Ranked: The Ultimate List of Resident Evil Characters You Must Know

Summary

Moira Burton shines in Resident Evil Revelations 2, showing a great character arc in a supporting role.
Ashley Graham’s changes in Resident Evil 4 Remake gives her a more likable personality and engaging character development.
Ethan Winters from Resident Evil 7 is a relatable family man with no combat experience, showing resilience and bravery.

Over the years, the Resident Evil series has introduced numerous captivating characters, including main protagonists who routinely save the day and secondary characters that significantly contribute to each game’s appeal. Fans have engaged in countless discussions about their preferred characters within the Resident Evil universe – opinions vary greatly, with individuals favoring a range of characters such as villainous figures like Wesker or heroic personalities like Chris Redfield.

These Resident Evil characters serve as outstanding role models for creating captivating figures that audiences find themselves deeply attached to, either through their charming personas, notable actions, demonstrated competence, or visible growth throughout the series.

11. Moira Burton

Revelations 2 Grants Her Character An Excellent Arc

In Revelations 2, Moira Burton was uniquely introduced as a companion for Claire Redfield in her storyline. The pair, both agents from Terrasave, found themselves kidnapped during an office celebration, only to be taken against their will to a place called Rockfort Island – a penal colony where they were forced to participate in a chilling experiment involving a fear-nurturing virus. Together, these two women had to collaborate to break free and rid themselves of the virus.

Moira undergoes one of the most compelling character transformations within the game “Resident Evil”, notably among the supporting characters who usually aren’t given such development. Accompanying Claire throughout their ordeal, Moira proves to be a reliable ally and friend. She overcomes her dread of guns from a past event and uses them to protect Claire, demonstrating significant growth. Additionally, she reconciles with her father, Barry.

10. Ashley Graham

The Remake Gives Ashley A Much More Palatable Personality

2023’s adaptation of “Resident Evil 4” stood out as one of the most exceptional remakes not only within the series, but across the board, in terms of graphics, gameplay, storyline, and character development. The visuals were breathtaking, the gameplay seamless, and the narrative and characters felt more authentic and raw, contrasting the original’s excessive cheesiness (although it still retained its fair share of cheese). Taking on such a highly-regarded game was no trivial task, but Capcom significantly enhanced almost every aspect, particularly Ashley.

The updated mechanics have unfortunately made it more challenging to safeguard her, as players can no longer compel her to pause at the start of a location. However, she’s been transformed from being merely tolerable into an exceptional character. She’s less abrasive and demanding, instead exhibiting refined manners and even showing concern for Leon on occasion. This is an Ashley that players actively want to rescue, rather than one they are obliged to in order to progress through the game.

9. Ethan Winters

A Family Man Who Risks Life And Limb For His Wife And Daughter

In the game Resident Evil 7, players control a fresh character in an entirely new adventure that later spawned a follow-up titled Resident Evil Village. In Resident Evil 7 (RE7), Ethan embarks on a journey to rural Louisiana to find his lost wife, but instead encounters the deranged Baker family who have been corrupted by a deadly mold. Conversely, in Resident Evil Village, Ethan is now on a mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter from the Four Lords and Mother Miranda, who are using her as part of a ritual.

Unlike many other main characters, Ethan stands out as a man who lacks extensive combat training. However, when faced with challenges, he demonstrates unwavering courage. Remarkably, despite contracting the mold himself, he doesn’t succumb to fits of rage or madness, but remains compassionate, prioritizing the safety and well-being of his wife and daughter over himself. Even in the face of death, Ethan becomes a beacon of guidance for his daughter, Rosemary.

8. Claire Redfield

Shows That Badasses Can Have Hearts Of Gold

Claire, Chris’s younger sibling, debuted as a playable character in the second game alongside Leon, both venturing towards Raccoon City in search of Chris. Although a college student, Claire demonstrated that she was no less tough than her brother, battling her way through crowds of monsters to ensure her own safety. During this journey, Claire encounters Sherry and ends up caring for the abandoned girl.

In one instance, Claire clearly demonstrates her compassionate nature within the Resident Evil series. She aids characters such as herself and Moira, and shows concern for Steve in CODE: Veronica. However, this gentleness does not hinder her ability to deliver strong action when required. As a result, Claire is a multifaceted character who is endearing and deserves more leading roles in future games.

7. Jack Baker

The Patriarch Of The Baker Family Helped Make Resident Evil 7 A Terrifying Experience

Resident Evil 7 garnered widespread acclaim following underwhelming releases like RE5 and RE6, as it significantly altered the gameplay dynamics by focusing more on intense, action-packed combat. What truly set RE7 apart was not just its chilling and oppressive ambiance, but the primary antagonists: the Baker family.

The Baker family, who lived near the bayou and kept largely to themselves, found a young woman named Eveline after she appeared on their doorstep. In return for her stay, they received a mysterious gift that turned them into fearsome creatures capable of heinous acts. The head of the family, despite his ordinary appearance, became a ruthless hunter, relentlessly pursuing his victims across his lands, eager to use whatever means necessary to take their lives. He even had a knack for clever quips, which only served to heighten his chilling persona and solidify his status as an unforgettable yet terrifying antagonist.

