Introduction: Defining the Best Assassin’s Creed Characters
Step into the world of Assassin’s Creed, where history collides with imaginative storytelling, and unforgettable characters bring the franchise’s rich lore to life. Across countless games, Ubisoft has given us a tapestry of legendary assassins, cunning antagonists, and heartfelt heroes who continue to captivate our imaginations. But which Assassin’s Creed characters truly stand out? Who defined the franchise as we know it today? From Ezio Auditore’s rise to greatness to the nuanced complexity of Shay Patrick Cormac, the many personalities of Assassin’s Creed offer fans stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. With that in mind, let’s explore the best Assassin’s Creed characters and what makes them so exceptional.
- Each game lets players explore different eras—from Ancient Egypt to Renaissance Italy—through the eyes of skilled assassins.
The Assassin’s Creed Characters: Ranking the Best of the Best
In a franchise driven by iconic heroes, each of these protagonists stands out not only for their skills as assassins but for their distinct personalities, narrative arcs, and memorable moments.
1. Ezio Auditore da Firenze
- Ezio’s Adventures are beloved for their rich storytelling, iconic cities like Florence, Rome, and Constantinople, and refined stealth-action gameplay.
Where better to begin than with Ezio Auditore, perhaps the most beloved character in the Assassin’s Creed universe? Introduced in Assassin’s Creed II, we first meet Ezio as a brash young nobleman whose carefree life is turned upside down by tragedy. Across three games (AC II, Brotherhood, and Revelations), Ezio matures into a wise, compassionate leader of the Assassin Brotherhood, balancing his charm and charisma with a determination to protect the world from Templar corruption.
Ezio’s story feels personal to us. We grow alongside him, witness his triumphs and heartbreaks, and admire his heartwarming dedication to his family, friends, and the assassin cause. Without Ezio, the franchise might never have reached the towering heights of fan love it enjoys today.
2. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad
- With its groundbreaking parkour, stealth mechanics, and historical setting, it laid the foundation for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
If Ezio is the heart of the Brotherhood, Altaïr is its foundation. The stoic protagonist of the first Assassin’s Creed game, Altaïr, serves as the blueprint for all assassins after him: deadly, nimble, and fiercely devoted to the creed. Though his character development over the course of the series (Assassin’s Creed and its spin-offs) lacks Ezio’s warmth, Altaïr’s narrative positions him as a thoughtful warrior who questions the moral ambiguity of the Assassins and Templars alike, solidifying his place among the best Assassin’s Creed characters.
His legacy endures through the Brotherhood’s rise and the iconic assassin imagery associated with the franchise.
3. Edward Kenway
- It’s famous for its naval combat, open-sea exploration, and a perfect blend of swashbuckling adventure and classic Assassin gameplay.
Edward Kenway offers something completely different. The rebellious protagonist of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag begins as a selfish pirate, intoxicated by riches and freedom. Over time, though, Edward learns to care about the Assassin Brotherhood and its ideals, transforming into a protector of justice rather than a reckless outlaw.
Edward’s story, paired with Black Flag’s nautical delights and gripping adventure, strikes a unique chord. His growth as a character mirrors the beauty of the wind-swept seas he sails—wild yet captivating.
4. Bayek of Siwa
- As a protector of his people and co-founder of the Hidden Ones, Bayek’s journey is driven by justice, loss, and the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood.
The founder position at the Brotherhood initiates Bayek’s spiritual and emotional impact on Assassin’s Creed Origins franchise. His pursuit of justice combines his heartbreak for losing his child with the Assassin values which have been central to all we know about the order.
People instantaneously sensed Bayek’s human quality when he was introduced. Through his actions, whether righting wrongs or spending time with his wife, Aya Bayek develops into an incredibly realistic main character of the franchise.
5. Kassandra (or Alexios)
- With ties to the First Civilization and legendary bloodlines, both characters wield the Spear of Leonidas and shape the fate of ancient Greece through their choices.
A new addition in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey enables players to select between Kassandra and Alexios as their playable character at the beginning of the game. Kassandra gained permanent popularity among gaming fans because her clever dialogue interacts with her intense persistence, and she manages to maintain realistic emotions without losing her strength. Her connection to Greek mythology and the vast open world further cemented her as a standout among Assassin’s Creed characters
Through her links to ancient Greek mythological legends and the open-ended game world, Kassandra establishes a graceful connection between reality and imaginary realms.
