Resident Evil Characters List: Protagonists, Villains, and Fan Favorites
Resident Evil Characters | SteelSeries
Get to know every major Resident Evil character– heroes, villains, and fan favorites across the entire franchise, from the classics to the Village.
Resident Evil proudly boasts some of the most iconic characters in gaming— heroes like Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine, terrifying villains like Wesker and Mother Miranda, and fan-favorite oddballs who’ve survived more outbreaks than what should be medically possible.
The Resident Evil franchise spans dozens of games, remakes, spinoffs, and DLCs, meaning its character roster is quite massive, interconnected, and occasionally chaotic (Umbrella Corp has been busy).
We’re breaking down the VIP protagonists, villains, and recurring allies across the entire series, including standout casts from RE2, RE4, RE7, and Village so you can quickly get up to speed on every major character and their role in the series’ survival-horror legacy.
Let’s meet every hero, villain, and nightmare defining Resident Evil.
Quick List of the Most Important Resident Evil Characters
A fast overview of the franchise’s biggest heroes, villains, and recurring icons — perfect if you want the names without the deep dive.
Leon S. Kennedy — Rookie cop turned government agent; face of RE2 + RE4.
Jill Valentine — STARS operative and one of the original series protagonists.
Chris Redfield — BSAA founder and long-running main character.
Claire Redfield — Determined survivor and TerraSave activist.
Ada Wong — Mysterious spy with shifting loyalties.
Albert Wesker — Umbrella mastermind and the franchise’s central villain.
Ethan Winters — Everyman protagonist of RE7 and Village.
Mia Winters — Agent tied to the E-Type bioweapon program.
Sherry Birkin — Survivor of Raccoon City with unique immunity.
Carlos Oliveira — UBCS mercenary who assists Jill in RE3.
HUNK — Umbrella’s legendary “Grim Reaper” operative.
Lady Dimitrescu — Towering noblewoman and breakout villain from Village.
Mother Miranda — The primary antagonist of Resident Evil Village.
Jack Baker — Patriarch of the Baker family, corrupted by Eveline.
Luis Serra — Rogue researcher and fan-favorite ally in RE4.
Ashley Graham — U.S. president’s daughter and co-lead of RE4.
Jack Krauser — Veteran soldier and major antagonist in RE4.
Rebecca Chambers — STARS medic and early-series protagonist.
Barry Burton — STARS veteran famous for his dad energy.
Sheva Alomar — BSAA agent and Chris’s co-op partner in RE5.
Main Protagonists of Resident Evil
Leon S. Kennedy
Appears In: RE2, RE4, RE6, multiple CGI films
Role: Rookie cop → government agent
Why He Matters: Leon’s sarcasm, bullet-dodging luck, and unwavering hero vibes turned him into the face of the modern franchise. His arcs in RE2 and RE4 are widely considered the strongest in the series.
Jill Valentine
Appears In: RE1, RE3, Revelations, RE5, multiple remakes
Role: STARS operative, BSAA co-founder
Why She Matters: One of the original survivors of the Spencer Mansion. Tactical, calm under pressure, and responsible for some of the series’ most iconic moments (hello, Nemesis).
Chris Redfield
Appears In: RE1, RE5, RE6, RE7, Village, multiple remakes
Role: STARS → BSAA founder → Hound Wolf Squad
Why He Matters: The boulder-punching legend himself. Chris is the longest-running protagonist and central to nearly every major bioterror storyline.
Claire Redfield
Appears In: RE2, Code Veronica, Revelations 2
Role: TerraSave activist, survivor
Why She Matters: Claire’s determination to protect others, especially Sherry, makes her one of the franchise’s most grounded, human characters.
Ada Wong
Appears In: RE2, RE4, RE6, various extra modes
Role: Covert operative, wildcard ally
Why She Matters: Half hero, half femme fatale, Ada’s motives are a mystery in every game. She saves Leon just often enough to keep fans guessing.
