Warning: Some spoilers for God of War RagnarokModern gaming has a mixture of different genres, some new and some old that are in their phases of refurbishment in the sense of remakes. Among all of these, one of the most prominent and effective genres appears to be the single-player story experiences, giving fans a balance of fun gameplay experiences, and gripping narratives. This is clear with titles such as The Last of Us, God of War, and much more on the way for fans to indulge in.

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In creating these narratives, each story's characters play a vital part in their success and dictate how they function leading up to their conclusions. Coming in along with this is the great amount of character development players are able to witness, and this continues to be at the forefront of the best stories in video games today.

5 Nathan Drake (Uncharted)

Nathan Drake and Sam Drake

From Uncharted Drake's Fortune up to the fourth final installment to Nathan Drake's journey in Uncharted 4 A Thief's End, fans will be aware of the gradual change in his personality and traits. Starting off, Nate only appears to have intentions of striking gold in the activity of treasure hunting, and the obsession was incredibly strong. Going through each adventure, Nate always just about manages to escape death within extraordinary and epic circumstances.

While Nate was not completely self-centered between the first three games, especially once setting his sights on Elena, it is fair to say that he was selfish in multiple aspects. However, in Uncharted 4, the change to a more mature, wise, and experienced Nathan Drake is clear to see. This title addresses the obsession with treasure hunting, and by the end finally allows Nate to put that life behind him, to focus on his family instead in one of the most satisfying endings.

4 Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Joel Miller

Sticking with Naughty Dog, The Last of Us is regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time particularly due to its storytelling, which has led to a live-action adaptation by HBO. Within it contains a great element of evolution in the main character Joel Miller, who had been struck immensely by the loss of his daughter on 'Outbreak Day'. 25 years later, he meets Ellie Williams, who is immune to the virus, and also the catalyst for his character development in the story.

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Remaining distant, defensive, and combative within the initial phases of their meeting, Joel eventually grows to see Ellie as a second chance at a daughter showcasing love and care for her in the middle and latter stages of the story. A direct comparison of the beginning and the end of The Last of Us Part 1 is all the evidence to show Joel's evolution, as he chooses to save her life over the chances of a cure.

3 Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Arthur Morgan

Despite this particular character's path of development being dependent on the player's actions throughout the entirety of the game with the honor meter, Arthur Morgan stands out as one of gaming's best characters. Aside from the manner in which Arthur behaves towards others and his death, regardless of whether players choose to be outlaws or good law-abiding citizens, there are certain aspects of Arthur that remain the same in all endings of the main story, most especially toward John Marston.

After learning of his tuberculosis illness and the short amount of time left that he has to live, players will witness Arthur go from a violent and brutal outlaw to one who shows mercy to others and tends to help more often than not. There is a sense of regret portrayed by this character, as it is conveyed that he perhaps should have taken a better and more productive path in life, especially since one of the very errands he embarked on led to his eventual sickness and demise.

2 Atreus (God of War)

Atreus

Santa Monica Studio's God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok showcased a great level of growth in Kratos' son Atreus. Not only did this come with age, but it is also evident in the manner of his skills in combat, and the level of his intelligence. The 2018 title featured a much younger Atreus, who was far more arrogant and ignorant mostly after learning of his true nature as a God. Within the conclusion of the title, Atreus finds himself back on the right path after scolding and training by his father much to the fans' pleasure.

In God of War Ragnarok, Atreus is much older and wise in both his decision-making and growth into an independent individual who can handle his own. While he still has disagreements and confrontations with Kratos, the entire story was a buildup toward his eventual separation from his father to find his own path on his own.

1 Kratos (God of War)

Kratos

Out of all characters, Kratos' character development from the first three original God of War titles to Ragnarok is the most impressive. From a God that had only vengeance in his sights, to now being a God with appropriate rationale and patience, Kratos has developed into a character beyond many fans' expectations.

With Ragnarok's ending pointing toward Kratos becoming a God that is loved and worshipped potentially becoming the new 'All-Father', it may very well be the last time players experience a story with Kratos as it spells an end to the Norse saga, and stands a great ending for a character who had no peace for the majority of his life.

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