6. Albert Wesker

Though Wesker Can Be Cheesy, It’s All Part Of His Villainous Charm

In the initial Resident Evil video game, Wesker was initially a part of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team. However, it was later unveiled that he had been secretly working as a double agent all along. This betrayal was ultimately exposed in the game, leading to one of the most memorable antagonists in video game history. Wesker went on to portray this villainous role in subsequent games like CODE: Veronica and Resident Evil 5.

In the final title, Wesker reaches the pinnacle of his eccentric and exaggerated persona, aiming to spread Uroboros throughout the game. The campy side of Wesker was a perfect fit for RE5, causing quite a stir among fans. Many are eager for his return to the series, even though he perished in a volcano, showcasing how remarkable this villain truly is, as players rarely hope for the comeback of antagonists.

5. Alcina Dimitrescu

This Gargantuan Vampire Captured The Hearts Of Fans

Leading the marketing campaign for Resident Evil Village was none other than Lady Dimitrescu, an imposing and captivating vampire who stood out distinctly among previous Resident Evil antagonists. Despite having a limited presence in the game, her enigmatic screen-time left a lasting impact that significantly overshadowed the overall influence of Village, largely due to her popularity.

She proved to be a formidable adversary during castle exploration, causing players to change their paths in fear upon encountering her in the corridors. Besides her, there were three other dangerous individuals inhabiting the castle. The game segment featuring her was reminiscent of the Dracula tale, but she wielded significantly greater power and transformed into a menacing creature when needed.

4. Chris Redfield

A Staple Hero In The Franchise

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that Chris Redfield has been instrumental in shaping the iconic status of this franchise since his debut in the initial game. He embodies courage like no other, always prepared to wield a weapon and safeguard the world against the next impending biological danger. His frequent appearances throughout the series, more than any other legacy protagonist, are a testament to his unwavering bravery.

The close bond between him and Jill is heartwarmingly apparent, particularly during their collaboration in Resident Evil 5, where some intriguing alterations to his persona were made. As the series progresses, Chris appears somewhat hardened, but this does not deter him from fulfilling his role as the world’s hero, even if it requires self-sacrifice. Despite having evaded death up until now, Chris’s character development suggests that he would not hesitate to take a bullet for those he holds dear.

3. Ada Wong

The Duplicity Of This Double Agent Creates An Air Of Intrigue

Making her first appearance in “Resident Evil 2”, Ada Wong has been a recurring character throughout the series, frequently interacting with Leon Kennedy and providing assistance, albeit cryptically. This pattern is particularly evident in “Resident Evil 4”, where she plays a significant role by saving his life on numerous occasions, suggesting that he might not have fared well without her timely intervention.

Her personal stake in maintaining his life sometimes clashes with her ambitions and aspirations, as evidenced by her betraying him in Resident Evil 2 and aligning herself with Wesker. At times, it becomes challenging to discern which camp she truly belongs to, but this ambiguity adds to Ada’s intrigue. She possesses a knack for keeping people hooked, and that holds true not only for Leon but also for the players themselves.

2. Jill Valentine

This Action Heroine Has Cemented Herself As A Legend

The iconic game “Resident Evil” introduced one of the toughest female characters in video gaming history – none other than Jill Valentine. It’s no wonder she consistently ranks high among fan favorites from the “Resident Evil” series, as her courage and strength are undeniable. In her key titles, such as “Resident Evil” and notably “Resident Evil 3,” Jill repeatedly demonstrates her self-reliance and badass nature.

Despite it being some time since Jill last appeared in the series, following her role in the remake of “Resident Evil 3,” she continues to be not only an iconic but also a remarkable character overall. Her appealing personality transcends the typical one-dimensional toughness, making it difficult for anyone not to take a liking to Jill.

1. Leon Kennedy

There Are Several Iterations Of Leon, And All Of them Are Brilliant

In the thrilling world of Resident Evil, I’m none other than Leon S. Kennedy – a name that rings bells in every gamer’s heart. From my gripping debut in Resident Evil 2 to my unforgettable appearances in Resident Evil 4 and beyond, I’ve been a stalwart of this franchise. Initially, I was a dedicated rookie cop, always sticking by the law to protect the innocent. My unwavering dedication earned me the trust of the President himself, and soon enough, I found myself as an undercover agent. My first mission? Rescue Ashley Graham from her captors – a task that set the stage for many more heart-stopping adventures!

Throughout the series, Leon undergoes significant development, transforming into a sarcastic action protagonist particularly in the fourth installment, and becoming increasingly cynical in games like Resident Evil 6. There’s buzz that Leon could be the central figure in the upcoming Resident Evil 9 game, making it intriguing to see what Capcom will do next with this iconic character.

2025-04-11 07:05