Video games have given us countless iconic characters over the years, from the legendary heroes to the unforgettable villains. While many of the most popular characters are often in the spotlight, there are others whose stories are just as profound but don’t get the attention they deserve.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best-written video game characters who often fly under the radar. These characters offer rich narratives, deep emotional arcs, and complex motivations that make them standout figures in their respective games.
1. Lincoln Clay - Mafia 3
Lincoln Clay from Mafia 3 is a man driven by vengeance after his adoptive family is slaughtered by the Italian mafia. His journey is raw and filled with pain, as he moves through the gritty streets of New Bordeaux, bringing down anyone involved in the betrayal of his loved ones.
Lincoln’s character is layered, torn between a desire for revenge and the need to make something better of his life. His struggle with the violent world around him and the toll it takes on his psyche is portrayed with exceptional depth. He’s an embodiment of the consequences of violence and the psychological cost of seeking vengeance, making his journey tragically powerful.
2. Lenny Summers - Red Dead Redemption 2
In Red Dead Redemption 2, Lenny Summers is a character who is often overlooked in favor of the larger-than-life figures of the Van der Linde gang. However, Lenny's character is far more nuanced than it first appears. He starts off as a young, eager member of the gang who looks up to Arthur Morgan.
Throughout the game, his character evolves as he becomes more involved in the gang’s internal struggles and ultimately questions the lifestyle that has defined him. His relationship with Arthur, filled with both camaraderie and tension, provides a fresh perspective on the morality of the gang's actions. Lenny’s tragic fate serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fleeting nature of life in the wild west.
3. Lee Everett - The Walking Dead
Lee Everett, the protagonist of Telltale's The Walking Dead, is a standout example of character depth in a narrative-driven game. Initially introduced as a convicted criminal, Lee's journey evolves into one of redemption, self-sacrifice, and fatherhood. His primary goal is to protect Clementine, the young girl he finds in the apocalyptic world, and throughout the first season, his relationships with others showcase his vulnerability and growth.
His emotional struggles with his past, his internal battle between doing what’s right versus what’s necessary for survival, and his role as a surrogate father figure make Lee an unforgettable and deeply empathetic character. His story remains one of the most poignant and well-written arcs in gaming.
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| Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories (2007) |
4. Vic Vance - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Vic Vance from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is often overshadowed by the larger-than-life personalities in the GTA universe. But Vic's story is one of the most compelling in the series. A military man with a troubled past, Vic is trying to make something of himself in the unforgiving world of Vice City.
What makes him stand out is his complex morality and the way he struggles with his loyalty to his family, his sense of duty, and the corruption around him. His rise through the criminal underworld, while trying to stay grounded and keep his family intact, is a tragic tale of ambition, betrayal, and ultimately, the consequences of his choices.
5. Bayek - Assassin's Creed Origins
Bayek from Assassin's Creed Origins is one of the series' most well-developed characters. As a Medjay in Ancient Egypt, Bayek’s initial quest for revenge after the death of his son gradually evolves into a larger mission to uncover the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Bayek's personal journey is rich with emotional depth, as he wrestles with grief, guilt, and the moral complexities of revenge. His relationship with Aya, his wife, and his own development as a leader and protector, adds layers of humanity to his character. Bayek’s story serves as a profound exploration of loss, justice, and the fight for freedom in an ancient world filled with political intrigue.
6. Henry - The Last of Us
Henry from The Last of Us is often overshadowed by the main characters, Joel and Ellie, but his brief appearance in the game leaves a lasting impact. Henry and his younger brother Sam are survivors who cross paths with Joel and Ellie during their journey. Henry’s character arc is filled with personal sacrifice, and his relationship with Sam is heart-wrenching.
The tragic outcome of his story highlights the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world, and Henry’s decisions regarding his brother's safety and the need to protect him at all costs make him one of the more tragic and empathetic characters in the game.
7. Colt Vahn - Deathloop
In Deathloop, Colt Vahn is stuck in a time loop, forced to repeat the same day over and over until he can break the cycle. While Colt’s story revolves around action and time manipulation, his character development is subtle yet powerful. Initially, Colt is a reluctant antihero, unsure of his purpose and his past, but as the story progresses, his motivations become clearer, and his journey becomes one of self-discovery.
His witty dialogue, along with his journey to break free from the loop, paints a picture of a flawed, yet likable protagonist. His dynamic with Julianna, the antagonist, adds another layer of complexity to his character, making his story both humorous and thought-provoking.
8. Franklin Clinton - Grand Theft Auto V
Franklin Clinton is often overshadowed by the wild antics of Trevor and the more refined, yet troubled, Michael, but his story arc is the most grounded and relatable in Grand Theft Auto V. Franklin is a young man from the rough neighborhoods of Los Santos, trying to escape a life of crime while struggling with loyalty to his friends and family.
His character arc explores the difficulty of escaping one’s circumstances and choosing a better path, something that many players can relate to. Franklin’s journey from a street-level hustler to a morally conflicted player in the world of organized crime adds depth and realism to the narrative of GTA V.
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| Uncharted 4 (2016) |
9. Nadine Ross - Uncharted 4
Nadine Ross from Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is an interesting antagonist who plays a key role in the story. While many focus on Nate’s adventures, Nadine’s character stands out for her no-nonsense attitude, intelligence, and leadership skills.
She is a strong, capable woman who is both resourceful and unyielding, making her one of the more complex figures in the Uncharted series. Nadine’s character arc, where she transitions from a rival to an ally of sorts, provides a refreshing layer of depth to the story, as she is not just another one-dimensional villain but a powerful and formidable character in her own right.
10. Barret Wallace - Final Fantasy VII
Finally, Barret Wallace from Final Fantasy VII is a character who often gets overlooked when discussing the deeper themes of the game. As the leader of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, Barret is driven by his desire to protect the planet from the destructive forces of Shinra. But his character is more than just his role in the group.
Barret is a father figure to Marline, his adopted daughter, and his backstory is filled with personal grief, anger, and the burden of leadership. His relationship with Cloud and the rest of the party, as well as his struggle with his own feelings of responsibility, make him one of the more emotionally complex characters in the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Conclusion
These 10 characters represent some of the most well-written and underrated figures in the world of video games. From their compelling motivations to their emotional arcs, they stand out as examples of storytelling done right. While they may not always get the attention they deserve, their complexity and depth make them some of the most memorable characters in their respective games. These characters prove that even in a medium dominated by flashy graphics and gameplay, strong narratives and rich character development are what truly elevate a game to greatness.