The Best ‘Tales of’ Protagonists, Ranked Worst to First
9. Jude Mathis – Tales of Xillia 8. Ludger Kresnik – Tales of Xillia 2 7. Sorey- Tales of Zestiria 6. Milla Maxwell – Tales of Xillia 5. Cless Alvein – Tales of Phantasia 4. Lloyd Irving – Tales of Symphonia 3. Stahn Aileron – Tales of Destiny 2. Luke fon Fabre – Tales of the Abyss 1. Yuri Lowell – Tales of Vesperia
Tales of the World features a player made avatar as the main character, and as such there’s little interaction this character has with others. The avatar character works well in the game, as the main appeal is seeing characters from across the Tales series interact. However, this also means they’re pretty much the least memorable hero of the series.
Emil takes over the role of protagonist from Lloyd in the sequel to Tales of Symphonia. He comes to possess the power of Ratatosk, the lord of the monsters, who can possess his body and boost his power in battle. This also leads to Emil having two split personalities. Unfortunately, Emil himself comes off incredibly whiny, and that doesn’t change until late in the game.
Reid is a hunter born and raised in the village of Rasheans, and someone who’d prefer to while the days away relaxing and eating. He’s a goofy young man that definitely doesn’t want to embark on some world saving quest, and spends much of the game saying just that. He does, however, eventually realize there’s more to life and does his part to lead the team.
Sorey is the chosen Shepard, someone who is chosen to purify the malevolance of the world, and eventually defeat the Lord of Calamity. Unfortunately this mission can combat Sorey’s kindhearted and caring nature. He’s never one to leave someone in need, but his mission oftentimes dictates that. Zestiria shows Sorey struggling with this fact, and makes his character deeper through the internal strife he has.
Ludger is an interesting her as he’s mostly a silent protagonist, but the player can develop his personality throughout the course of the game. Ludger can be a cold uncaring person who’s only goal is to protect his brother, thereby damning anyone else. He can also be a dedicated and protective friend, willing to go to any lengths. Either way his personality goes, he’s a well defined and unique character, especially as you find out more about him.
Milla Maxwell was the first female protagonist of the Tales series, one of two selectable heroes in Xillia, along with Jude. Milla has a duty to protect all living things, something she values above all else. She’s also had very little contact with the human world, meaning she doesn’t quite know how to act socially. She may seem coldhearted much of the time, but she softens up a bit the more time she spends with humans.
Lloyd believes in doing the right thing until the very end, and he’s trusting of his companions at every turn. Although he’s very idealistic, he oftentimes makes rash decisions and rushes into battle. As he grew up in a secluded area he lacks a lot of the book smarts of other party members, but makes up for it in sheer skill and logical thinking. Lloyd has to come face to face with his mistakes at one point, owning up to them and moving on.
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The Tales Series
The Tales series is one of the longest running JRPG franchises, with over 10 main entries and a number of spinoffs. As such, there's quite a few protagonists that have graced the series, and we're seeing how they stack up. Please note, characters from Japan-only titles have not been included.
16. Your Avatar - Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
Tales of the World features a player made avatar as the main character, and as such there's little interaction this character has with others. The avatar character works well in the game, as the main appeal is seeing characters from across the Tales series interact. However, this also means they're pretty much the least memorable hero of the series.
15. Emil Castagnier - Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
Emil takes over the role of protagonist from Lloyd in the sequel to Tales of Symphonia. He comes to possess the power of Ratatosk, the lord of the monsters, who can possess his body and boost his power in battle. This also leads to Emil having split personalities. Unfortunately, Emil himself comes off incredibly whiny, and that doesn't change until late in the game.
14. Reid Herschel - Tales of Eternia
Reid is a hunter born and raised in the village of Rasheans, and someone who'd prefer to while the days away relaxing and eating. He's a goofy, young man that definitely doesn't want to embark on some world saving quest, and spends much of the game saying just that. He does, however, eventually realize there's more to life and does his part to lead the team.
13. Asbel Lhant - Tales of Graces F
Asbel is a master swordsman, and the heir of a royal family. He has always aspired to become a knight, however, and puts a ton of stock in duty and friendship. Asbel is a noble, kind-hearted character, but one that goes through much less growth than other protagonists. His personality can seem a bit one note when put up against other heroes of the series.
12. Senel Coolidge - Tales of Legendia
Senel is an orphan during the events of Legendia, and he cares about nothing more than the safety of his sister, Shirley. He's a bit prickly toward the other party members at first, and his hotheadedness often gets him into trouble. Through his journey he grows a bit softer toward others, but he'll always pick a fight before talking things out.
