Resident Evil: The 15 Best Characters

The journey through Capcom’s world of horror started back in 1996 and continues to captivate players even today. Over the decades, the story has evolved through its unforgettable cast of characters: courageous heroes, ruthless villains, and morally complex individuals who fall somewhere in between. These personalities have been central to shaping the franchise’s lore, narrative depth, and gameplay experience.

The Resident Evil franchise has grown into one of the most successful and recognizable video game series ever created. With millions of copies sold around the globe and a passionate community of fans, it has firmly secured its place in gaming history.

Players often rally behind the heroic protagonists, yet the villains are equally compelling. Many antagonists are far more nuanced than simple evil figures. Instead, they frequently possess tragic histories that unfold throughout the story. The universe of Resident Evil thrives on the clash between good and evil, but it also explores the gray areas that lie between them.

Criteria for Ranking

Nearly every Resident Evil hero has had a moment to shine. As mentioned earlier, the characters are truly the backbone of the series. However, some personalities stand out more than others in the memories of fans. When evaluating these characters, we didn’t focus on how long they appeared in the franchise. Instead, we considered the intangible “it factor” that made them memorable and left a lasting impression.

Ranking the Top 15 Characters

Let’s take a closer look at the 15 characters from the Resident Evil universe who remain the most iconic and beloved among fans.

#15 Piers Nivan

First appearance: Resident Evil: The Marhawa Desire

Piers Nivan embodies the qualities of a dedicated soldier whose primary mission was to protect Chris Redfield. Although his character arc was relatively short and his fate was sealed early, he fulfilled his role in the storyline exceptionally well.

His background adds emotional depth to his character. Having lost his family to a bioterrorist attack as a child, Piers grew into a determined and loyal fighter. He repeatedly places himself in harm’s way to defend Chris and others. His ultimate sacrifice during the final moments of the game is one of the reasons he has become such a memorable character among fans.

#14 Barry Burton

First appearance: Resident Evil (1996)

Barry Burton is among the original characters introduced in the series and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for his unforgettable one-liners and his protective, father-like demeanor, Barry often acts as a supportive mentor to younger teammates.

In addition to his personality, Barry is a highly capable marksman whose expertise with weapons proves invaluable to the STARS team. His role in the Resident Evil remake was especially well received by longtime fans of the franchise.

#13 Jack Baker

First appearance: Resident Evil 7 Teaser Demo: Beginning Hour

Jack Baker was once an ordinary construction worker before becoming infected by a fungal bioweapon. The infection transformed him and his family into terrifying mutated creatures known as the Molded.

While his monstrous behavior might initially make him appear purely villainous, Jack’s story is far more tragic. His family was unwillingly turned into hosts for a dangerous bioweapon by a shadowy organization. This heartbreaking aspect of his story has made him surprisingly sympathetic in the eyes of some fans.

#12 Rebecca Chambers

First appearance: Resident Evil (1996)

Rebecca Chambers serves as the medic for the STARS Bravo Team. She is recognized for her intelligence, determination, and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Over the course of the series, Rebecca plays a significant role in uncovering numerous bioterrorist conspiracies while assisting the main protagonists in their battles. Beyond her medical expertise, Rebecca also possesses a love for music and is known as a talented pianist. These distinctive qualities, combined with her important contributions to the overarching narrative, have made her a beloved character among fans.

#11 HUNK

First appearance: Resident Evil 2 (1998)

HUNK, a member of the Umbrella Corporation’s elite U.S.S. special forces unit, is one of the most mysterious figures in the series.

Much of his popularity stems from his enigmatic background and his unmatched combat abilities. Often referred to by fans as the ultimate “badass” of the franchise, HUNK’s appearances are always highly anticipated.

#10 Jake Muller

First appearance: Resident Evil 6

Jake Muller is the son of the infamous bioterrorist Albert Wesker. Initially introduced as a mercenary, Jake eventually becomes deeply involved in the battle against the C-Virus outbreak.

During the story, he partners with Sherry Birkin, creating a dynamic and sometimes complicated relationship. Much of Jake’s narrative revolves around his struggle to accept his heritage and confront the legacy left behind by his father. His sarcastic humor and confident personality make him stand out among the more serious protagonists in the series.

#9 Carlos Oliveira

First appearance: Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Carlos Oliveira is widely admired for his courage and strong sense of responsibility toward helping others.

He has become a fan favorite largely because of his bravery, loyalty, and his connection with Jill Valentine, one of the franchise’s most iconic characters. Throughout the story, the two develop a strong partnership that plays an important role in the events unfolding in Raccoon City.

#8 Sherry Birkin

First appearance: Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Sherry Birkin has endured numerous dangers and traumatic events throughout the series, yet she consistently demonstrates resilience and strength.

Her background, particularly her ties to the Birkin family and the G-Virus incident, adds a deeper layer of complexity to her character. Additionally, her partnership with Jake Muller introduces another interesting dynamic that further enriches her storyline.