Best Supporting Characters in Assassin’s Creed titles
Assassin’s Creed relies heavily on its ensemble cast because these supporting characters consistently guide the series toward becoming a great experience.
1. Desmond Miles
- His story connects the past and present, as he fights to stop a global catastrophe while uncovering ancient secrets hidden in his bloodline.
The contemporary story of Desmond functioned as the main unifying element to link the initial games throughout their narrative. The Assassin cause began reluctantly for him before his metamorphosis into a heroic individual provided essential grounding to the complex historical frames. The final sacrifice Desmond makes throughout Assassin’s Creed III drives players to ponder how the story would have evolved if he had survived.
The world of Templars and Assassins cannot diminish the power of an average hero to reshape everything according to Desmond’s teachings.
2. Aya of Alexandria
- Operating under the alias Amunet, she plays a key role in shaping the early Brotherhood and influencing powerful figures like Cleopatra.
Aya, Bayek’s wife in Assassin’s Creed Origins, is a highly regarded figure who plays an integral role in the establishment of the Brotherhood. Her strength, both emotionally and as an assassin, makes her a natural leader. Her interactions with Cleopatra and her choices later in the story elevate her to an iconic level within the franchise.
3. Rodrigo Borgia
- Cunning, ruthless, and obsessed with ancient artifacts, he clashes with Ezio Auditore in a battle.
No list of the best Assassin’s Creed characters would be complete without mentioning Rodrigo Borgia—the cunning villain who epitomizes ambition and corruption. As the main antagonist in Assassin’s Creed II, Rodrigo embodies the Templar cause at its most ruthless. His role in the Vatican Arc and his encounters with Ezio make him one of the franchise’s most compelling bad guys.
Fan Favorites and Underrated Gems
Some characters shine brightly while others quietly carve out their place in fan discussions as underrated gems.
1. Aveline de Grandpré
- As a skilled Assassin of French and African descent, she fights for freedom and justice in 18th-century New Orleans.
As the first playable female protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Liberation, Aveline represents progress in storytelling and gaming. Her character explores themes of race, gender, and revolution in 18th-century New Orleans, making her unique among other protagonists.
2. Shay Patrick Cormac
- His story explores the moral grey areas of the Brotherhood, as he hunts down his former allies across North America during the Seven Years’ War.
On the flip side of the Assassin-Templar divide stands Shay, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Rogue. His betrayal of the Brotherhood and eventual alignment with the Templars brought a fresh perspective to the franchise. With moral dilemmas and unforeseen consequences, Shay’s story is as gripping as it is complex.
Finishing Thoughts: Celebrating the Legacy of Assassin’s Creed Characters
Through Ezio’s charisma, Altaïr’s wisdom, Edward’s rebellion, and the layered narratives of so many others, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has built a legacy of unforgettable characters. Each hero and villain, major or minor, adds texture to the rich tapestry of history and storytelling. Now it’s your turn. Which character captured your heart the most? Whether it’s the stoic wisdom of Altaïr or the boldness of Aveline, every fan has their favorite—and we’re here to celebrate them all. Share your love for the Assassin’s Creed universe and let’s keep the conversation about these amazing Assassin’s Creed characters alive!
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FAQs About Assassin’s Creed Characters
1. Can Ezio meet other Assassin’s Creed protagonists?
No, Ezio’s story stays confined to his timeline. While the Animus allows for exploring different characters, in-game narratives don’t cross paths between protagonists like Ezio and Connor.
2. Are there any characters in Assassin’s Creed based on real historical figures?
Yes! Many supporting characters, such as Rodrigo Borgia, Cleopatra, and Leonardo da Vinci, are drawn from history, adding authenticity to the franchise’s narrative.
3. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the most playable characters?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows players to choose between Kassandra and Alexios, but the multiplayer mode in Assassin’s Creed Unity also introduces playable co-op assassins.
4. Who is the strongest Templar in the franchise?
Rodrigo Borgia is often considered one of the most powerful Templars due to his leadership of the Order and his political influence as Pope.