Ethan Winters
Appears In: RE7, Village
Role: Everyman protagonist
Why He Matters: Ethan revitalized Resident Evil with a personal, grounded story. His journey through the Baker estate and Village shows the series at its atmospheric best.
Mia Winters
Appears In: RE7, Village
Role: Former agent connected to E-Type bioweapons
Why She Matters: Her past is deeply tied to Eve and the Mold, making her a pivotal piece of the modern RE mythos.
Sherry Birkin
Appears In: RE2, RE6
Role: Survivor with G-virus immunity
Why She Matters: One of the few child survivors in the series; her transformation from frightened kid to government agent is one of RE’s best long-term arcs.
Rebecca Chambers
Appears In: RE0, RE1, multiple films
Role: STARS medic
Why She Matters: Young but highly skilled, Rebecca helped uncover the first signs of Umbrella’s bioweapon research.
Barry Burton
Appears In: RE1, Revelations 2
Role: STARS veteran
Why He Matters: The dad jokes. The magnum. The loyalty. Barry brings heart and humor to an otherwise brutal universe.
Carlos Oliveira
Appears In: RE3
Role: UBCS mercenary
Why He Matters: Carlos goes from hired gun to heroic ally, and his rescue arc in RE3 Remake made him a fan favorite.
Sheva Alomar
Appears In: RE5
Role: BSAA agent
Why She Matters: Sheva is one of the most competent co-op partners in the series, and her partnership with Chris is central to RE5’s story and momentum.
Major Villains and Antagonists
Albert Wesker
Appears In: RE1, RE5, Code Veronica, Umbrella Chronicles, various cameos
Role: Umbrella mastermind and recurring antagonist
Why He Matters: Wesker is the beating heart of Resident Evil’s villainy—superhuman strength, calculated cruelty, and enough sunglasses to supply all of Umbrella HQ. His actions ripple across the entire series.
Mother Miranda
Appears In: Resident Evil Village
Role: Cult leader, scientist, bioweapon creator
Why She Matters: Miranda’s obsession with bringing back her daughter led to the creation of the Megamycete and the events of Village. Her experiments shaped all four Lords and Ethan’s fate.
Lady Dimitrescu
Appears In: Resident Evil Village
Role: One of the Four Lords
Why She Matters: Towering, elegant, and instantly iconic. Lady D became a breakout villain thanks to her presence, her castle, and her three daughters.
Nemesis
Appears In: RE3
Role: Prototype Tyrant; hunter-killer
Why He Matters: “STARRRSSS.” Nemesis is the relentless force that defines RE3: quick, adaptable, and terrifying in every form.
Mr. X (T-00 Tyrant)
Appears In: RE2
Role: Tyrant-class bioweapon
Why He Matters: Mr. X’s slow, heavy footsteps echo through the entire police station. He’s one of the most memorable stalker enemies in survival horror.
William Birkin
Appears In: RE2
Role: G-Virus scientist turned monster
Why He Matters: Birkin’s transformation showcases the full horror of Umbrella’s bio-engineering. His descent—physically and morally—is RE at its most tragic.
Jack Baker
Appears In: RE7
Role: Baker family patriarch
Why He Matters: As the face of RE7’s first half, Jack brings Texas Chainsaw energy to the franchise. He’s terrifying, unkillable, and weirdly charismatic.
Eveline (E-Type Bioweapon)
Appears In: RE7
Role: Sentient bioweapon
Why She Matters: Eveline’s ability to mimic a child and infect others with Mold makes her one of the series’ most chilling villains.
Alex Wesker
Appears In: Revelations 2
Role: Researcher, manipulator
Why She Matters: The other Wesker sibling, Alex’s twisted experiments and psychological torture define Revelations 2.
Osmund Saddler
Appears In: RE4
Role: Leader of Los Iluminados
Why He Matters: Saddler spearheaded the Las Plagas parasite plan. His manipulation of Ashley and control over the villagers create the backbone of RE4’s narrative.
