Resident Evil Characters Who Change The Most Throughout The Games

Highlights

Legacy characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon Kennedy go through drastic transformations in the Resident Evil series.
Characters like Sherry Birkin, Ada Wong, Jill Valentine, and Leon Kennedy experience significant character growth and changes over the series.
Chris Redfield has the most appearances in the franchise and undergoes the most drastic changes in personality and portrayal.

As a seasoned Resident Evil fan, I must say that the evolution of these characters throughout the series is nothing short of remarkable. Each one of them has undergone significant changes, reflecting their unique experiences and the challenges they’ve faced within the game’s timeline.

Over several decades, the storyline of the Resident Evil game series unfolds, introducing fresh characters in each installment and occasionally revisiting old ones to catch up on their post-leading role adventures. Time can alter anyone, but when you factor in life-threatening scenarios, these experiences often bring about significant changes.

In this Capcom series, iconic figures like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon Kennedy have become household names due to their significant roles in numerous main and side games. What’s fascinating is that they don’t always reappear in the same form. Shifts in professions and evolution of their characters often create the impression that fans are encountering them fresh, as if for the very first time.

5 Sherry Birkin (Resident Evil 2 – Resident Evil 6)

Sherry Grows Up To Be A Capable Young Woman

In Claire’s adventure through Resident Evil 2, she encounters Sherry Birkin – the almost-abandoned daughter of William and Annette who had to survive on her own while her mutated father, William, wreaked havoc in the police station, hunting for her. Many players assumed that Sherry wouldn’t make it back alive, considering her role in Claire’s narrative was thought to be temporary, much like Ada’s presence in Leon’s storyline.

However, fans wouldn’t have seen the last of Sherry, as she would reappear in Resident Evil 6, this time as a playable character, partnering with Jake, Wesker’s son. Initially a sweet and vulnerable young girl, she formed a strong bond with Claire, viewing her as a mother figure. Under government custody, Sherry would transform into a skilled agent in exchange for her freedom. No longer helpless, she has become quite capable. Among all the characters, Sherry’s transformation might be the most striking, especially considering the time gap between her appearances, which makes perfect sense given her storyline evolution.

4 Ada Wong (Resident Evil 2 – Resident Evil 4)

A Mysterious Agent Who Returns With More Sass

In my gaming world, I’ve noticed that the revamp of Resident Evil 4 has brought some significant shifts from the original. It’s set a darker, more intense tone, and cranked up the fear factor to another level. Even the characters have seen changes – Ashley seems friendlier, Leon talks less like he’s in a cheesy soap opera, and Ada still carries that enigmatic, mysterious air that we knew from Resident Evil 2, a departure from her character portrayal in the 2005 game.

In the initial Resident Evil 4, Ada’s personality differed significantly from her role in RE2. Although she would periodically join and depart from Leon’s mission, maintaining a distance throughout the game, she occasionally made humorous remarks and exhibited a more flirtatious demeanor. This is contrast to her character in RE2, but Ada’s transformation fitted perfectly with Capcom’s tone for Resident Evil 4.

3 Jill Valentine (Resident Evil – Resident Evil 3 – Resident Evil 5)

From A Dedicated S.T.A.R.S. Member To Wesker’s Henchman

Fervent fans are eagerly anticipating the possible comeback of Jill Valentine, who last made an appearance in the Resident Evil timeline quite a few years ago. It would certainly be thrilling to catch up with what she’s been doing and observe how her character has grown since then, given that some aspects of her games have undergone changes.

Initially, Jill made her appearance in the first game among Chris, one of the playable characters who was renowned for her lockpicking abilities. She was shrewd and intelligent, generally appearing benevolent with her aim to purify the world from BOWS. In Resident Evil 3, a more resolute and self-confident Jill emerged, displaying a tougher demeanor towards adversaries, including Carlos, in stark contrast to her usual treatment of allies. A significant transformation occurred for Jill in Resident Evil 5 when she took action against Chris and Sheva, aligning with Wesker, although it was later revealed that she had been under mind control, which left players stunned at the time.

2 Leon Kennedy (Resident Evil 2 – Resident Evil 4)

Leon Matures The Most Throughout The Series

In “Resident Evil 2,” the game portrays the chaos caused by the Raccoon City Incident, an event that had far-reaching consequences and tested the resilience of various characters from the Resident Evil series. One such character was Leon Kennedy, who was starting his first day at work as a police officer in the RPD. However, his initial shift turned out to be anything but routine when a T-Virus outbreak transformed most city residents into zombies. To make matters worse, the ominous figure of Mr. X added another layer of complexity.

In the game “Resident Evil 2”, Leon was a young, earnest newcomer who prioritized doing what was right and safeguarding others. His dedication bordered on overzealousness, yet it resonated with Claire’s character but clashed with Ada’s. Fast forward to “Resident Evil 4”, Leon has seen and experienced more, making him wiser and less idealistic. He shows a bit of humor now and then, especially in the original “Resident Evil 4”, compared to the remake version.

1 Chris Redfield (Resident Evil – Resident Evil 5 – Resident Evil Village)

The Franchise’s Hero Goes Through The Most Drastic Changes

In terms of recurring characters, none have appeared as frequently as Chris Redfield in the Resident Evil series, a testament to his significance within the fanbase and storyline. Over the course of multiple games, Chris’ persona has undergone substantial development.

In the initial RE, Chris makes his debut as a noble and kind-hearted character who prioritizes protecting others. The action-packed nature of Resident Evil 5 accentuates his heroic side, transforming him into a larger-than-life action hero, with moments like punching a boulder barehanded that verge on the absurdly dramatic. In contrast, Village emphasizes story and horror over action, causing Chris to undergo a shift in personality. He becomes much more aloof than his previous versions, leading Ethan to believe he murdered his own wife, and treating him as an annoyance rather than an ally.

2024-08-14 07:05