11. Kor Meteor - Tales of Hearts R
Kor is about as loyal a companion as you could ask for, always willing to protect his friends if they're in trouble. His determination keeps the party on track multiple times in Tales of Hearts, even if he doesn't keep his own safety in mind. Unfortunately, he's also a little dense at times, not catching onto things as quickly as the rest of the party.
10. Sorey - Tales of Zestiria
Sorey is the chosen Shepard, someone who is chosen to purify the malevolance of the world, and eventually defeat the Lord of Calamity. Unfortunately, this mission is in conflict with Sorey's kindhearted and caring nature. He's never one to leave someone in need, but his mission oftentimes dictates he do so. Zestiria shows Sorey struggling with an internal strift that deepens his character.
9. Jude Mathis - Tales of Xillia
Jude Mathis is kindhearted to a fault, always wanting to believe the best in others. His profession as a doctor also means he's constantly thinking about safety. His naivete can get him in trouble, especially when he continuously pokes his nose into other's business. His dedication is a strong asset to the team, however, and his forgiving attitude pays off in the end.
8. Ludger Kresnik - Tales of Xillia 2
Ludger is mostly a silent protagonist, but the player can develop his personality throughout the course of the game. Ludger can be a cold uncaring person whose only goal is to protect his brother, thereby damning anyone else. He can also be a dedicated and protective friend, willing to go to any lengths to save others. Either way his personality goes, he's a well defined and unique character, especially as you find out more about him.
7. Milla Maxwell - Tales of Xillia
Milla Maxwell was the first female protagonist of the Tales series, one of two selectable heroes in Xillia, along with Jude. Milla has a duty to protect all living things, something she values above all else. She's also had very little contact with the human world, meaning she doesn't quite know how to act socially. She may seem coldhearted much of the time, but she softens up a bit the more time she spends with humans.
6. Velvet Crowe - Tales of Berseria
Velvet is cut of a different cloth than most Tales protagonists, as she's not quite as virtuous as others. After literally having her entire life taken from her, Velvet turns into a daemon hellbent on revenge. She's an antihero through and through, ultimately doing the right thing, but taking some unsavory methods to do so. She's violent, cold, and calculating, but grows and changes along with the rest of the party in Tales of Berseria.
5. Cless Alvein - Tales of Phantasia
Cless is the very first protagonist of the Tales series, and he'd serve as the template for many more heroes to come. In traditional Tales fashion, he's a kindhearted young man with a strong sense of justice. Cless goes through a lot of strife in Phantasia, something that only hardens his determination and dedication to defeating the Demon King Dhaos.
4. Lloyd Irving - Tales of Symphonia
Lloyd believes in doing the right thing until the very end, and he's trusting of his companions at every turn. Although he's very idealistic, he oftentimes makes rash decisions and rushes into battle. As he grew up in a secluded area, he lacks a lot of the book smarts of other party members, but makes up for it in sheer skill and logical thinking. Lloyd has to come face to face with his mistakes at one point, owning up to them and moving on.
3. Stahn Aileron - Tales of Destiny
Stahn gives off an air of being carefree and almost stupid at times, but that belies the intelligence and strength he actually possesses. He initially left his hometown to seek fame and fortune, but after meeting the sentient sword Dymlos, he's set upon a quest to save the world. Stahn surprises people at multiple turns, and puts his life on the line for his friends at every chance.
2. Luke fon Fabre - Tales of the Abyss
Luke seems like your typical whiny brat of a teenage protagonist at first, but he ends ups being so much more than that. He sees probably the most growth out of any Tales protagonist, having to come face to face with who he actually is and what he believes in. By the end of Tales of the Abyss, Luke has learned from his mistakes and become a strong compassionate hero.
1. Yuri Lowell - Tales of Vesperia
Yuri is basically the definition of "cool guy," a rough and tough swordsman that isn't exactly afraid to get his hands dirty. Despite this, he's a virtuous person who always looks out for the little guy. Yuri is quite a bit older than your usual Tales protagonist, and as such he's already formed his ideals and identity. This means he's usually more decisive and a little wiser than your average hero.
About the author
Hayes Madsen
A connoisseur of all things RPG related, and always looking for the artistic expression in gaming. His love of Gundam is only matched by his love of Pizza. Playing Games Since: 1991 Favorite Genres: RPGs, JRPGs, Strategy,