Derek C. Simmons
Appears In: RE6
Role: National Security Advisor, Neo-Umbrella mastermind
Why He Matters: Simmons orchestrates global-scale outbreaks and personal tragedy for Leon and Ada. His motivations make him more unnervingly human than most villains.
Alexia Ashford
Appears In: Code Veronica
Role: Progenitor Virus researcher
Why She Matters: One of Umbrella’s most brilliant and unhinged creations, Alexia’s T-Veronica experiments push the series’ lore into gothic territory.
Fan-Favorite Resident Evil Characters
HUNK
Appears In: RE2, The 4th Survivor, Operation Raccoon City, Mercenaries modes
Role: Umbrella operative known as “The Grim Reaper”
Why Fans Love Him: Masked, silent, unstoppable. HUNK is pure survival-horror swagger with one of the series’ most legendary challenge modes.
Carlos Oliveira
Appears In: RE3
Role: UBCS mercenary
Why Fans Love Him: Charming, capable, and heroic. His expanded role in RE3 Remake turned him into a fan-favorite ally—and his hospital segment is iconic.
Sherry Birkin
Appears In: RE2, RE6
Role: Survivor with G-Virus immunity
Why Fans Love Her: Watching Sherry grow from frightened kid to confident agent is one of the series’ best long-term character arcs.
Luis Serra
Appears In: Resident Evil 4
Role: Rogue researcher, ally
Why Fans Love Him: Equal parts suave and chaotic. Luis brings heart and humor to RE4, and the Remake only amplified his fan-favorite status.
Moira Burton
Appears In: Revelations 2
Role: TerrySave member, Barry’s daughter
Why Fans Love Her: Moira is relatable, mouthy, and determined—her dynamic with Claire is one of the best things about Revelations 2.
Mikhail Victor
Appears In: RE3
Role: UBCS platoon leader
Why Fans Love Him: A rare Umbrella soldier with integrity. Mikhail’s bravery and sacrifice leave a strong impression despite limited screen time.
Brad Vickers
Appears In: RE1, RE3
Role: STARS pilot
Why Fans Love Him: Brad’s known for bailing at the worst possible times—yet his fate is one of the most memorable in the franchise.
Parker Luciani
Appears In: Revelations
Role: FBC agent
Why Fans Love Him: Loyal, tough, and surprisingly funny, Parker provides grounded energy to a conspiracy-heavy game.
Natalia Korda
Appears In: Revelations 2
Role: Mysterious young survivor
Why Fans Love Her: Natalia’s connection to Alex Wesker introduces psychological depth and one of the series’ creepiest twists.
Joe Baker
Appears In: End of Zoe (RE7 DLC)
Role: Survivalist, Baker family relative
Why Fans Love Him: Joe punches gators. Enough said. He’s a wild tonal swerve that somehow fits perfectly.
Hound Wolf Squad
Appears In: Resident Evil Village
Role: Chris Redfield’s elite team
Why Fans Love Them: These guys deepen Village’s lore and give Chris a modern, tactical edge that fans actually loved for once.
Resident Evil 4 Characters (Original & Remake)
Leon S. Kennedy
Role: Government agent assigned to rescue Ashley
Why He Matters: RE4 is arguably Leon’s defining era — stylish gunplay, impossible stunts, and one-liners that cemented him as a fan favorite.
Ashley Graham
Role: U.S. President’s daughter
Why She Matters: Her rescue mission drives the entire story. The Remake gave Ashley more agency and personality, making her one of RE4’s strongest returning characters.
Luis Serra Navarro
Role: Former Los Iluminados researcher turned ally
Why He Matters: Luis walks the line between charming rogue and tragic figure. His Remake arc gives him even more depth, making him a true standout.
Ada Wong
Role: Mysterious operative with her own agenda
Why She Matters: Ada’s involvement complicates every part of Leon’s mission. Separate Ways (Remake) solidifies her as essential to the RE4 storyline.
