Highlights
One of the most recognizable figures in the Silent Hill series is undoubtedly James Sunderland, thanks to his compelling narrative and crucial role in the forthcoming remake. Alongside Heather Mason, he occupies the prestigious S tier.
Harry Mason from the game Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a complex character within the psychological survival horror genre, offering a gripping narrative twist influenced by the player's choices. With his compelling depth, he undoubtedly merits an A-tier designation. Regrettably, other protagonists in the Silent Hill series, such as Travis Grady and Alex Shepherd, fall short in comparison and find themselves in the less captivating C-tier category.
Silent Hill, a highly influential franchise in the survival horror genre, has always placed a strong emphasis on its main characters and their exploration of the dark depths of humanity. Whether they are unraveling the mysteries of the town's sacrificial cult or embarking on personal journeys filled with anguish, the protagonists of Silent Hill play a vital role in the struggles depicted in each game.
Since the release of Downpour and the playable teaser for Silent Hills, the series has experienced a period of stasis. However, with the recent announcement of multiple new Silent Hill games, fans have had ample time to reflect on the characters and narratives of the existing entries. Known for their esoteric secrets and hidden subtext, it is no wonder that many of the cast members have remained relevant throughout years of analysis. While each Silent Hill game offers a unique and terrifying experience for its protagonists, some of these player characters have emerged as particularly noteworthy.
S Tier
James Sunderland (Silent Hill 2) - Arguably the most recognizable character in the entire franchise, second only to Pyramid Head, James embarks on a captivating quest to uncover the truth about his deceased wife. His story stands out as a particularly unique and resonant one, especially as the highly anticipated Silent Hill 2 remake approaches.
Heather Mason (Silent Hill 3) - Often regarded as the face of the series by many, Heather embodies the intricate lore established in the first game. Her harrowing journey to safeguard herself from the clutches of the town's cult is both deeply unsettling and incredibly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact on fans of the series.
A Tier
Harry Mason, the protagonist in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, is portrayed as a more complex character compared to his portrayal in the original games. This psychological survival horror title, which takes on an experimental first-person perspective for the Wii, allows players to shape Harry's personality through their actions throughout the narrative. The version of Harry presented in Shattered Memories showcases one of the most intricately crafted plot twists in the history of gaming.
In the original Silent Hill game, Harry Mason finds himself trapped in the eerie town after his daughter goes missing in a car accident. While not given much depth as a character in this environmental-focused game, Harry's role takes on a more emotional significance as Heather's father in the third installment of the series.
B Tier
The story of Murphy Pendleton and his encounter with the entity known as the Wheelman is often overlooked but provides a compelling narrative in the later era of Silent Hill. Introduced as the most recent player character in the franchise, Murphy's journey is an underrated gem.
In Silent Hill 4: The Room, the player takes on the role of Henry Townshend. Trapped inside his apartment, Henry experiences the isolating horror of being haunted by the victims of a twisted occult serial killer. While the character of Henry takes somewhat of a backseat to the antagonist Walter and deuteragonist Eileen in the final game by the original Team Silent, his story remains hauntingly captivating.
C Tier
Alex Shepherd (Silent Hill: Homecoming) - The depiction of Shepherd’s Glen in Homecoming has sparked controversy among fans, making it one of the most divisive games in the Silent Hill franchise. While it may suffer from being unoriginal and lacking the essence of the earlier games, Alex's personal connections to the story still leave a lasting impression, for better or worse.
Travis Grady (Silent Hill: Origins) - Considered one of the least influential games in the series, Travis serves as a subtly disturbed player character. His journey in Silent Hill, which predates the events of the first game, ultimately leaves him with little opportunity to make a significant impact.