Leon Scott Kennedy's Personality

Even pretty things need personality. Leon Scott Kennedy has plenty, otherwise you would not be engaged enough to be here now.

RESIDENT EVIL 2

Naivete is Leon's defining characteristic in Resident Evil 2. This is a refreshing change from the testosterone driven stereotypes that permeated video games for a decade or so prior to the release of Resident Evil 2. Leon is also described as an "idealistic rookie cop", but his pristine ideals are ripped asunder ounce he unravels the web of deception that umbrella spun around Raccoon City. Although Leon is a bit of a 2-Dimensional "Goody-Goody", he shows a distinct sarcastic and sometimes bossy side. Worth noting is fun Leon Kennedy 'Melodrama,' if Leon was an actor, there would be times where he goes WAY over-the-top. Particularly when Ada 'dies' and when he can't get other characters in the game to listen to his good reason.

RESIDENT EVIL 4

Six years pass in the Resident Evil universe before we take a look at Leon S Kennedy again. Apparently he aged like a fine wine, because he looks delicious enough to uncork and drink in one gulp. But I digress.

Leon Kennedy matures significantly from Resident Evil 2 to Resident Evil 4. Leon is more world-weary, jaded, and extremely sarcastic. The blind faith in people we see in Resident Evil 2 is replaced with a marked cynicism. Of course, you have to read between the lines for this, because he's more action that talk this time around. You would be too, if hoards angry Spaniards were trying to ram a dirty pitchfork down your throat. Still, if you compare Leon S. Kennedy with your typical video game Macho-Guy, Leon talks a lot. Leon's strong dedication to his duty has remained completely intact. Although for this go-around, he has to deal with plenty more improbable and ridiculous scenarios! He accomplishes all of his feats flawlessly and with characteristic gusto. On a note that is unrelated to his personality, Leon has gained an incredible arsenal of acrobatic stunts from his government training. Actually, his abilities and antics are exaggerated to a ridiculous level at times.

Intentional or not on the part of the video game creators (or dialog translators) we do get to see a hint of melancholy in Leon for Resident Evil 4. The prologue for the game is presented by Leon, which is a nice touch. If you listen carefully, beneath a somewhat sarcastic tone are some sighs and hints of regret or sadness. Additionally, Leon distinctly looks and sounds sad when describing his "first day on the job" (Resident Evil 2) to Luis Sera early in Resident Evil 4. These small glimpses into what could be regret, or Leon mourning the loss of his innocence as a result of the trauma experienced in Resident Evil 2 are my favorite moments in Resident Evil 4. And they are a great credit to his voice actor.