Comprehensive Review of Destiny 2 Characters

The Gameplay of Destiny 2

Developed by the video game company Bungie, Destiny 2 is a massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS) game that has continued to attract players after its release in 2017. It follows a plot set in a wide and vast universe, where players called Guardians engage alien races and other enemies in fighting for the survival of mankind and the Last City.

But more than just how interesting the gameplay is or how beautiful the graphics are, what else truly elevates a game such as Destiny 2 is the story and characters behind it. Through the characters, players understand the plot better as every character has their own history, traits and importance to the whole story. In this review, the focus will be on the major characters of Destiny 2 – who they are, their role in the story, and the ways they help the player.

1. The Guardian

The Guardians are the player-controlled characters in Destiny 2. They are Dead Warriors of the Light entrusted with the protection of the Human Race as well as the Traveler. Players can choose between three classes, with each having unique subclasses, skills, and ways to play:

Titans: The stalwart defenders, Titans are known for their resilience and untamed strength. In hand-to-hand battles, they are able to guard allies and take blows themselves. The Titan class builds on the idea of defense and power, which is why they are the first warriors who go into battle among the Guardians.

Hunters: The swift and wily class, Hunters are highly mobile and precise fighters. They prefer quickness, agility, and grace, employing their skills to flank and evade enemies. Hunters are associated with a more rogue-like ethos, an archetype which is more about freedom and resourcefulness.

Warlocks: The most educated and advanced spellcasters among the Guardians, Warlocks use the powers of the Light to heal, assist, and cause destruction. They are usually depicted as learned individuals engrossed in the delicate fabrics of the universe. The battlefield’s unique geography and terrain can be made useful by Warlocks, an advantage that makes them effective support characters.

1.1 Guardian Customization

A key feature of Destiny 2, deployed by many users as a game in which they try to grow their Guardians, is the customization of the player character. Players are free to select the race (Human, Awoken, Exo) and gender of the character as well as different visual designs and emotes. Hence, such aspect of the customization helps the players of the game to be attached emotionally to their Guardian as it goes beyond an avatar of them, but a reflection of the players experience and person in the game.

2. The Traveler

The traveler is a character that exists within the confines of space in the destiny narrative as a sentient character and the source of light. Its fundamental importance in the history also makes it have the role of humanity’s security. The presence of the Traveler is encouraging to the last city and the guardians.

2.1 The traveler’s background

The traveler is shown to be a gigantic ball like structure that is suspended over the last city. It was once a proud offending being that has now become an object of melee for many races in existence, mostly due to the Darkness, its age-old nemesis. It was due to the Traveler’s involvement, or more accurately his interplay of cosmic manipulation, that the order of Guardians was created.

2.2 The Role of the Traveler

The Traveler in the narrative and cinematic arcs of Destiny 2 is a symbol of hope in humanity’s potence, and its very possibility of existence. It is anchored to the Guardians in a deeply spiritual sense since that is the source of their Light powers. The Light, which is embodied by the traveler and the Darkness, is another driving force of Destiny 2 that Influences the characters’ every movement and purpose.

3. Ikora Rey

Ikora Rey is among the notable characters in the setting and history of Destiny 2. She is a Warlock Vanguard leader of the Guardians and a guide for the players as well.

3.1 Background and Character Development

A conflict born out of her formidable skills was why Ikora was a guardian who used to be a rebellious outcast transformed into the warlock Vanguard. The arc shows a character who matures and is wise and strong. Ikora, a former public figure who was recruited into the Hidden, the Institute’s internal espionage division, exemplifies the tension Harbored power and knowledge in a rank of the Guardians.

3.2 Role in the Narrative

Ikora is instrumental in helping the players in the first missions of the game. She explains the background, objectives and obstacles of the player. Her plot with other characters, notably those of Zavala and Cayde-6, portrays the relations and clashing aspects within the Vanguard. In the struggle against the Darkness, Ikora is not only a powerful wielder of the Light, but also a brilliant strategist.

4. Zavala

Standing in the front line of the Vanguard as its Commander and a Titan class Guardian, Zavala commands the height of every opposition. He lives by the tenants that nations have unbounded honor and duty and these two apply to fidelity and sacrifice, thus a source of steadfastness for the Guardians.

4.1 Background and Character Development

Zavala is primarily defined by his identity as a warrior. In fulfilling this role however there are losses that would come that would make him hard to further. It is the Last City of humanity that he has sworn to protect and this causes him to often act in ways that would be seen as evil in normal cases for normal people.

