The 20 BEST Resident Evil Characters
Luis Sera
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Lets start our list off with the least spoken about legend of the series, Luis Sera. Hes incredibly likable and feels more genuinely human than just about anyone else in Resident Evil 4, and this is important, because it makes you feel safe, and safety in Resident Evil is always a brief reprieve. His outfit and hairstyle are iconic and full of personality. In fact, his design was so well thought out that we all assumed hed have his own cool guy spin-off or DLC. Luis is a fascinating character, and honestly, it would be amazing to play as him.
Billy Coen
Resident Evil Zero (2002)
Billy Coen somehow doesnt get the praise he deserves, especially considering he has one of the most compelling backstories in the entire series. Introduced in Resident Evil Zero as a prisoner accused of murdering innocent people during his time as a Marine, he initially comes across as untrustworthy. But as the story unfolds, it's revealed he was framed as part of a cover-up. With our new sympathy and his layered backstory, Billy becomes genuinely entertaining. Hes only had one appearance in the series, which may explain (much like Luis) why hes often forgotten.
Jack Baker
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Jack Baker does what no one else really gets the opportunity to do in Resident Evil. He's both a compelling and terrifying villain (which makes him a dope character), but hes also a compelling and sympathetic friend after appearing to Ethan in a vision explaining how hes been corrupted by Evaline. Among the Baker family, Jack is easily the most unforgettable. Its safe to say Jack leaves a lasting impression that fans wont soon forget.
Sheva Alomar
Resident Evil 5 (2009)
I cant think of a harder job than being the second playable character next to Chris Redfield on your first and only appearance in the Resident Evil franchise and STILL Sheva manages to be an incredibly enjoyable and fully realised character. From a gameplay standpoint, her AI could definitely be frustrating at times. But as a character, Sheva is genuinely likable, a brave and principled hero driven by a desire to protect and avenge entire communities. Her larger, global sense of duty contrasts well with Chriss more personal motivations, making them a really interesting buddy cop dynamic.
Sherry Birkin
Resident Evil 6 (2012)
What a journey Sherry Birkin has had. You may remember her as the child Claire rescues from the orphanage during Resident Evil 2, forming a strong bond with both her and Leon. Shes an easy character to sympathize with, having been dragged into the Raccoon City disaster caused by her own father. While players briefly control her in stealth sections, Sherry doesnt step into a true protagonist role until Resident Evil 6. We never see her grow beyond the role of a rookie, but still her determination stands out. I LOVE Sherry, and Ive 100% made people mad putting her on this list, but at the end of the day My bad.
The Merchant
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Though he only appears in Resident Evil 4 and its remake, the Merchant has become an iconic figure in the series. Seriously, when I say RE4 merchant, does his infamous line NOT instantly pop into your brain? Thought so. Shrouded in mystery, all we really know is that he deals in weapons and supplies, but thats more than enough for fans to appreciate him. His presence makes the journey, especially protecting Ashley, much more manageable, and makes us feel relief every time we see him.
Nemesis
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Although Mr X took centre stage as a villain in the RE2 remake, he wasnt as prominent in the original, allowing Nemesis in the 1999 follow up RE3 to easily rank as the scariest villain in the Resident Evil series. In many ways, hes the ultimate Tyrant. His near-invincibility, surprising agility, and even the ability to wield weapons make him a true nightmare. But what truly sets Nemesis apart is his unpredictability, especially in the original Resident Evil 3. In fact, his appearance style probably inspired the more developed Mr X in the RE2 Remake.
HUNK
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
HUNK is a man of few words, and even fewer known details. He appears in Resident Evil 2 in video footage when William Burkin infects himself and wipes out all the pursuing soldiers, except our main boy HUNK. His mystery is exactly what makes him so appealing to fans. In a franchise filled with over-the-top personalities, HUNK stands out as a quiet, no-nonsense operative whose only focus is completing the mission. Think The Stig, but like, with guns?
Carlos Oliveira
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Carlos wasnt particularly memorable in the original Resident Evil 3, but the remake gave him a much stronger and more defined character, and with a redesign BY THE WAY that was f**king dope! Serving as Jills wisecracking partner during their escape from Raccoon City, Carlos slowly earns her trust, and the player's, by proving himself in key moments, including saving her life. His blunt, often humorous observations make him relatable, often saying exactly what players are thinking, or at least what I was thinking.
Rebecca Chambers
Resident Evil Zero (2002)
In the Resident Evil canon, Rebecca is arguably one of the unluckiest charactersenduring the horrors of Resident Evil Zero only to be thrust straight into the Mansion Incident just days later. That means she faces back-to-back zombie outbreaks, yet remarkably, she never loses her composure. And its this composure that makes her so compelling to watch. Sure, its fun to watch Chris tackle every scenario with an unbreakable gruffness, but watching someone keep their optimism and humanity is also just as fun, and wholesome.
