Let’s get acquainted, remember, feel nostalgic.
Resident Evil features some of the most iconic characters in gaming: Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, the terrifying villains Wesker and Mother Miranda, and a host of hilarious oddballs. The Resident Evil franchise spans dozens of games, remakes, spin-offs, and expansions—let’s take a look at the main cast.
Leon S. Kennedy
Appearances: RE2, RE4, RE6, and numerous fan films.
Role: Rookie cop → government agent.
Why he matters: Leon’s sarcasm, his incredible bullet-dodging ability, and his unwavering heroic aura made him the face of the franchise. His storylines in RE2 and RE4 are considered the strongest in the series.
Leon S. Kennedy is a key character in the Resident Evil series, whose story informs the franchise’s most pivotal events. He first appears in Resident Evil 2 as a young police officer arriving in Raccoon City. On his first day on the job, he finds himself at the center of a biological disaster. Surviving the city’s destruction and a confrontation with the Umbrella Corporation, Leon quickly evolves from an inexperienced rookie into a professional capable of operating in the face of global threats. His role in Resident Evil 4, where he rescues the daughter of the US President, cements his status as one of the series’ leading characters.
Leon eventually becomes a government agent specializing in counter-bioterrorism. He also participates in international operations, depicted in Resident Evil 6, the animated films, and other franchise projects. His character combines personal drama, a sense of duty, and a willingness to take risks to save others, making him an important link between the series’ various storylines. Thanks to his development and charisma, Leon remains one of the most recognizable and beloved Resident Evil characters.
Jill Valentine
Appearances: RE1, RE3, Revelations, RE5, and several remakes.
Role: STARS Operator, BSAA Co-Founder.
Why she matters: One of the first survivors of the Spencer mansion. Tactically astute, calm under pressure, and responsible for some of the franchise’s most iconic moments (hello, Nemesis).
Jill Valentine is one of the central characters in the RE series, playing a key role in the franchise’s early events. She first appears in the original Resident Evil as a member of the elite STARS team sent to investigate a series of mysterious murders around Raccoon City. It is Jill who ends up among the survivors at Spencer’s mansion, where she uncovers the existence of the Umbrella Corporation and its biological experiments.
In Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, she becomes the main protagonist, attempting to escape the contaminated city while simultaneously facing pursuit from the bioweapon Nemesis. This cements her status as one of the most resilient and prepared characters in the series.
Over time, Jill develops into a seasoned counter-bioterrorism operative and becomes a founding member of the BSAA, an organization dedicated to countering global threats. Her involvement in the events of Resident Evil 5 reveals a more dramatic side of the character, including her capture and use in experiments, adding depth to her story. Jill symbolizes endurance, professionalism, and moral fortitude, remaining an important link between the early events of the series and its future.
Chris Redfield
Appearances: RE1, RE5, RE6, RE7, Village, and several remakes.
Role: STARS → Founder of the BSAA → Wolfhounds Squad.
Why he matters: A master of boulder-punching, Chris is the longest-serving protagonist and the central character of nearly every major bioterrorism storyline.
Chris Redfield is at the forefront of the fight against biological threats. He first appears in the original Resident Evil as a former US Air Force pilot and member of the elite STARS unit, sent to investigate a series of mysterious incidents around Raccoon City.
Having survived the incident at Spencer’s mansion and uncovered the activities of the Umbrella Corporation, Chris becomes one of the first to understand the scale of the biohazard. His subsequent involvement in the events of Resident Evil Code: Veronica cements his image as a man willing to risk his life to save his loved ones and eliminate the source of the threat.
Chris gradually develops into a leading counter-bioterrorism specialist and becomes a founding member of the BSAA. In Resident Evil 5, he plays a central role in the operation to eliminate the consequences of Umbrella’s activities and encounters more dangerous forms of bioweapons. Later, his character takes on a darker aspect, reflected in Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil Village – he becomes a psychologically exhausted fighter, yet continues to fight global threats. Chris symbolizes strength, determination, and steadfastness.