4.2 Role in the Narrative

The idea of Zavala’s leadership occupies a significant space in Destiny 2. Nay, he even urges the Guardians to go out and solve all the problems that arise. Such trust in him, both Ikora’s and his other characters, signifies that he aims at no hierarchical systems but ensures that all work together. Zavala, being the focal point of all those who seek the protection of the Overwatchers from the likes of Cabal and Darkness, is indispensable towards the advancement of the plot.

5. Cayde-6

Cayde-6 is cherished character in the role playing game of destiny 2. With the role of Hunter Vanguard, his undeniable charms and humor makes him a well-liked careless boy.

5.1 Background and Character Development

Cayde-6, who is Exo by origin, rich imagning history of development can also be described as tragic. He has interesting stories and relations, as a great deal of being a Guardian revolves around yet not yielding to the seriousness imprinted on the role. Cady is quite happy in settling disputes which may be retained amicably in most cases. His friends come with the experience and a thirst for their friend and adventure.

5.2 Role in the Narrative

His role in destiny 2 like already explained above is quite important especially in the Forsaken. It is within this period that his death is used as a plot trigger forcing players to revenge is the dramatic climax. Degrees of humor can be found in his easy come easy go style contrasting the urge to mourn the lose and the thirst for vengeance. Even in the plots, Cayde has a huge presence within the game as of the other characters activities and goals trained within the game.

6. The Nine

In the realm of Destiny, The Nine can be somewhat understood as entities of absolute importance, often mentioned, but never fully explained, which makes them interesting from a lore perspective.

6.1 Background and Character Development

The Nine is a team of numerous powerful characters, the purpose and the issues of which are not revealed. They are known to participate in the Trials of Osiris, a team-based PvP mode of the game, where they reward the players, who manage to win. The Nine are present in all of the Destiny 2 story quests; however, what they are exactly still remains a mystery.

6.2 Role in the Narrative

The Nine do not share any direct interactions with the playable characters within the game. Their influence and impact can be appreciated through the existing lore in the game and the events that take place. Players are keen on getting their blessings, and their mysterious nature encourages the players to come up with different theories. How do the Nine remain a puzzle is one of the aspects which makes the lore of the game so interesting to its players.

7. Eris Morn

One of the most multifaceted and intriguing characters of the Destiny universe is Eris Morn who possesses great knowledge of the Hive and is haunted by her dark past. Eris plays the role of the guide for the players who have to combat the forces of Hive and its equally potent dark forces.

7.1 Background and Character Development

Eris was part of an ill-fated fireteam that dared to enter the Hellmouth, where it battled the Hive. After recovering from the effects of that confrontation, she returned as a Guardian who had seen better days – one who was suffering from post-traumatic stress and loss. That is what makes her interesting, especially considering her advanced knowledge of Hive and other related darkness.

7.2 Role in the Narrative

Eris Morn is one of the most prominent characters in the game, especially in the story arc of “The Taken King” and “The Forsaken”. Her knowledge of the Hive and their schemes provides support to the players in overcoming some of the most difficult parts of the game. The character as such is representative of the theme of fighting the good fight within. Bearing the brunt of evil is however not a cakewalk for Angels such as them.

8. Osiris

Osiris is the iconic Warlock character and the focus of the warmind expansion. His character represents the acquisition of knowledge as well as seeking out dangers.

8.1 Background and Character Development

Osiris is a titan among warlocks, a once-respected sanctioned member of the Vanguard who was banished for his radical ideas and exploration of the Darkness. A fanatic concerning the Hive and understanding the universe, his views intrigued but also alienated him from most Guardians.

8.2 Role in the Narrative

The events of the Warmind expansion are significantly affected by the Return of Osiris. Mimi knows about the Hive and is troublesome to Rasputin, the Warmind. Osiris incorporates all intents and purposes’ conflict with morality in the quest for knowledge.

9. Clovis Bray

Among other key Destiny characters, Clovis Bray takes a special place. He is shown in the Beyond Light expansion. And he was already a significant character in the Golden Age, being on top of the development of Exos.

9.1 Background and Character Development

Clovis Bray was the founder of the Braytech corporation as well as a scientist during the Golden Age of mankind. His vision, coupled with rush in technology, resulted in the building of Exos, warware robots specially created to fight the Darkness.

