucial, memorable moments for players. This level of personalization strengthens the bond between players and the storyline, making Dragon Age: Origins one of BioWare’s most remarkable narratives to date.

8 Geralt Of Rivia (The Witcher 3)

An Established RPG Character With A Deep Backstory

As I delve into the concluding chapter of Geralt’s epic journey in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, I can’t help but marvel at the rich tapestry of storytelling that’s been woven by CD Projekt Red. Not only does this game bring a satisfying end to the trilogy that catapulted them into gaming stardom, but it also ties up the threads from Andrzej Sapkowski’s beloved books. This continuity gives me, as a player, a sense of immersion and depth in a universe that feels incredibly real and captivating.

Geralt’s adventure is filled with literary allusions and growth of familiar characters, creating a comprehensive and engaging experience. Players can influence events by making decisions that align with the character’s traits, playing a significant role in shaping the destiny of one of gaming’s top protagonists as well as the world within “The Witcher 3”.

7 The Dark Urge (Baldur’s Gate 3)

Battling Inner Darkness In An Amazing RPG Story

In Baldur’s Gate 3, players can select from a variety of character paths, ranging from those without a predefined history, such as Tav, to those with intricate pasts like Lae’zel or Shadowheart. Yet, what truly sets this game apart is the compelling narrative of The Dark Urge, a storyline that has been masterfully created by Larian Studios.

As I immerse myself in this captivating game world, I find myself embodying a complex character whose choices are not merely about choosing a class or race, but also grappling with an internal struggle between my own dark impulses and the moral fiber of my being. This intriguing dilemma infuses the narrative with a rich psychological and moral complexity, shaping my interactions with other characters in this profoundly moving game story.

6 Kasuga Ichiban (Yakuza: Like A Dragon)

The Rebirth Of A Yakuza Member In The Modern World

Kasuga Ichiban is initially presented as a devoted yakuza associate who is unjustly incarcerated to conceal the wrongdoings of others. Prior to the main narrative, players can delve into moments from his past, gaining insight into his strong commitment to the Japanese mafia during its height nationwide.

After spending years in confinement, Kasuga encounters a radically changed society where the power of the yakuza has noticeably waned. The story unfolds as he navigates this contemporary landscape, tackling fresh hurdles with a generous dash of humor, all while searching for his place amidst these new circumstances in “Yakuza: Like a Dragon”. This makes Kasuga an exceptional protagonist in today’s Japanese role-playing games.

5 The Nameless One (Planescape Torment)

An RPG About Multiple Lives And Identities

In the game Planescape: Torment, the main character, referred to as The Nameless One, is an immortal entity with a history spanning countless lifetimes. These past lives have etched their mark and left memories that shape the current adventure. The choices made during character creation enable players to revisit fragments of these earlier existences.

As players delve deeper into The Nameless One’s history, they encounter unexpected turns that question notions of self and the ethical implications of certain choices. This distinctive storytelling method significantly enriches the plot, with the pursuit of one’s personal truth becoming a key aspect in the immersive journey of Planescape: Torment.

4 Revan (Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic)

The Sith Redeemed by Memory In One Of The Greatest RPGs Of All Time

In the early 2000s, BioWare demonstrated its knack for creating captivating narratives, with “Knights of the Old Republic” serving as a notable example. This game immerses players in an enriching era of Star Wars history, offering a tale that raised the bar for future role-playing games. The main character, Revan, is a distinctive figure who, intriguingly, can’t recall his previous life as a formidable Sith.

Discovering that the character had their memories erased (mind wipe) adds significant emotional weight for players unaccustomed to this surprise development in the storyline. As more details are revealed, players have a chance to shape Revan’s evolution, resulting in a deeply moving and multidimensional protagonist within the Star Wars universe.

3 The Courier (Fallout: New Vegas)

The Messenger Of An Unknown Destiny

In the series’ 3D era, Fallout: New Vegas stands out as one of the most intriguing games, chiefly due to The Courier, a character with an enigmatic backstory yet filled with details for players to fill in the blanks. The game’s expansions offer additional insights, unveiling events from the protagonist’s life prior to embarking on the mission to deliver the chip that sets off the main storyline.

In Fallout: New Vegas, I found myself drawn into the enigmatic world of The Courier, as this approach kept me guessing about the forces that molded this character. Initially, there was a veil of mystery surrounding him, but the DLCs unraveled layers, fostering a deeper bond between me and the character.

2 Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)

The Hero Forged By Initial Choices In An RPG Saga

In the game “Mass Effect”, players have the option to choose different backstories for Commander Shepard, much like in “Dragon Age: Origins”. These early choices influence various conversations and encounters across the series, offering a richer experience by introducing subtle variations without significantly changing the overall storyline.

These alterations add complexity to Shepard’s narrative, shaping how other characters view him. While they don’t fundamentally alter the journey, they provide a richer, more nuanced backstory for our hero in this immersive role-playing game.

1 Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7)

A Soldier With Fragmented Memories In An Iconic RPG

In the game Final Fantasy 7, we meet Cloud Strife – a character with a detailed past that sets him apart. This narrative approach is typical in Square Enix’s Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). Originally a Shinra member, Cloud’s memories become entwined with those of Zack Fair, significantly influencing his sense of self and the decisions he makes throughout the game.

The blend of memories gives rise to personal struggles that shape the character’s evolution, as Cloud seeks to uncover his real identity. This journey introduces an intense emotional and mental depth to the narrative within the influential storyline of Final Fantasy 7, a game renowned for its profound impact in the gaming world.

2024-09-14 16:25