Claire Redfield
Appears in: RE2, Code Veronica, Revelations 2.
Role: TerraSave activist and trauma survivor.
Why She’s Important: Claire’s determination to protect others, especially Sherry, makes her one of the most realistic and human characters in the franchise.
She first appears in Resident Evil 2, where she sets out to find Chris Redfield’s brother and finds herself at the epicenter of a zombie outbreak. Despite having no military training, Claire demonstrates resilience and determination, helping other survivors (including Sherry Birkin) and successfully escaping the devastated city. Her subsequent appearance in Resident Evil Code: Veronica further develops her character, showing her as a more experienced and confident fighter, ready to confront new threats and uncover the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation.
Over time, Claire chooses a different path than her brother, focusing on humanitarian aid and supporting victims of bioterrorism. She joins TerraSave, an organization dedicated to rescuing people and preventing the consequences of biological disasters.
In Resident Evil Revelations 2, her role is further explored: trapped on an isolated island, Claire once again demonstrates her strength of character, leadership, and willingness to protect others at any cost. Her compassion and inner resilience make her a key character in the series, offering a more human perspective on the consequences of global threats.
Ada Wong
Where it appears: RE2, RE4, RE6, various mods.
Role: Secret agent, unpredictable ally.
Why she’s important: Part heroine, part femme fatale, Ada’s motives remain a mystery in every game. She saves Leon quite often, but remains an ambiguous character.
Ada Wong is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in the Resident Evil series , whose role unfolds at the intersection of espionage, corporate intrigue, and global biological threats. In Resident Evil 2, she goes undercover and seeks to acquire a sample of the G virus, collaborating with Leon S. Kennedy. Even then, it becomes clear that Ada is pursuing her own goals and is not aligned with any party, remaining an independent agent willing to exploit any situation to her advantage. Her true motives remain hidden, and her behavior often veers between ally and manipulator.
In Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 6, Ada continues to serve as a go-between for various organizations involved in the development and distribution of bioweapons. She often finds herself at the center of key events, influencing their outcomes, but avoids direct involvement in conflicts, preferring to operate from the shadows. Despite her cold calculation and professionalism, personal motives sometimes emerge in her actions, particularly in regard to Leon. Ada Wong remains a symbol of double dealing and moral ambiguity, and is one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.
Ethan Winters
Where it appears: RE7, Village.
Role: An ordinary person, the main character.
Why he matters: Ethan breathes new life into Resident Evil by creating a personal, realistic story. His journey through the Baker estate and Village opens up the series in a new way.
One of the key protagonists of the late Resident Evil series brought a more personal and intimate perspective to the franchise. In Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, he is an ordinary man searching for his missing wife, Mia. Ethan finds himself drawn into a nightmare involving infection and human experimentation.
Unlike the seasoned fighters of previous installments, Ethan has no specialized training, which makes his story more down-to-earth and heightens the horror. As events unfold, he demonstrates resilience and determination, gradually uncovering the mystery behind what’s happening and surviving in conditions that would seem impossible for an ordinary person.
In Resident Evil Village, Ethan’s story is further explored. He now emerges as a father willing to do anything to save his daughter, facing even more dangerous forms of biological threats. His journey is marked by serious trials, lending the character a tragic depth. Ethan symbolizes the series’ transition to a new era, where human relationships and sacrifice take center stage, not just the fight against the threat.
Mia Winters
Where it appears: RE7, Village.
Role: Former agent involved with Type E bioweapons.
Why she’s important: Her past is closely tied to Eve and the fungal parasite “Mold,” making her a key figure in the modern RE mythology.
In Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, she is Ethan Winters’ missing wife. The search for her becomes the starting point of the story. However, it soon becomes clear that Mia is hiding a past and is involved in the transportation of a biological weapon—a girl named Evelyn, whose abilities have catastrophic consequences.