9.2 Functioning within the Narrative

The role of Clovis Bray, and his legacy is touched upon in regards to the Europa storyline expansion within the Exos and more specifically, the character of Elsie Bray (the Exo Stranger). Clovis’s dubious ethics in the science of Exos and his obsession with conquering death through them, are two themes at the front of the arc.

As players progress through through Europa, then, they learn discloses regarding the ominous history of Clovis Bryan especially regarding his very unorthodox views for which the Exo program was created in the first place and in what way he was affiliated with the Darkness. His approach to morals is one of the reasons as to why he is a negative and motivating character for the development of behaviors. There is something unacceptable about aspirations reaching that far – as there are certain limits beyond which the vision of oneself or the world is unacceptable, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence and consciousness.

9.3 Clovis Bray’s Influence on Gameplay

The character of Clovis Bray, however, has a pronounced effect on gameplay in Beyond Light, as there are elements of the game that deal with the consequences of his deeds. Moreover, it develops the Warmind Rasputin and Clovis Bray’s backstories and adds some new gameplay mechanics and missions. Players also engage with the Braytech remnants, recovering relics and lore that contribute to fleshing out the narrative of the Destiny franchise and providing glimpses of technology in the Golden Age.

9.4 Clovis Bray’s Enduring Effects

Clovis Bray’s impact can be witnessed even when he is not alive, as he determines what happens to the Exos and the war between Light and Darkness in the present. His interest also balance the plot because it illustrates technology, ethics and the ongoing war between the good and evil forces. Europan players have to battle the Darkness and thus cannot avoid the square of his deeds.

10. Saint-14

Saint-14 is a pivotal figure in the Destiny franchise and a very respected character among Guardians due to his legendary past and accomplishments. He is the Titan Vanguard and is known far and wide for his iron will and strength.

10.1 Background and Character Development

Saint-14 was the first Titan and second in command of the Guardians. He is loved, and for that reason popularly remembered with his signature helmet, replete with a dent forged in the act of headbutting a Kell, a fierce Dominion enemy of the Destiny gameplay. His character is written in the means of valor, devotion, and shoulder-to-shoulder leading.

The tale of Saint-14 is one filled with loss, ashes, and redemption. After having been a Guardian of time, his Guardians find him and rescue him expressing two words, fidelity and brotherhood. His connection with Osiris deepens his character for it is more than a comradeship; it is a relationship that relates both their motivations.

10.2 Role in the Narrative

Saint-14 is one of the most important characters in the Season of Dawn, where players undertake the challenge of saving him from being lost in the Corridors of Time and restoring the altered timeline. His is the face of optimism and tenacity symbolizing the Guardian’s undying spirit. The players are completing some tasks related to his mission and searching his past as well trying to set the events in other way.

For the Destiny fan-base, Saint-14’s appearance in the Tower is a critical development. As the player-bases’ interactions with Osiris and other Guardians, he is a nurturing and guiding figure who pass on the tradition of the Titans to young ones, and most likely thanks to him there is still this longing to show them the way.

10.3 Influence on the Mechanics of Gaming

Even the absence of Saint-14 in the game has some obvious implications for the gameplay. In other words, the very fact of his existence, the notoriety of a legendary Titan, makes for certain quests, challenges, and rewards that still new players to this way of playing the game. He helps to reinforce the Guardian’s purpose, which is to protect the human race and the principles of Honor and self-sacrifice.

11. The Blank

The Blank is a force so enigmatic, it can be described as the antithesis of the core hero in not only DH but the entirety of the Destiny universe. While it is not a hero in the strictly literal sense, the Darkness issues as a multi-layered and multi-faceted construct, which drives the very essence of the characters in the game.

11.1 Background and Character Development

Very simply put, the Darkness is associated with a geometric opposition to the Light. In simpler terms, Rage, Bulwark, Despair, and Death are in the conceptual Darkness. We do not know where it came from. Damned uncertainties add even more tension to an already stretched war. Players of Destiny, as they delve into the vast cosmos of this game, its universe, the Darkness takes various forms, of which each one has its own distinct gameplay.

11.2 Involvement in the Storyline

The Darkness act as the force that clarifies the internal arousal of the characters of Destiny 2 and amplifies the tension of the plot. It’s particularly present in the game’s expansions, especially Beyond Light, when players fight the Darkness itself and what the Darkness is about.

Overpowering characters like Eris Morn and Osiris help to shed some light on the concept of the Dread, showing how alluring it can be, and warning about the dangers of giving in to it. The principal conflict between Light and Darkness is one of the recurring elements that moves the plot and makes the audience consider who they are loyal to.