Jack Krauser
Role: Ex-soldier, antagonist, and former mentor to Leon
Why He Matters: Krauser’s clashes with Leon, especially the knife fight, are some of the most iconic encounters in survival-horror history.
Osmund Saddler
Role: Leader of Los Iluminados
Why He Matters: Saddler orchestrates the Las Plagas experiments and everything Leon faces. He’s the architect behind Ashley’s kidnapping, and the game’s bioweapon mayhem.
Ramón Salazar
Role: Castellan of the castle, high-ranking Illuminados member
Why He Matters: Small, theatrical, and completely deranged. Salazar delivers some of the best villain energy in the game.
The Merchant
Role: Weapons dealer, mysterious neutral figure
Why He Matters: Immortal quote machine. The Merchant is beloved for his personality, his shop mechanics, and the simple joy of hearing, “Got somethin’ that might interest ya.”
Bitores Méndez
Role: Village chief
Why He Matters: Méndez is a towering, intimidating early-game threat whose boss fight sets the tone for the scale of RE4’s bioweapons.
Resident Evil Village Characters (Resident Evil 8)
Ethan Winters
Role: Everyman protagonist searching for his daughter
Why He Matters: Ethan anchors Village’s emotional core. His journey through the Four Lords’ domains delivers some of the best modern RE storytelling, blending horror, mystery, and personal stakes.
Chris Redfield
Role: Hound Wolf Squad commander
Why He Matters: Chris returns with a darker, more morally complicated role. His connection to Ethan’s fate and umbrella symbolism drive major twists throughout the game.
Lady Dimitrescu
Role: One of the Four Lords; matriarch of Castle Dimitrescu
Why She Matters: Towering, elegant, and instantly legendary. Lady D became the breakout star of Village thanks to her presence, her daughters, and her unforgettable pursuit sequences.
Donna Beneviento
Role: Reclusive dollmaker and one of the Four Lords
Why She Matters: Donna delivers Village’s pure psychological horror. Her domain is one of the most terrifying chapters in the franchise, packed with hallucinations and the infamous “giant baby” sequence.
Salvatore Moreau
Role: Half-man, half-monstrosity; one of the Four Lords
Why He Matters: Moreau is tragic, grotesque, and deeply sympathetic. His area shifts the game into swampy, mutated body-horror territory.
Karl Heisenberg
Role: Engineer, rebel Lord, and factory overseer
Why He Matters: Heisenberg brings metal-crushing magnetism, chaotic energy, and some of the most stylish boss encounters in the series. His strained relationship with Miranda adds compelling tension.
Mother Miranda
Role: Mentor to the Four Lords; central antagonist
Why She Matters: Miranda’s research into the Megamycete shaped every major event in Village — from the Lords’ mutations to Ethan’s entire arc. Her obsession with resurrecting her daughter makes her one of RE’s most complex villains.
Rosemary Winters
Role: Ethan and Mia’s daughter
Why She Matters: Rose is the emotional core of Village. Her powers and future potential set up major storylines for the next phase of the franchise.
The Duke
Role: Merchant, mysterious neutral ally
Why He Matters: The Duke’s calming presence and cryptic knowledge make him a beloved staple of Village. Fans speculate endlessly about his origin — and his connection to the Merchant from RE4.
Characters From Earlier Resident Evil Games (RE0–RE3 & Code Veronica)
Billy Coen
Appears In: Resident Evil 0
Role: Ex–Marine turned fugitive
Why He Matters: Billy partners with Rebecca throughout RE0, giving the game its co-op structure. His redemption arc is one of the strongest in early-series storytelling.
Rebecca Chambers
Appears In: RE0, RE1, RE Remake, various films
Role: STARS medic
Why She Matters: Young but highly capable, Rebecca uncovers Umbrella’s early bioweapon experiments and becomes a crucial survivor of the Spencer Mansion incident.
