StarCraft 2’s Most Iconic Characters: You Won’t Believe Who Made the List!

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Summary

  • Complex factions, Protoss, Zerg, and Terran with unique individuals, motivations, and struggles drive StarCraft 2’s rich story.
  • Iconic characters like Tychus Findlay, Zagara, and Selendis play key roles in shaping the intergalactic narrative.
  • Characters like Jim Raynor, Sarah Kerrigan, and Artanis forge alliances, grapple with moral dilemmas, and lead their people.

StarCraft 2 is recognized for its grandiose campaign and captivating narrative, set against a backdrop of a hauntingly beautiful yet ominous sci-fi universe. It features a cast of characters that leave lasting impressions, as they grapple with difficult choices within this dark realm. Notable personalities from StarCraft frequently appear in promotional artwork and play pivotal roles in the storyline.

In this universe, there are three main groups – the Terrans, Zergs, and Protoss – who often find themselves at odds or joining forces in complex ways. Within these groups, you’ll encounter unique characters, each with their personal narratives, driving forces, and hardships they must overcome.

10. Abathur

The Zerg Evolution Master

  • Affiliation: Zerg Swarm, Abathur’s Renegade Broods
  • Voice Actor: Steve Blum

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by Abathur, a character introduced in StarCraft 2’s Heart of the Swarm expansion. He’s more than just a Zerg; he’s a fanatical supremacist, single-mindedly pursuing the ideal of perfect evolutionary potential for all Zerg. His demeanor is as chilling as ice, and his every move is guided by cold, calculated decisions that lead to destruction and assimilation. Serving under the Queen of Blades in the role of Evolution Master, he’s a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Originating from the Overmind and comprised of various Zerg species, Abathur often expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the Swarm, deeming them imperfect. Following the Overmind’s demise, Abathur fell into madness, altering every Zerg he encountered until the Queen of Blades assumed control over him. It was under Abathur’s influence that the Hyper-evolutionary virus was unleashed, resulting in the creation of Infested Terrans.

9. Selendis

The High Executor of the Protoss Fleet

  • Affiliation: Protoss Empire, Daelaam
  • Voice Actor: Cree Summer

In this rendition, Selendis assumes the role of Supreme Commander, guiding mighty Protoss armadas into combat. She is a devout adherent of the Khala, belonging to the Khalai tribe of Aiur prior to its downfall. During the zerg’s invasion of Haven, Selendis found herself in a perilous predicament concerning the infestation virus and interactions with Raynor’s Raiders, as depicted in Wings of Liberty.

Selendis maintains a strong professional alliance with Artanis, admiring his authority and aspirations for a harmonious Protoss community. Yet, she harbors doubts about the assimilation of the Dark Templar into the Protoss society. She acknowledges Zeratul’s insights and accomplishments, but her allegiance to the Khala instills in her caution towards the Dark Templar’s customs.

8. Zagara

First of the Broodmothers

  • Affiliation: Zerg Swarm, Zagara Brood
  • Voice Actor: Nika Futterman

Initially crafted by Kerrigan before the Second Great War, Zagara was the initial Broodmother. Yet, she harbored ambitions of challenging Kerrigan, fueled by a craving for power and validation. After Kerrigan regained control, their bond transformed into one of loyalty, with Kerrigan mentoring Zagara’s development as a tactical mastermind within the Swarm.

Abathur serves as the counterpart to Zagara in growing the Swarm, focusing on improving the abilities of her brood and facilitating genetic advancement. However, Zagara’s internal power struggles within the Swarm and beyond make her a notable character. Over time, she becomes open to negotiations with the Dominion and expresses concerns over Niadra’s brood rebellion.

7. Matt Horner

Raynor’s Moral Compass

  • Affiliation: Terran Confederacy (formerly), Sons of Korhal (formerly), Raynor’s Raiders, Terran Dominion
  • Voice Actor: Brian Bloom

Matt Horner made his debut in “Wings of Liberty” and played a significant role in the Terran storyline as Jim Raynor’s right-hand man. Horner is deeply admiring of Raynor and supports his aspirations for a better tomorrow. At the same time, he acts as a calming influence on Raynor, tempering his impulsive actions with wisdom.

Horner finds it challenging to shoulder the responsibilities that come with leadership, as he carries the emotional toll of the Raiders’ losses and constantly wrestles with the ethical consequences of his choices. During the course of Legacy of the Void, Horner played a crucial role in ensuring the rebuilt Dominion made it through the End War.

6. Arcturus Mengsk

Emperor of the Terran Dominion

  • Affiliation: Terran Confederacy (formerly), Sons of Korhal (formerly), Terran Dominion
  • Voice Actor: James Harper

Arcturus Mengsk is a key figure from the StarCraft series whose actions resonate widely. Initially, he was a captivating rebel commander, battling against the corrupt Terran Confederacy as part of the Sons of Korhal. However, as his influence expanded, he transformed into a merciless autocrat. He bestowed upon himself the title of Emperor of the Terran Dominion, employing cunning strategies to amass power.