#7 Ethan Winters

First appearance: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Ethan Winters is the kind of friend anyone would want on their side. Despite lacking formal military training, he manages to overcome numerous threats and enemies through determination and quick thinking.

His main motivation throughout the story is his devotion to his wife Mia. Fans appreciate Ethan for his relatable personality, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to protecting the people he loves.

#6 Claire Redfield

First appearance: Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Claire Redfield is introduced as a college student who unexpectedly becomes trapped in Raccoon City during the catastrophic zombie outbreak.

Together with rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy, she fights through the chaos of the city to uncover the truth behind the disaster. Claire’s bravery, determination, and loyalty to her friends and family make her one of the most admired characters in the franchise.

#5 Ada Wong

First appearance: Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Ada Wong is one of the most enigmatic figures in the Resident Evil universe. She initially appears to be connected to the Umbrella Corporation and soon crosses paths with Leon S. Kennedy.

Their relationship becomes complicated and layered over time. Ada is remembered for her iconic red dress, calm demeanor in dangerous situations, and her ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes. Her true motivations often remain unclear, as she frequently plays multiple sides to achieve her own objectives.

#4 Albert Wesker

First appearance: Resident Evil (1996)

Albert Wesker stands as one of the most recognizable villains in the entire franchise. A brilliant scientist and formidable fighter, Wesker gained enhanced abilities after exposure to the Progenitor virus.

His signature sunglasses, black leather coat, and unmistakable voice have become iconic symbols associated with the character. Wesker’s intelligence and ruthless ambition make him one of the most memorable antagonists in video game history.

#3 Chris Redfield

First appearance: Resident Evil (1996)

Chris Redfield is a highly trained soldier with exceptional skills in combat and weaponry. He is the type of ally anyone would want fighting beside them.

Known for his physical strength and endurance, Chris frequently takes on leadership roles and mentors other characters throughout the series. His unwavering determination and courage in the face of overwhelming threats make him one of the franchise’s most respected heroes.

#2 Jill Valentine

First appearance: Resident Evil (1996)

Jill Valentine is celebrated not only for her intelligence but also for her dedication and loyalty to her teammates.

Her iconic look—featuring a blue tube top, beret, short hair, and combat boots—has become instantly recognizable among fans. While she ranks second on this list, many players consider Jill to be the true number one character in the Resident Evil universe.

#1 Leon S. Kennedy

First appearance: Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Leon S. Kennedy made his debut as a rookie police officer in Resident Evil 2 and quickly rose to become one of the most recognizable figures in the entire franchise.

Often described as the golden boy of Resident Evil, Leon is admired for his combat expertise, witty sense of humor, and unmistakable style. His signature leather jacket and iconic hairstyle have become defining features of the character.

Over the course of the series, Leon has participated in numerous missions and global crises, handling each challenge with confidence and flair.

Honorable Mentions

Several other characters deserve recognition even though they didn’t quite make it into the Top 15. Some of them appeared only briefly but still managed to leave a lasting impression on players. These are the characters who fans believe deserve expanded storylines in future installments.

Sheva Alomar

First appearance: Resident Evil 5

Sheva Alomar appears as Chris Redfield’s partner in Resident Evil 5. Despite only appearing in a single mainline entry, she left a strong impression on players.

Sheva is an exceptionally capable fighter with impressive agility and tactical thinking. Her combat skills and intelligence make her one of the most underrated heroes in the franchise, and many fans still hope to see her return in a future sequel or spinoff.

Nikolai Zinoviev

First appearance: Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Nikolai Zinoviev is a ruthless antagonist known for his cold personality and heavy Russian accent.

He is willing to betray allies without hesitation if it benefits him personally. Since his ultimate fate remains somewhat ambiguous, there is still a possibility that he could return in future Resident Evil stories.

Ramon Salazar

First appearance: Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Ramon Salazar is one of the franchise’s most eccentric villains. While not necessarily terrifying, he is extremely memorable.

Salazar’s aristocratic appearance, theatrical personality, and obsession with puzzles make him a unique antagonist. His dramatic dialogue and exaggerated behavior ensure that players never forget him.

Billy Coen

First appearance: Resident Evil 0

Billy Coen is another character whose story carries significant emotional weight. His past is filled with trauma and hardship, which shapes his actions throughout the game.

During the events of Resident Evil Zero, Billy forms an alliance with Rebecca Chambers as they uncover the dark secrets behind Umbrella Corporation’s experiments. Their partnership leads them to confront the main antagonist, Dr. James Marcus. Many fans believe Billy’s story deserved further development within the series.

Conclusion

The characters of Resident Evil have grown into cultural icons, inspiring strong emotional connections among fans around the world. Their popularity has sparked countless pieces of merchandise, fan art, and cosplay, helping keep the franchise alive and thriving decades after its debut.

Ultimately, these characters are the driving force behind Resident Evil’s enduring success. They have helped transform the series into a global phenomenon and provided players with countless hours of unforgettable gameplay and storytelling. Whether fans admire the heroes or are fascinated by the villains, there is no denying the profound influence these characters have had on gaming culture.