There's no debate that the Uncharted series has firmly cemented its place in the annals of gaming history. While many games focused on replayability or multiplayer experiences, Uncharted's creative direction has always focused on giving gamers epic adventures with historical context featuring the high stakes action of a summer blockbuster.
While others have tried to copy the formula, Uncharted has remained a cut above the rest, thanks to its tight cast of captivating characters that remain in the hearts and minds of players long after the end credits roll. Fans can only hope that the Uncharted movie lives up to the high standard set by these likable characters.
Rafe Adler
One of the weakest aspects of the Uncharted series is the various antagonists that face off against Nathan Drake. Navarro, Lazarevic, and Marlowe all bring different aspects of villainy to the table, but none of them leave a lasting impression on the audience. But Rafe Adler's turn in the spotlight during the events of Uncharted 4 brought a very different flavor to the series. He's not a mercenary trying to become rich. Rather, he's a trust-fund baby who wants people to think he's a big player.
Rafe is not a likable character, in fact, he's distinctly unlikeable, but gamers love to hate him. He's an entitled rich guy who sees the world as his playground and people as chess pieces. He doesn't care about the adventure, thrill, and mystery of treasure hunting. Rafe is only in it for the glory and recognition, which is ultimately what makes him the perfect foil to Nathan Drake.
Harry Flynn
At the beginning of Uncharted 2, players are led to believe that they'll have a quirky British companion along for the ride. Harry Flynn pulls Nathan Drake out of retirement in South America to break into the Istanbul Palace Museum. After retrieving the oil lamp they came there for, Flynn swiftly betrays Drake, trapping him in the museum to be captured by Turkish police.
Despite this betrayal, there's no denying that Flynn is charming. He's among the Uncharted series most intelligent characters and shares Drake's ion for saying quick quips during tense situations. Unfortunately, all of Harry's choices prove that he values money much more than relationships.
Samuel Drake
Nathan's older brother, Samuel Drake, is a very polarizing one among fans of the series. After being presumed dead for years, Samuel returns in Uncharted 4 to get Nate's help locating the lost treasure of Henry Avery. His return kick starts one of video gaming's greatest narratives.
When it comes to likability, Samuel shares many of the same traits that make Nathan such a charismatic character, including his trademark wit and humor. At one point, Sam even refers to himself as the "funny one" of the family. On the other hand, it's very hard to get over Samuel's actions once all his cards are on the table, especially his shortcomings as a brother to Nate.
Marisa Chase
Appearing only in the series PlayStation Vita entry, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Marisa Chase is often dismissed as little more than a placeholder character. While it's true that she does fill the romantic role typically played by Chloe or Elena, Marisa is also a unique character in her own right.
The most notable detail about Marisa is her absolute rejection of gun violence. In a series that largely glorifies gunplay, Marisa is the only character that rejects it. She downright refuses to use a gun, no matter the danger or situation. While this can seem annoying from a player's perspective, it's a trait that really separates her from the rest in the series and deserves praise.
Nadine Ross
When players first meet Nadine Ross, she is working as the leader of the private military corporation, Shoreline. She's strong, effective, and more than capable of taking on Nathan Drake. Although she works alongside Rafe, players are there to watch as she gradually becomes more irritated with the millionaire, up to the point that she completely abandons him.
Nadine returns in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, this time as a protagonist and treasure hunter alongside Chloe Frazer. While she was almost universally hated while opposing the Drake brothers in Uncharted 4, her character development in the spinoff and newfound chemistry with Chloe did a lot to endear her to fans.
Charlie Cutter
Charlie Cutter is a character that fans of the series have been desperate to see return ever since his debut in Uncharted 3. He's first introduced as hired muscle for the game's antagonists before later revealing himself to be a double agent, a friend of Drake and Sully's all along. His role in the game was actually cut short due to actor Graham McTavish having an obligation to star in The Hobbit, as reported by Giant Bomb.
In spite of this short screen time, he's universally beloved among the fanbase. He's fiercely loyal to his team and has a penchant for humor that might even be greater than Nate's. Players were very disappointed to learn that he was originally slated to star alongside Chloe in The Lost Legacy, before being replaced with Nadine Ross. Easter eggs that indicate he's still alive and treasure hunting have many gamers hopeful he'll get a proper turn as a series lead.
Elena Fisher
Elena Fisher, one of the few characters to appear in all the series main entries, starts out as a vapid reporter desperate for a career-breaking story. She meets Nathan Drake hoping to achieve that goal, only to find out that she's being manipulated for Drake's own agenda. Despite this rocky start, the two eventually wed, separate, reconnect, and parent a child together.
Elena frequently does not agree with Nathan's decisions, but she is always ive. Even in the face of some completely unjustifiable actions, she still does anything she can to help him. Her strength, maturity, and loyalty make her the perfect complement to Drake, and something most can only hope to find in partners of their own. Without a doubt, Elena and Nate are among video games best couples of all time.
Victor Sullivan
Is Victor "Sully" Sullivan the video game sidekick to Nathan Drake, or is Nathan Drake his sidekick? Sully may not match up to Drake when it comes to climbing or shooting, but he certainly is his superior when it comes to wisdom. This is perfectly on display when Sully ends Uncharted 3 by saying, "We don’t get to choose how we start in this life. Real ‘greatness’ is what you do with the hand you’re dealt."
Aside from some grumpy outbursts in the first game while he's trying to settle his debts, Sully is a father figure who is always there when Drake needs him. He's always by his side, no matter the danger or cost. If only everyone had a mentor like Sully in their lives.
Chloe Frazer
Chloe was instantly beloved after her first appearance in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Her chemistry with Drake is undeniable from the very beginning, and her introduction as a femme fatale in the series provided an excellent contrast to Elena Fisher.
She was finally given a chance to headline the series with the release of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and it did not disappoint. This adventure sees Chloe finally complete her transformation from an advantageous survivor into a person who's willing to stand up for what's right. With Nathan Drake's time as the lead character complete, many are hoping for Chloe to take the reigns full-time.
Nathan Drake
It's not surprising the find the series leading "everyman" at the top of this list. Nathan Drake is an adrenaline junkie who's addicted to treasure hunting. The clues he finds and the mysteries he uncovers are every bit as thrilling to him as seeing the massive pile of gold at the end.
There's something beautiful about seeing a character do what they love, and Drake loves the adventure of treasure hunting more than anything. His main struggle throughout the series is not finding treasure. His real struggle is giving up that love of adventure in favor of the love of Elena and his family. It's a human story that not only makes Drake likable but infinitely relatable.