A key characteristic of Mengsk is his betrayal of Sarah Kerrigan. During the StarCraft saga, he abandoned her to the Zerg, an act that eventually led to her becoming the Queen of Blades. As a Terran leader, Mengsk faces distrust from Jim Raynor and Matt Horner, two individuals who aim to dismantle his authoritarian rule.

5. Zeratul

The Dark Templar

  • Affiliation: Nerazim (formerly), Tassadar’s Followers, Daelaam, Xel’naga
  • Voice Actors: Jack Ritschel (StarCraft), Fred Tatasciore (StarCraft 2)

Initially introduced in StarCraft, Zeratul is a distinguished Dark Templar Prelate recognized for his sagacity, cunning, profound spirituality, and long-standing disagreement with Tassadar Khalai, who deserted his kin earlier on. In StarCraft 2, he assumes a pivotal role in the escalating interstellar struggle, operating independently to expose concealed secrets and safeguard his tribe.

Despite being controlled by Kerrigan initially, Zeratul utilized this guarded alliance against Amon – a figure foretold to bring about destruction on a cosmic scale. Zeratul’s tale exemplifies self-sacrifice and heroism amidst the darkness of the universe. His demise in Legacy of the Void symbolized the transfer of his power and hope onto Artanis.

4. Tychus Findlay

Hardened Marine

  • Affiliation: Terran Confederacy (formerly), Screaming Skulls, Terran Dominion (secretly), Moebius Foundation, Raynor’s Raiders, Heaven’s Devils
  • Voice Actor: Neil Kaplan

Tychus Findlay’s history is deeply connected to the original StarCraft tale, yet it’s not until StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty that he makes his appearance. After the Guild Wars ended, Tychus and Raynor turned into outlaws, committing heists all across the Koprulu sector. Over time, Findlay started to exaggerate his accomplishments, earning himself a legendary status.

Though he appeared friendly with Jim Raynor and had an appealing personality, it was revealed that before the storyline of “Wings of Liberty,” Arcturus Mengsk tricked his way out of New Folsom Prison and used manipulation to send Tychus into the Raiders for infiltration. In the end, Tychus had to make a choice between loyalty to Raynor or his own freedom, which led him to be left for dead on Char.

3. Artanis

Hierarch of the Daelaam

  • Affiliation: Protoss Empire, Khalai, Daelaam
  • Voice Actor: Jason Hayse (StarCraft: Brood War) Patrick Seitz (StarCraft 2)

Artanis serves as the head of the Daelaam, a highly respected warrior striving to bring unity among his fragmented kin. He initially emerged in the expansion for the initial StarCraft game titled Brood War. At that time, he was still relatively new to leadership and had to navigate the heavy burden of steering his people through challenging circumstances.

In the game of StarCraft 2, Artanis assumed the role of Hierarch, rallying his kin in their resistance against Amon, an ancient Xel’Naga who had fallen. Zeratul, serving as a wise counselor and guide, would eventually make a selfless sacrifice. Through these events, Artanis not only managed to unite his people but also forged amicable ties with the Terrans under Raynor’s leadership.

2. Jim Raynor

Rebel Leader

  • Affiliation: Terran Confederacy (formerly), Screaming Skulls, Sons of Korhal (formerly), Raynor’s Raiders, Terran Dominion
  • Voice Actor: Robert Clotworthy

In the game “StarCraft,” Jim Raynor was initially portrayed as a Terran Marshal, eventually transforming into a rebel leader after turning against the corrupt Confederacy. Throughout the story, he worked to gather support against the Terran Dominion headed by Arcturus Mengsk. In “StarCraft 2,” Raynor led Raynor’s Raiders, a sizable group that aimed to take on not only Arcturus Mengsk but also the approaching menace of the Zerg Swarm as well.

Jim Raynor’s significant backstory revolves around his connection with Kerrigan. Originally partners in combat and rumored lovers, their bond took a dark turn when Raynor abandoned Kerrigan, leading her to transform into the Queen of Blades. This event has deeply affected Raynor. In his pursuit to rescue Kerrigan and halt the Zerg Swarm, he made history by forging a lasting alliance with the Protoss.

1. Sarah Kerrigan

Ghost Operative / Queen of Blades

  • Affiliation: Terran Confederacy (formerly), Sons of Korhal (formerly), Zerg Swarm (formerly?), Xel’Naga
  • Voice Actor: Glynnis Talken Campbell (StarCraft), Tricia Helfer (StarCraft 2)

Sarah Kerrigan is a highly influential and multi-layered character in the StarCraft franchise. Initially appearing as a Terran Ghost with exceptional combat skills and psychic prowess in the initial game, she served under Arcturus Mengsk before he deceived her, as previously mentioned. In response to this betrayal, she embarked on a merciless and vengeful rampage against those who had wronged her. However, through the narrative of StarCraft 2, she sets out on a journey towards atonement and an attempt to recover her human identity.

As Queen of Blades, her psionic skills reached such a peak that she could conjure up storms of psionic power, and her manipulative strategies were second to none. In Wings of Liberty, she was purged by the Terran, granting her a fleeting moment of human clarity to instill hope in Raynor. Eventually, she was consumed with guilt in her predominantly human form. To counter Amon, she resolved to rally the Zerg once more, aiming to overpower him and ascend as the final Xel’Naga.

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2025-01-22 12:35