Why the Silent Protagonist Formula in Persona Games Is Divisive: A Deep Dive

As a long-time fan of the Persona series, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in their rich narratives and character development. However, one aspect of these games that has always left me feeling somewhat detached is the use of silent protagonists. Don’t get me wrong; I understand the appeal for some players who enjoy the self-insertion aspect, allowing them to project their own traits and choices onto the protagonist. But from my perspective, this formula inhibits the series’ strength in character interactions and development.


Persona games are known for their compelling narratives and engaging character development.

The silent protagonist formula is a detriment to this series, which is primarily character interaction and development driven, and needs to go.
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Summary

  • Silent protagonists in Persona games may inhibit player agency in character interactions.
  • Some players argue that self-insertion is easier with silent protagonists.
  • Voiced protagonists like Ringo from Soul Hackers 2 are cited as successful examples.

The Great Debate

Some people enjoy the freedom that comes with having a silent protagonist in games, as it enables them to imagine and project their own characteristics and decisions onto the character.

The Role of Player Agency

In other perspectives, the absence of a speaking main character can weaken the sense of control and decision-making in character relationships, resulting in a less cohesive group experience and limited personal development for each character.

Community Envisionings

Players eagerly await the arrival of games such as Metaphor: ReFantasio, with whispers suggesting that these titles will introduce vocal protagonists and allow for character-specific decision-making.

With differing viewpoints, the ongoing discourse reflects the deep-rooted enthusiasm and commitment of the dedicated fanbase toward the advancement of the Persona series.

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2024-07-21 23:28