Many video game characters are known for their heroic deeds, but there are also those whose motivations arefueled by something darker: anger and hatred. These characters are often driven by traumatic events, personal losses, or injustices inflicted upon them. Their rage becomes a central part of their character, and it propels them through their journey, often with devastating consequences.
From Kratos inGod of War,to Doom Slayer inDoom,to Kaine inNier, these characters have become fan favorites, despite their darker motivations. This article explores some of the most memorable video game characters who are driven by hate and how it has shaped their stories
9Barret Wallace (Final Fantasy 7 Remake)
Barret Wallace is one of the main characters in theFinal Fantasy 7 Remake, driven by a deep sense of anger and hatred towards Shinra for harming the planet for their own benefit. He’s a leading part of the resistance group known as Avalanche, which seeks to take down Shinra and put an end to their corrupt ways.
Barret’s fierce personality and gruff exterior mask a deep sense of care for his friends and a desire to make the worlda better place for his daughter. While his hatred drives him forward, he also comes to realize the importance of working together and forming strong bonds in the fight against Shinra.
8Ann Takamaki (Persona 5)
Ann Takamaki is a key character inPersona 5, and her story is one of resilience. Driven by her anger towards her abusive teacher, Kamoshida, Ann channels her emotions into her desire to see justice served. When Kamoshida wanted to meet her after school, Ann refused, so he took out his anger on her best friend, Shiho Suzui, whom he pushed towards hurting herself.
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Ann’s hatred for Kamoshida fuels her determination to expose his misdeeds and protect those who are vulnerable. Despite being worried about her best friend’s health, Ann remains a strong and determinedmember of the Phantom Thieves, fighting against the injustices in her society.
7Jin Kazama (Tekken Series)
Jin Kazama is a central character in theTekkenseries, and his story is one driven by hate. After his mother is killed protecting him, he finds shelter with his grandfather, only to be betrayed by him. Part of his hateful appearance is because he can’t trust anyone, mostly due to his grandfather’s betrayal.
Jin’s blood holds the Devil Gene, making him believe that he can’t get close to anyone, or they will get hurt because of him. While he’s not a cruel character, at timeshe can appear arrogant and bitter, as fans see him struggle with his inner demons throughout the series. His rage and hatred are palpable, and his journey serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of revenge.
6Shadow the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog Series)
Shadow is a popular character from theSonic the Hedgehogseries who is often depicted as being driven by hate. He isthe “Ultimate Life Form"created by Dr. Eggman’s grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. Shadow became good friends with Maria Robotnik, Gerard’s ill granddaughter. Maria was killed by a soldier while helping Shadow escape the facility, and he was overwhelmed by grief and anger.
Shadow’s hatred towards humanity has been a recurring theme in the series, and he has often been portrayed as a lone wolf, carrying out his missions with ruthless efficiency. Despite his violent tendencies, Shadow has also shown moments of redemption, and has even worked alongside Sonic and his friends to save the world on several occasions.
5Chris Redfield (Resident Evil 5)
Chris Redfield is one of the main protagonists inResident Evil 5and is driven by his intense hatred forhis former ally, Albert Wesker, as well as the Umbrella Corporation and the viruses they created. He is haunted by the memory of his partner, Jill Valentine, who sacrificed herself to save Chris and stop Wesker.
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Chris is fueled by his desire for revenge against those who have caused him and his loved ones so much pain, and he will stop at nothing to bring them down, even if it means risking his own life in the process. Throughout the game, many choices Chris chooses to make, like continuing the mission despite the dangers it poses, are made based on all the anger he had gathered against Wesker and Umbrella.
4Kaine (NieR)
Kaine isa fierce warrior and a key allyto the protagonist ofNieR. However, her past is shrouded in misery. She was attacked by a powerful Shade who murdered her grandmother and almost killed her too. Another Shade named Tyrann saved her life and regrew her crushed limbs, offering Kaine a chance to use all her anger towards achieving revenge and inflicting pain on other Shades.
The demon constantly reminded her of the hate she carried within, which drove her to take violent actions in pursuit of her goals. Despite this, Kaine’s unwavering determination to protect those she cares about made her a beloved character among fans ofNieR.
3Asura (Asura’s Wrath)
Asura is the main protagonist of the action-packedAsura’s Wrath, and he is known for being driven by hatred so deep, it brought him back to life. His story centers around his quest for vengeance against the ones who betrayed him and took everything he held dear: his family.
As a demigod, Asura’s powers are fueled by his rage, and players will find themselves unleashing a flurry of devastating attacks as they progress through the game. His hatred and desire to save his daughter and avenge his wife drive the story, and players will witness him overcome insurmountable odds as he seeks to take down those who wronged him. Despite his overwhelming anger, Asura’s character also shows moments of compassion and selflessness, making hima complex and compelling protagonist.
2Doom Slayer (Doom Series)
The Doom Slayer, also known as the Doomguy, is the protagonist of theDoomseries and is infamous for his intense hatred towards the demons he fights. He is driven by a burning desire for revenge, fueled by the destruction of his home and the murder of his wife and child at the hands of demonic forces.
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He relentlessly hunts down and slays every demon he comes across,showing no mercy or hesitationin his quest for vengeance. Despite his brutal methods, the Doom Slayer has become a fan-favorite character in the gaming community, admired for his unwavering determination and unmatched combat skills.
1Kratos (God Of War Series)
Kratos is known for his unbridled rage and thirst for vengeance. He was once a Spartan warrior who, after being betrayed by the gods,seeks revenge against themand anyone who stands in his way. Kratos is fueled by a deep hatred for all the gods and his own guilt over past actions, which drives him to commit the brutal, but also tragic act of murdering his wife and daughter.
His quest for revenge has led him to slay countless gods and mythical creatures, making him one of the most feared figures in Greek mythology. Despite his violent nature, Kratos' story also contains elements of tragedy and redemption, as he struggles to come to terms with his past and find a way to move forward, as fans can see in the latest installments of the series.
