A strong, well-written protagonist is critical to any compelling video game story. However, just as vital are the side characters. Despite playing smaller roles, these characters can have an outsized impact on the larger narrative, in many cases being the driving force behind the protagonist’s quest.
In fact, some side characters are so important—and so popular—that they manage to eclipse their respective protagonist.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 side characters in gaming who are more famous than their protagonists. Enjoy!
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
1. Cortana — Halo
Master Chief may have his own TV show, but Cortana’s got him beat.
The AI companion stays by John-117’s side for four Halo games. And though she defects in Halo 5: Guardians, Cortana finds redemption by the end of Halo Infinite. Admitting she has realized the error of her flawed ways, Cortana sacrifices herself to stop Atriox’s assault on the UNSC and ultimately helps save the universe.
As proof of Cortana’s transcendent popularity, Microsoft used her name for the real-life AI software used within its PCs and phones—the company’s equivalent of Apple’s Siri. You can experience this game and more with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, so get one at OffGamers here today!
2. Leonardo da Vinci — Assassin’s Creed II and Brotherhood
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world’s most prominent historical figures. And yet, Ubisoft’s open-world assassin series somehow made him even more popular today than he already was.
Da Vinci made his debut in Assassin’s Creed II in Florence, Italy. He eventually became a staple of the Ezio trilogy, helping to supply the Auditore heir with everything he needs—from bits of life advice to, of course, the iconic hidden blade.
It also didn’t hurt that Carlos Ferro did a masterful job voicing Leonardo da Vinci. Ferro’s portrayal was so believable that we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that this was exactly how da Vinci was in real life.
3. Morrigan — Dragon Age
Sorry Dr. Liara T’Soni, we’ll have to give Morrigan the title of “best-written female BioWare character.” She might even be the best regardless of genre.
What makes Morrigan so popular among fans is that she genuinely doesn’t care what you do. Regardless of whether she disapproves or not, Morrigan doesn’t seek your approval, nor does she even want it at all. She’s got her own agenda, and she’s perfectly her own person. This isn’t something that you’ll find so easily in any video game.
It’s just a shame that Morrigan has such a small role in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
4. Kim Kitsuragi — Disco Elysium
Kim Kitsuragi’s popularity compared to Harrier du Bois, the protagonist of Disco Elysium, is up for debate. What’s undeniable, however, is that the two partners are polar opposites. And that plays strongly in Kitsuragi’s favor.
Despite du Bois’s supernatural power to dig deep into his mind in search of secrets, Kitsuragi is the one who’s the more effective detective. He’s cool, calm, and collected, not to mention emotionally and mentally stable. It helps that he’s just a nice human being—a quality that tends to elude du Bois.
5. Majima — Yakuza
Of all the characters on the list, Majima has to take the cake.
Kiryu may have served as the long-time protagonist of the mainline Yakuza games, but it’s Majima who steals the show every time he’s on screen. The crazy and charismatic Mad Dog of Shimano is so popular among fans that SEGA had no choice but to make him a playable protagonist in Yakuza: Dead Souls, a spin-off, and to give him his own lead role (albeit a joint one) in series prequel Yakuza 0.
Also, when the time came for SEGA to remake Yakuza 1 and 2 under the Kiwami banner, the developers gave Majima a more extensive role in both titles. Plus, the Majima memes outnumber Kiryu on the internet, which only proves just how much more popular this “side character” really is.
6. Dante — Devil May Cry 4 & 5
Technically, Dante is still the main character of the Devil May Cry series. He’s led the way for at least three games (four if you count the much maligned reboot, DmC: Devil May Cry). However, Capcom has desperately tried to dethrone the Son of Sparda from his time in the spotlight, to no avail.
In both Devil May Cry 4 and 5, the protagonist shifted from Dante to Vergil’s son, Nero. However, fans continue to revere Dante, and it’s clear he’ll remain a playable character for the foreseeable future.
7. Vaas — Far Cry 3
Jason Brody is the most forgettable protagonist in all of gaming; there’s no argument here. It also doesn’t help his case that Vaas is his adversary. Or, at least, one of them. Vaas isn’t even the main antagonist in Far Cry 3, as you may or may not recall.
For whatever reason, Vaas’s line, “Did I ever tell you what the definition of insanity is?” continues to resonate with fans to this day. He’s so strong of a character that, after seemingly killing him, you just feel compelled to rush to the ending. (Don’t worry; Vaas comes back in the DLC for Far Cry 6).
8. Revolver Ocelot — Metal Gear Solid
The Metal Gear Solid franchise has so many intriguing and interesting characters that we could fill at least half this list with members of Hideo Kojima’s award-winning series, alone. But, we’re sticking with the best of them all: Revolver Ocelot.
Ocelot was literally birthed in the middle of a battlefield, with his mother and father being two of the most legendary soldiers ever. He’s played a significant role in every Metal Gear Solid game and has played nearly every side to his advantage. We’d love for Konami to consider making a Metal Gear game with Ocelot as the lead. As a former KGB soldier, it’d be interesting to see how he’d navigate his way through situations for his own benefit.
9. Zelda — The Legend of Zelda
This feels like a cop-out answer, but it wouldn’t feel right making a list without the perennially kidnapped princess. Zelda is probably right up there with Princess Peach for the most distressed damsel in gaming.
Kidding aside, Zelda has been a focal point in every The Legend of Zelda game even though she’s technically not the protagonist. We’d argue that the best Zelda was in Ocarina of Time, where she actually played a huge role in helping Link defeat Ganon.
10. Sephiroth — Final Fantasy VII
Cloud Strife might be the most popular Final Fantasy protagonist, but his counterpart, Sephiroth, beats him out (if only slightly).
As a villain, Sephiroth should have faded into obscurity after Final Fantasy VII was over. Instead, nearly every Final Fantasy VII spin-off revolves around Sephiroth in some way. Even Final Fantasy VII Remake gives Sephiroth a much larger role than before.
With Crisis Core getting a remaster, we’re hoping Square Enix gives Dirge of Cerberus the same treatment next. Sephiroth’s tragic backstory deserves to be told to modern gaming audiences.
Once you’ve understood where he’s coming from, you can’t really blame Sephiroth for wanting to destroy all life.
Which Video Game Side Characters Are Your Favorites?
And there you have it! These side characters weren’t the stars of their stories, but they ended up stealing the hearts of fans regardless. Seeing their popularity, it definitely makes you wonder if it’s worth it being the main character after all.
Agree/disagree? Which characters did we miss? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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