Albert Wesker (Early Series)
Appears In: RE1, Code Veronica
Role: STARS captain → Umbrella double agent
Why He Matters: His betrayal in RE1 sets up every major Umbrella storyline that follows.
Jill Valentine (Classic Era)
Appears In: RE1, RE3
Role: STARS operative
Why She Matters: In the early games, Jill defines the survival-horror tone—resourceful, grounded, and a core part of the franchise’s foundation.
Chris Redfield (Classic Era)
Appears In: RE1, Code Veronica
Role: STARS marksman, later BSAA co-founder
Why He Matters: Chris’s early battles highlight Umbrella’s global reach and set up his long rivalry with Wesker.
Barry Burton
Appears In: RE1, Revelation 2
Role: Weapons expert and STARS veteran
Why He Matters: Barry’s loyalty, and legendary one-liners, made him a classic fan favorite.
Claire Redfield (Code Veronica)
Appears In: Code Veronica, RE2
Role: Survivor and TerraSave member
Why She Matters: Her search for her brother drives Code Veronica’s plot and expands the lore far beyond Raccoon City.
Steve Burnside
Appears In: Code Veronica
Role: Prisoner and ally
Why He Matters: Steve’s tragic arc explores the emotional toll of Umbrella’s experiments and leaves a lasting mark on Claire.
Alexia & Alfred Ashford
Appears In: Code Veronica
Role: Umbrella aristocrats and bioweapon architects
Why They Matter: Their twisted family legacy and Alexia’s T-Veronica experiments push the narrative into gothic, high-drama bio-horror.
Brad Vickers
Appears In: RE1, RE3
Role: STARS pilot
Why He Matters: Brad’s cowardice becomes iconic, but his fate is one of the most memorable early-series tragedies.
Modern & Action-Era Characters (RE5, RE6, Revelations Series)
Excella Gionne
Appears In: Resident Evil 5
Role: TriCell executive
Why She Matters: Manipulative, ambitious, and deeply involved in Uroboros development. Excella embodies the late-Umbrella corporate corruption era.
Sheva Alomar
Appears In: Resident Evil 5
Role: BSAA agent and Chris’s partner
Why She Matters: Sheva brings tactical expertise and emotional grounding to RE5, becoming one of the series’ most reliable partners.
Jake Muller
Appears In: Resident Evil 6
Role: Mercenary and Wesker’s son
Why He Matters: His immunity to the C-Virus and his complex dynamic with Sherry add fresh stakes to RE6.
Helena Harper
Appears In: Resident Evil 6
Role: Secret Service agent
Why She Matters: Helena’s personal loss and connection to major political conspiracies make her storyline one of the darker arcs in RE6.
Piers Nivans
Appears In: Resident Evil 6
Role: BSAA sniper, Chris’s right hand
Why He Matters: Piers’ loyalty and sacrifice deliver one of the most emotional endings in any Resident Evil game.
Jessica Sherawat
Appears In: Resident Evil Revelations
Role: FBC agent
Why She Matters: Stylish, cunning, and morally ambiguous. Jessica adds espionage flair and recurring tension within the FBC/BSAA plotlines.
Parker Luciani
Appears In: Resident Evil Revelations
Role: FBC agent
Why He Matters: Loyal, grounded, and surprisingly funny. Parker provides weight and heart to the Revelations storyline.
Moira Burton
Appears In: Revelations 2
Role: Terrasave member
Why She Matters: Her banter-filled dynamic with Claire helps redefine Revelations 2’s tone.
Natalia Korda
Appears In: Revelations 2
Role: Young survivor with unsettling abilities
Why She Matters: Natalia’s connection to Alex Wesker sets up one of the most psychologically intense twists in the franchise.
Hound Wolf Squad
Appears In: Village
Role: Chris’s elite team
Why They Matter: They bridge the gap between the action-heavy RE6 era and Village’s grounded horror, giving Chris a modern tactical presence.
