The Ultimate Persona Protagonist Power Ranking

Highlights

The protagonist of Persona 3, Makoto Yuki/Minato Arisato, is a deeply emotional and tragic character who played a pivotal role in shaping the series' current formula. His significance to the future of the series is clearly demonstrated by the highly anticipated release of Persona 3 Reload remake.

Joker/Ren Amamiya (Persona 5) is the franchise's most iconic figure, renowned for his unmatched style and charisma as the leader of the Phantom Thieves. He has consistently topped popularity charts and serves as a prominent ambassador for the series.

Maya Amano (Persona 2: Eternal Punishment) stands out as the first female protagonist and a mature character, providing a distinct quality within the series. Her optimistic nature amidst a somber storyline has endeared her to devoted fans.

Persona has emerged as Atlus' most successful series, selling millions of copies and leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. With its unique blend of character-driven storytelling, modern setting, and magical elements rooted in psychological and mythological inspiration, Persona has established itself as a standout franchise in the gaming industry for over two decades. Initially born as a spin-off from the Shin Megami Tensei series, Persona has evolved from its origins into the contemporary experience we see in Persona 5. Throughout its rich history, the series has introduced several iconic protagonists that players have had the opportunity to embody. Known for its social life simulation mechanics and strategic turn-based combat, Persona has always featured main characters who remain mostly silent, allowing players to project themselves onto these blank slates. Despite their silence, each protagonist possesses a distinct personality and style that has come to define their respective games. These player characters have garnered their own dedicated fan bases, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of each game within the franchise. However, some protagonists carry greater influence due to their cultural and contemporary relevance.

S Tier

Makoto Yuki/Minato Arisato (Persona 3) - Regarded as the most emotionally charged and tragic protagonist, the player character of Persona 3 played a crucial role in establishing the series' current formula that fans still recognize today. With a darker persona that aligns with the game's themes of death, his narrative as an orphan who finds friends to fight alongside offers a gripping story with a conclusive ending. As Persona 3 Reload is set to be released early next year after various smaller spin-offs, Makoto's relevance to the future of the series has never been greater.

Joker/Ren Amamiya (Persona 5) - The face that is most widely associated with the entire franchise, Joker's tale of overcoming adversity is one of the most captivating in the Persona universe. Exhibiting a edgier and more sarcastic demeanor compared to previous protagonists, he has established himself as a mainstream gaming icon through his impeccable sense of style and charisma as the leader of the Phantom Thieves. Driven by a genuine sense of justice that subverts his dark aesthetic, Joker consistently ranks high in popularity polls. While Persona 3's upcoming remake is poised to propel the series into a new era, Joker remains the iconic figure of the most commercially successful title in Atlus' history.

A Tier

Yu Narukami (Persona 4) - Prior to the fifth entry, Persona 4's Yu Narukami was the face of the franchise. Over time, he has been developed in various forms of media, gradually gaining depth as a character. Compared to the other Persona player characters, Yu is often seen as more of a blank slate. However, his subtle and stoic nature, as well as his involvement in the game's romance plots, have made him well-known. Despite not being a cool criminal or edgy loner, Yu's frequent appearances in spin-offs like Persona 4 Arena have established him as a significant representative of the series. While he may be overshadowed by the success of other Persona titles, the recent release of new ports for Persona 4 Golden proves that Yu Narukami's presence remains strong.

Maya Amano (Persona 2: Eternal Punishment) - Maya Amano, the first female protagonist of the series and the only adult character, stands out as the most unique player character in the Persona 2 duology. Throughout the two games, Maya's struggles and optimistic nature shine in the midst of the tragic narrative surrounding her. She has garnered a dedicated fan following due to her development and presence as a journalist in her twenties. Considering her appeal, Maya's inclusion as a hero in Persona 6 would offer a refreshing change from the typical high school setting often seen in the series.

B Tier

Tatsuya Suou (Persona 2: Innocent Sin) - Tatsuya Suou is an underrated protagonist with a well-established personality in the series. Throughout his two appearances, he undergoes significant character development. Initially portrayed as a distant and solitary individual who rides a motorcycle, his bond with his friends leads him to make life-altering sacrifices. Notably, Tatsuya's ability to engage in romantic relationships with characters of both genders showcases subtle representation of bisexuality in early gaming. Despite being overshadowed by Maya in subsequent installments, there is growing anticipation for a Persona 2 remake in recent years.

Kotone Shiomi (Persona 3 Portable) - Introduced in the Persona 3 Portable edition, which came out years after the original release, Kotone Shiomi brings a refreshing contrast to the somber tone of the original player character. With her cheerful and outgoing nature, she offers a unique perspective on various social interactions through her different choices. Moreover, players have the opportunity to influence different character endings and shape Kotone's own narrative. The exclusion of the option to play as Kotone in Persona 3 Reload has sparked controversy among many fans.

C Tier

Boy with Earring/Naoya Toudou (Megami Ibunroku Persona) - Naoya Toudou, the original protagonist of Persona, set the standard for future protagonists by being named and characterized in the game’s manga adaptation. While his portrayal varied between different versions of the game, he remains the most blank slate character in the series.

Despite not having a defined name or characterization, some fans appreciate him for the freedom the game provides to shape his personality through choices. The existence of other protagonists in the series is thanks to the foundation laid by Naoya in the first Persona game.