CJ would get the highest overall score out of all GTA protagonists. He is well-developed and interesting like Niko, cunning like Tommy, and funny like Trevor. He also succeeded and went from street thug to wealthy businessman. | © Rockstar
Cloud Strife, the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, is one of the most complex and compelling characters in the franchise. He struggles with identity, trauma, and self-worth. He appeared in numerous spin-offs, crossovers, and even the Final Fantasy VII remake. | © Square Enix
Ellie is the star of the one of the most beloved games of all time, The Last of Us, which makes her truly iconic. She also "starred" in the sequel, the DLC, and the 2023 TV adaptation of the game. | © Naughty Dog
Geralt of Rivia is a true hero that every gamer should know. As scarred inside as he is on the outside, he has a strong mind and strong heart driving him through the many challenges he faces as a Witcher. | © CD Projekt
Vault Boy embodies the unique aesthetic of the Fallout series. Vault Boy's unwavering smile, even in the face of the bleakest scenarios, adds a layer of dark humor that is typical of the franchise. | © Bethesda Game Studios
Smart, charming, and with an affectionate nature, there's a reason Pikachu has been the most marketable Pokémon in the series. Adorable. | © Nintendo
An iconic rivalry between fire and ice, as well as the legendary "GET OVER HERE" has made Scorpion one of the most iconic protagonists for decades. | © NetherRealm Studios
Solid Snake is a blend of a hardened soldier and thoughtful antihero, which is hard not to love. His gruff voice and bandana are emblematic of one of the most influential franchises in the industry. | © Epic Games
Master Chief is iconic precisely because he has so little personality. He was intentionally designed to be this way so that the player could more easily feel they were in his shoes. Also, he's the hero of one of the most epic gaming franchises of all time. | © Microsoft
Kratos is a ridiculously powerful protagonist who makes you feel hope, love, and even frustration while playing God of War. He symbolizes raw power and strength, and to take on the brutal combat of the game, there's no one you would rather play as. | © SIE Santa Monica Studio
Coming from The Legend of Zelda, Link is a well-designed character with a universal appeal. Link is like a black canvas that makes players feel like they are the ones embarking on epic adventures and saving the world. | © Nintendo
The simplicity made Pac-Man one of the most memorable and approachable protagonists in gaming. Pac-Man is also a symbol of the early video game boom. | © Bandai Namco
Bright blue color, red shoes, and spiky hair are the main attributes of Sonic the Hedgehog, one of the most beloved gaming protagonists of all time. Sega created Sonic as a direct competitor to Mario, and this character alone helped the company to grow into a major player in the industry. | © Paramount Pictures
Lara Croft is a trailblazer for iconic female characters in the industry. Lara was the first female capable of standing alongside the most iconic male heroes; she was strong and independent. | © Crystal Dynamics
Mario's legacy spans more than four decades, making him one of the most recognizable protagonists in video games worldwide. He's the face of Nintendo, for goodness’ sake!| © Nintendo
Deep and complex characters abound in great games. The best stories require the best characters, after all. We've put together a list of the 15 most iconic protagonists in gaming history, each leaving an indelible impact on the industry.