Jake Muller
Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Resident Evil 6 may not be a fan favorite, but one of its standout elements is Jakes campaign. Jake, alongside Sherry Birkin, ranks among the game's most compelling characters. Hes intriguing from the outset, as he is Albert Weskers son... Is there anything more compelling than a villain's son on the good side? Beyond that, Jake brings a lot of charisma to the story, with sharp wit and entertaining dialogue that help remind us that he was born from coal, not gold.
Lady Dimitrescu
Resident Evil Village (2021)
This character was loved WELL before the game had even been released. Affectionately and innuendo-ly nicknamed Lady D, her presence in the game reverberated within the current gamer culture, as a huge chunk of gamers were obsessed with the idea of big goth Mommys. And there was no biggerer, or gotherier Mommy than Lady D. Ignoring all of you thirsty animals, her story was equally compelling, and her presence always filled us with fear, if we werent already filled with lust.
Barry Burton
Resident Evil (1996)
Barry is responsible for some of the most iconic quotes in Resident Evil history, many of which are remembered for being delightfully cheesy. While his lines from the original game are often cringeworthy, theyve become a beloved part of his charm. Looking past this, Barry stands out as a comforting presence. He consistently risks his life to protect others, whether its ensuring Jills safety in the original game or looking after Natalia in Revelations 2. His loyalty and bravery make him a fan favorite.
Claire Redfield
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Claire hasnt always received the recognition she deserves from Capcom. Compared to fellow series veterans like Chris, Jill, and Leon, shes had fewer appearances and often been treated as less central to the franchise. Still, fans continue to hold Claire in high regard, especially following her appearance in the RE2 remake. What sets her apart is that, unlike many other protagonists, she doesnt come from a background of elite training. Instead, Claire relies on her quick thinking, resourcefulness, and determination to survive. She is the every-woman as it were, and makes it so easy to see ourselves in her.
Ethan Winters
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Ethan Winters represents a shift in the Resident Evil series, serving as an audience surrogate and introducing a more grounded, everyman protagonist. As the lead in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, Ethans story is credited with bringing the franchise back to its horror roots. Starting off as an ordinary man, his character evolves into a determined action hero, facing nightmarish foes for the sake of his family, and his abilities grow across the games. He starts as a slow, scared, regular dude, and ends up turning into a hardened combat expert.
Ada Wong
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Ada Wong stands out as Resident Evils most mysterious character. Her true motives are almost always unclear, and her ever-shifting allegiances make her one of the most untrustworthy figures in gaming. Despite her betrayals and sudden disappearances, Ada has remained a fan favorite. Her allure lies not just in her mysterious persona, but also in her confident demeanor and iconic sense of style. Her allegiances almost always line up with helping the protagonists in some way, even if it is temporary, making it a relief when she shows up.
Albert Wesker
Resident Evil (1996)
Spoiler alert, Wesker is our highest ranking antagonist on this list, and he deserves it. Wesker serves as the ultimate antagonist throughout much of the Resident Evil series, especially when it comes to Chris Redfield. He begins as a typical traitor, secretly working for Umbrella while leading the S.T.A.R.S. team. But over time, he transforms into something far more dangerous, almost resembling Agent Smith from The Matrix with his superhuman abilities. His arc is the perfect balance of explosive and cheesy, like the best Bond villain ever made.
Chris Redfield
Resident Evil (1996)
Yes, watching Chris punch a boulder inside an active volcano was over-the-top, but it also solidified his status as a legendary character. Chris Redfield has appeared in more Resident Evil games than any other character, which is why our chests fluttered with excitement when he showed up at the end of the seemingly separated RE7, solidifying its place in the RE canon. Beyond the absurdity he often presents, Chriss unwavering resolve and inner strength define him. He's a true hero, one who overcomes not only monstrous threats but also personal and psychological challenges as the series progresses.
Jill Valentine
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Like Chris, Jill Valentine has been a core part of Resident Evil since the very beginning. She stands out as the franchises definitive heroine, never relegated to a sidekick role, which was especially rare for female characters introduced in the '90s. In Resident Evil 3, Jill proves her incredible resilience and skill by surviving multiple encounters with the relentless Nemesis. That alone secures her status as one of the most capable protagonists in the series. She's not just a badass, she's a fan-favorite.
#1: Leon S. Kennedy
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Leon Kennedy stars in what many fans consider the two best entries in the Resident Evil series. For those who prefer the classic survival horror style, Resident Evil 2 is the go-to. For a more action-packed RE style, Resident Evil 4 and its remake take the crown. A big part of that success is Leon himself. From surviving his first day on the job to rescuing the Presidents daughter, he consistently proves his skill and composure. And yes, he does also appear in RE6, and his character remains untouched in terms of cool, but it's those first two appearances that solidified him, and he only needed two to end up at the top of this list.