How Many Characters Does Resident Evil Have?
The Resident Evil franchise has well over 200 named characters, depending on how you count:
Mainline games: ~80–90 central and supporting characters
Remakes & alternate timelines: 20+
Revelations, Code Veronica, Outbreak, and side games: 60+
Umbrella staff, BSAA operatives, UBCS teams, and minor survivors: 50+
BOWs with speaking roles or identities (e.g., Eveline, Alexia, Lisa Trevor): 10–20
The number rises with each new remake, DLC, and storyline expansion. While the exact count varies by source, the series consistently sits in the 200–300 range, making Resident Evil one of the largest character rosters in survival-horror gaming.
Who Is the Most Popular Resident Evil Character?
The most popular Resident Evil character is Leon S. Kennedy.
Across fan polls, cosplay trends, social media data, and community rankings, Leon consistently comes out on top thanks to:
His starring roles in RE2 and RE4, two of the most beloved games in the franchise
His balance of charm, sarcasm, and hero energy
His evolution from rookie cop to elite government agent
His presence in multiple remakes, films, and spin-offs
His chemistry with both Claire and Ada, which fans never get tired of debating
Runner-up favorites:
Jill Valentine — classic STARS icon and one of the strongest early protagonists
Ada Wong — mysterious, stylish, endlessly fascinating
Chris Redfield — staple character and core to Umbrella’s downfall
Lady Dimitrescu — instant breakout star from Village
Leon still dominates most rankings, but the rest of the cast have fiercely loyal fanbases.
Resident Evil’s character roster is one of the biggest and most iconic in gaming—full of heroes who don’t quit, villains that reshape entire timelines, and unforgettable oddballs who turn every outbreak into a story worth remembering.
Whether you started with the classics, the remakes, or the modern first-person era, each character brings something distinct to the franchise’s mix of horror, action, and absolute chaos.
And while every game throws new nightmares your way, the right setup can make every scare sharper, every footstep clearer, and every tense encounter more immersive.
If you want every creaking floorboard and distant growl to hit with full survival-horror intensity, gear up with the Arctis Nova Pro. Its immersive 360° audio, ANC, and crystal-clear detail help you pick up threats long before they’re on top of you—exactly what you want when things get… Resident Evil.
Gear up, stay alert, and dive into the world of bioweapons, megamycetes, and masked operatives, because in Resident Evil, you never know who (or what) you’ll run into next.
Resident Evil Characters: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of the girls in Resident Evil?
Resident Evil features many prominent female characters, including: Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, Sherry Birkin, Rebecca Chambers, Sheva Alomar, Moira Burton, Mia Winters, Zoe Baker, Lady Dimitrescu, Mother Miranda, Donna Beneviento, Ashley Graham, Alex Wesker, and Natalia Korda. These characters span the entire series, from the classic STARS members to the Village’s Four Lords.
How many characters does Resident Evil have?
Depending on how you count mainline games, remakes, spinoffs, and side characters, Resident Evil has 200–300 named characters across the franchise.
Who is the most popular Resident Evil character?
Leon S. Kennedy is widely regarded as the most popular Resident Evil character, followed closely by Jill Valentine, Ada Wong, Chris Redfield, and Lady Dimitrescu.
Are Resident Evil characters connected across games?
Yes. Many characters appear across multiple titles due to overlapping storylines involving Umbrella, BSAA, Los Iluminados, and the Megamycete.
Examples:
Chris appears from RE1 through Village
Leon connects RE2, RE4, RE6, and several films
Ada spans RE2, RE4, RE6
Wesker’s influence impacts nearly every early game
Which Resident Evil characters are still alive?
As of the latest timeline:
Chris, Claire, Leon, Ada, Jill, Ashley, Sherry, Jake, HUNK, and the Hound Wolf Squad are all still confirmed alive.
Others (like Rebecca, Parker, and Natalia) are presumed alive but haven’t appeared recently.
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