In Resident Evil Village, Mia continues to play a significant role despite her limited screen time. Her fate directly impacts Ethan’s motivations and the plot’s development. Mia exemplifies how secrets can lead to global threats.
Sherry Birkin
Where appears: RE2, RE6.
Role: Survivor with immunity to the G-virus.
Why She’s Important: One of the few surviving children in the series, her transformation from a frightened child to a government agent is one of the best long-term storylines in Resident Evil.
She first appears in Resident Evil 2 as a child at the center of a viral outbreak created by her parents, Umbrella Corporation scientists. Having lost her family and faced with the threat of infection, Sherry survives thanks to Claire Redfield’s help, but the events leave a mark on her. She is exposed to the G-virus, which grants her special regenerative abilities and makes her a target of government interest.
Over time, Sherry evolves from a vulnerable victim into a trained agent working for government agencies. In Resident Evil 6, she serves as an operative involved in the fight against bioterrorism and carries out dangerous missions, demonstrating a high level of training and resilience. Despite her past, Sherry retains her humanity and desire to help others, making her an important link between generations of characters in the series.
Rebecca Chambers
Appearances: RE0, RE1, several films.
Role: STARS medic.
Why She’s Important: Young but highly skilled, Rebecca helped uncover the first signs of Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapons research.
Rebecca first appears in Resident Evil 0 as a young medic and member of the elite STARS unit, sent to investigate a series of mysterious incidents in the Arklay Mountains. Despite her young age and lack of combat experience, Rebecca demonstrates high professionalism when confronted with the consequences of Umbrella’s experiments. She later participates in the events of the first Resident Evil, where she supports the other members of the squad and helps uncover the true nature of what’s happening.
Rebecca subsequently steps away from active field work and focuses on research, using her knowledge to study viruses and develop countermeasures against biological threats. She is capable of analyzing and preventing the spread of dangerous infections. Her character emphasizes the importance of science in countering bioterrorism and complements the series’ roster of heroes, demonstrating that the fight against the threat is waged not only on the battlefield but also in laboratories.
Barry Burton
Where it appears: RE1, Revelations 2.
Role: STARS Veteran.
Why he matters: Dad jokes. Magnum. Loyalty. Barry brings warmth and humor to a brutal world.
An iconic character from the early Resident Evil games, he is a trusted ally and experienced fighter. He first appears in the original Resident Evil as part of the elite STARS squad, serving as a weapons and support specialist.
During the incident at Spencer’s mansion, Barry repeatedly aids Jill Valentine, saving her in critical situations. However, his arc is complicated by the fact that he is forced to act under pressure from the traitor Albert Wesker, who threatens his family, adding more complexity to the character and adding moral tension to his actions.
Years later, Barry’s character develops further in Resident Evil Revelations 2. Barry sets out to find his daughter, Moira, and once again finds himself embroiled in dangerous events involving biological experiments. Barry combines his veteran experience with a strong motivation to protect his loved ones. He is one of the franchise’s most humane and memorable characters.
Carlos Oliveira
Where it appears: RE3.
Role: UBCS mercenary.
Why he matters: Carlos goes from mercenary to heroic ally, and his rescue in the RE3 remake made him a fan favorite.
Carlos Oliveira
First appearing in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis as a USS Special Operations operative sent to support Jill Valentine during the T-virus outbreak in Raccoon City, Carlos demonstrates combat skills, strategic thinking, and a willingness to risk himself to protect others during missions to evacuate civilians and neutralize threats.
Carlos remains a key player in the fight against bioterrorism. His experience in special operations makes him indispensable in crisis situations. Carlos’s character emphasizes the importance of discipline, rapid response, and a willingness to sacrifice in RE.
Sheva Alomar
Where it appears: RE5.
Role: BSAA agent.
Why She’s Important: Sheva is one of the most competent co-op companions in the series. Her partnership with Chris plays a central role in the plot and development of RE5.
