The Call of Duty franchise has become legendary for its thrilling storylines and memorable characters. Over the years, it has introduced players to a diverse cast of heroes, villains, and complex personalities, adding depth and excitement to its military and espionage plots.
Here are 11 of the most iconic characters in Call of Duty history, spanning across its various game series:
Most iconic Call of Duty Characters
11. Gaz
Gaz is a standout character from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, joining the protagonist right from the tutorial and sticking by your side through the storyline. Known for his quick wit and sarcastic comments, Gaz often brings humor to tense situations. Even in his final moments, he demonstrates incredible courage as he tries to protect you, the player.
Despite only appearing in one game, Gaz delivers some unforgettable lines, like “Bloody hell, he’s poppin’ flares!” and “USELESS WANKER!” One memorable moment is when Price asks if the door can open faster, and Gaz responds with dry humor, “Negative, sir. But you can try pulling it if it makes you feel better.”
10. Viktor Reznov
Viktor Reznov stands out as one of Call of Duty’s most unforgettable Soviet characters, known for his fierce bravery, natural leadership, and relentless drive for revenge after enduring immense hardship. Players first meet him in Call of Duty: World at War, during the “Vendetta” mission set in the brutal Battle of Stalingrad. After his entire battalion is wiped out, Reznov and the player character, Dimitri Petrenko, take on the dangerous mission of eliminating German general Heinrich Amsel nearly single-handedly.
Reznov’s story continues memorably in Call of Duty: Black Ops, particularly in the Vorkuta mission. Here, he leads a dramatic prison break, guiding the prisoners toward freedom. His fate seems sealed when guards kill him, but his impact on players endures as one of the series’ most legendary characters.
9. Jason Hudson
CIA agent Jason Hudson from Call of Duty: Black Ops is a pivotal character remembered for the iconic line, “The numbers, Mason! What do they mean?” as he interrogates Alex Mason to decode a series of mysterious numbers. Hudson’s role extends into Call of Duty: Black Ops II, where he appears in missions set in the 1980s.
His story takes a tragic turn in the mission “Suffer With Me,” where he meets his end, leaving a lasting impact on the series and its fans.
8. Raul Menendez
Raul Menendez, the central villain in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, leads the Cordis Die movement and has a complex, tragic backstory rooted in family loss in Nicaragua. This personal tragedy fuels his deep resentment toward the United States, driving him to orchestrate elaborate plans for revenge.
Menendez is one of the most compelling villains in the Call of Duty franchise, with deeply personal and realistic motives. His character’s depth and relentless pursuit make him unique among the series’ antagonists, and he is one of the few to see his plans come to fruition.
7. Alex Mason
Alex Mason, the main protagonist of Call of Duty: Black Ops, is a fan-favorite character whose psychological depth adds a unique dimension to the game. Throughout the story, players experience Mason’s struggles with hallucinations and mental conditioning, creating a closer emotional connection to the plot and highlighting his vulnerabilities.
His complex background and memorable lines have made him one of the franchise’s most famous figures. Due to his lasting popularity, Mason often reappears in later games in the Black Ops series, where players can find multiple skins of him to use in multiplayer modes.
6. Vladimir Makarov
Vladimir Makarov, the notorious villain from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, is one of the series’ most ruthless antagonists. Known for orchestrating brutal acts, including the infamous airport massacre, Makarov’s actions instill a strong desire in players to bring him down.
His cunning and strategic mind make him a formidable foe, pushing even seasoned characters like Captain John Price to their limits. Price can only respond to Makarov’s actions after suffering devastating losses, underscoring this villain’s high stakes and relentless nature.
5. Frank Woods
Frank Woods, one of the most iconic characters from Call of Duty: Black Ops, has captivated fans with his gritty determination and larger-than-life personality. Known for his resilience, Woods faced countless life-or-death situations, including the unforgettable moment when he defiantly shouted, “YOU CAN’T KILL ME!” while being forced into a game of Russian roulette.
His bold, impulsive nature and fearless approach to combat make him a fan favorite, and he’s made such an impact that players can now find him as an operator in other games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone.
4. Lt. Simon “Ghost” Riley
Lt. Simon “Ghost” Riley is one of Call of Duty’s most memorable and mysterious characters, instantly recognizable by his iconic skull mask. Known simply as “Ghost,” he first appears in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, accompanying players through intense missions before meeting a tragic fate at the hands of the traitorous General Shepherd.
Despite his untimely end, Ghost’s popularity has kept him alive in the Call of Duty universe, reappearing in franchise spin-offs like Call of Duty: Mobile and Warzone and even starring in his comic series—much to the delight of fans.
3. Cpt. John “Soap” MacTavish
John “Soap” MacTavish is a fan-favorite character in Call of Duty, known for his sharp wit, impressive combat skills, and ability to lighten up tense moments with humor. In Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Soap supports the team during challenging missions and plays a pivotal role in the story. He’s the one who ultimately takes down General Shepherd with a knife throw to save his ally, John Price, in one of the game’s most intense scenes.
Soap’s dynamic with Ghost is also unforgettable. The two share a humorous camaraderie, filled with jokes and banter, adding fun to the otherwise high-stakes campaign. It’s impossible to think of one without the other, and together, they bring an engaging balance of action and humor to the series.
2. General Shepherd
Anyone who played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 remembers the shocking betrayal by General Shepherd, a moment that left a lasting impact on players. After a tense and complex mission, when Ghost and Roach believe they’re being rescued, Shepherd turns on them.
He shoots both of them in a brutal twist, sending the player into disbelief and marking one of the most memorable betrayals in video game history. This unexpected treachery is critical in the story, making it all the more intense and unforgettable.
1. Cpt. John Price
Captain John Price, the face of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and the series’s main protagonist, is an iconic character who profoundly impacts the game’s narrative. As a strong and dedicated leader, he’s always there to guide his squad through intense situations. His leadership, combined with his willingness to put others before himself, makes him a player favorite. Price is one of the few characters on this list who remains alive and could continue appearing in future franchise installments.
Summing up such a pivotal character in the Modern Warfare series is no easy feat. John Price is the embodiment of selflessness and duty. His determination to do what’s right, even if it means defying higher orders, sets him apart as a true hero in players’ eyes. His readiness to sacrifice himself for justice makes him a role model and a central figure in the Call of Duty franchise.
Honorable mention – Jack Mitchell
Jack Mitchell is a central character in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, known for his role in the game and for being part of the iconic “Press F to Pay Respects” meme. This moment occurs during the funeral of his best friend, William “Will” Robert Irons, who tragically dies in a ship explosion. The scene became infamous for its interaction prompt, where players are asked to “press F” (on PC) or a corresponding button to pay their respects during the somber event.
Mitchell’s character, a former soldier who becomes part of the private military company Atlas, is defined by his commitment to his friends and his pursuit of justice throughout the game. The “Press F” scene, while memorable for its meme status, also highlights Mitchell’s emotional journey and the bonds he shares with those around him.
