We examine the heroes, allies, enemies, and multiplayer characters that will bring life to the next installment of AC.

Assassin’s Creed has always been a franchise deeply rooted in characters and their evolving storylines. Revelations will be no exception to the rule, though there will be fewer familiar faces this time around. Instead, Ezio’s adventures in Constantinople introduce a new cast of compelling characters, many of whom are based on real-life historical figures.

We’ve pulled together info about some of the most significant characters in the new story, as well as what you’ll want to know about their role in the upcoming drama. In case you missed out, we highlighted one extremely important character last week, in our dedicated feature on Desmond Miles. In addition, later this month we’ll have a more in-depth look at the true-life events and characters that fuel the Revelations plotline. For now, take a look at these central characters and how they fit into the fiction of Assassin’s Creed.

Ezio Auditore da Firenze

The main character of Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations, Ezio has passed through birth, boyhood, and into maturity before our eyes. Early on, the character’s path through life was governed by the desire for vengeance. Much of his family was killed. Later, his beloved Uncle Mario was brought down by the Borgias. Until now, Ezio’s actions have been a response to these terrible crimes.

In Revelations, we see Ezio for the first time beginning to question his role in life. Murder has been his path for most of his existence, but what about the desire to have a family of his own? By 1511, when Revelations is set, Ezio is seeking purpose and direction, particularly in his role at the head of the Assassin’s Order. He looks to his own ancestor to help find the answers – a man named Altaïr. 

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad

The main character of the original Assassin’s Creed remains something of a mystery. While the PSP game Assassin’s Creed Bloodlines helped to clarify some of the events that occurred after the end of the first game, much of Altaïr’s life remains shrouded, including both his early life and his eventual discoveries described in the codex of Assassin’s Creed II.

Revelations will reveal new details about the life of Altaïr through playable game sections. For the first time, these sections won’t be about Desmond living through the events of Altaïr’s life. Instead, Ezio encounters objects in his quest that allow him to look back and experience Altair’s memories for himself. While it’s unclear exactly what story points will be uncovered in these sequences, Ubisoft has promised that we’ll finally get a clear picture of exactly what Altaïr discovered all those centuries ago.

Next up: What new characters join the cast this time around?