The character first appears in Resident Evil 5 as an agent of the British anti-bioterrorism organization BSAA. She partners with Chris Redfield on a mission to investigate the spread of the Uroboros virus in Africa. She’s a reliable partner in combat and an important figure in the plot.
Sheva is a character with a strong moral stance. Her role highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against bioterrorism. Alomar remains one of the most compelling female characters in the series.
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Now let’s go over the main antagonists of Resident Evil.
Albert Wesker
Appearances: RE1, RE5, Code Veronica, The Umbrella Chronicles, and in cameo roles.
Role: Chief strategist and recurring antagonist of the Umbrella Corporation.
Why he matters: Wesker is arguably the main villain of Resident Evil: superhuman strength, calculated cruelty, and enough sunglasses to outfit the entire Umbrella headquarters. His actions have an impact on the entire series.
Now let’s go over the main antagonists of Resident Evil.
Albert Wesker
Appearances: RE1, RE5, Code Veronica, The Umbrella Chronicles, and in cameo roles.
Role: Chief strategist and recurring antagonist of the Umbrella Corporation.
Why he matters: Wesker is arguably the main villain of Resident Evil: superhuman strength, calculated cruelty, and enough sunglasses to outfit the entire Umbrella headquarters. His actions have an impact on the entire series.
Mother Miranda
Where it appears: Resident Evil Village
Role: Cult leader, scientist, creator of biological weapons.
Why she matters: Miranda’s obsession with her daughter’s return led to the creation of the Megamycete and key events in the Village. Her experiments impacted the fates of all four Lords and Ethan.
Lady Dimitrescu
Where it appears: Resident Evil Village.
Role: One of the Four Lords.
Why she’s important: Tall, elegant, and instantly beloved by fans. She also has a stunning palace and three stunning daughters.
Nemesis
Where it appears: RE3.
Role: Prototype tyrant, hunter-killer.
Why it matters: A juggernaut that defines RE3’s sweaty playthroughs: fast, adaptable, and terrifying in every way.
Mr. X (Tyrant T-00)
Where it appears: RE2.
Role: Tyrant-class biological weapon.
Why he’s important: Mr. X’s slow, heavy footsteps echo throughout the police station. He’s one of the most memorable stalker enemies in the survival horror genre.
William Birkin
Where it appears: RE2.
Role: A scientist studying the G-virus, later turned into a monster.
Why it matters: Birkin’s transformation reveals the full horror of Umbrella’s bioengineering. His fall (both physical and moral) is the most tragic manifestation of religious studies.
Jack Baker
Where it appears: RE7.
Role: Patriarch of the Baker family.
Why He Matters: As the face of the first half of RE7, Jack brings a Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibe to the franchise. He’s terrifying, unkillable, and surprisingly charismatic.
Evelyn (Type E bioweapon)
Where it appears: RE7.
Role: Sentient bioweapon.
Why She’s Important: Evelyn’s ability to mimic a child and infect others with mold makes her one of the franchise’s most terrifying villains.
Alex Wesker
Where it appears: Revelations 2.
Role: Researcher, manipulator.
Why she matters: Wesker’s second sister. Her twisted experiments and psychological torture drive the plot of Revelations 2.
Osmund Sadler
Where it appears: RE4.
Role: Leader of Los Iluminados.
Why he matters: Sadler spearheaded the plan to spread parasites throughout Las Plagas. His manipulation of Ashley and control over the villagers form the core of RE4’s plot.
Derek S. Simmons
Where it appears: RE6.
Role: National Security Advisor, Chief Strategist of the Neo-Umbrella structure.
Why he’s important: Simmons orchestrates global epidemics and personal tragedies for Leon and Ada. His motives even make him frighteningly human, unlike most villains.
Alexia Ashford
Where it appears: Code Veronica.
Role: Progenitor virus researcher.
Why she’s important: Alexia, one of Umbrella Corporation’s most brilliant and insane creations, takes the series’ lore to a gothic level with her experiments called T-Veronica.
