Connor was a deeper character than Ezio in Asassin’s Creed (Spoilers)

Assassin’s Creed has had multiple heroes. In light of the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, it is time to explain why Connor from Assassin’s Creed 3 is an all-around better character than Ezio from Assassin’s Creed 2.

Connor allowed you to play as The Outsider

People hate on Connor for being somewhat boring, a bit dour, and generally having less flash than his counterpart Ezio. But Connor gave us a more unique experience. Aboriginal characters are rarely represented in videogames as a title character. Here was a chance to play as a member of an outcast/displaced culture. Moving from Ezio to Connor was like one day playing a plain vanilla human and then trying out a dark elf in an RPG. One race fits into the mainstream seamlessly, the other has to overcome sociocultural barriers as he makes his way in the world. Even the name “Connor” was an assumed name (he kept his true name wisely to himself) to help the main character move around more easily within a semi-hostile community. Connor’s story was closer to the immigrant experience or the experience of someone who is not part of the privileged class and hence was a richer vein of experiences than that of Ezio in Italy.

Connor had better Personal Qualities than Ezio

Connor had better “qualities” as a person than Ezio. Connor was praised by his archnemesis for showing great conviction, strength and courage – all noble qualities. Ezio seems to be more of a braggadocio and a womanizer needing some direction from other characters like his Uncle, Leonardo etc. I always got the impression that Connor was more driven and considered himself honor-bound to follow through on helping his people.  Connor was influenced by his internal compass and was more introverted. Ezio was more extroverted, less self-aware and less directed by internal principles.

On that same point, Connor just had the more developed principles and values. This sometimes came out in a negative way such as when he judged his mentor Achilles. Nevertheless you get the impression this guy believed in something bigger than himself. This might have come from his culture or religion but he wasn't just a materialistic person. Ezio struck me as someone in need of an internal purpose – someone unfulfilled on the inside because he lacked a strong belief system. Ezio seemed like someone more materialistic, more motivated by external events and less of an internally fulfilled person.

Connor's story Arc was more satisfying

Lastly, Connor was less of a loser than Ezio. This last point might not be entirely fair. In Assassin’s Creed 2, Ezio let a large part of his family die at the very beginning of the game, failing hard. Connor does eventually “lose” as an aboriginal person in the United States, but it is not really his fault and is part of the overall historical changes in America. Connor eventually succeeded in killing his archnemesis and  even grew to be respected by his enemies.  Ezio, at least at the end of Assassin’s Creed 2, never really got to kill Rodrigo and generally seemed to be outsmarted brain cell for brain cell by his enemies.

Both Ezio and Connor’s story arcs matched the traditional trajectory of boy to man. Some would call this the hero to warrior archetype transformation, as read about in books such as King Warrior Magician Lover by Robert Moore. Basically the boyhood archetype of the hero is brave but feels the need to prove himself. The warrior male archetype is achieved in adulthood and involves cold, deliberate skill without a need to prove oneself. The Adult Warrior unlike the Boyhood Herohas a correct appraisal of his limitations and the dangers of the outside world but through mastery of tools and himself is able to overcome obstacles. Ezio does eventually go through a kind of grizzled transformation when he reaches Rome, but most of his initiation into adulthood seems to happen offscreen. Connor, on the other hand, consistently tests his beliefs against: his mentor Achilles, his former friend in his Band, and also against his father and enemies. I felt Connor’s transformation then into a more fulfilled adult character was more gradual and believable than Ezio’s and resulted in a better story about a boy’s movement into adulthood.

In Conclusion.... Connor was Better

I’m not denying Connor had his flaws as an Assassin's Creed protagonist. The guy was moody, somewhat of a loner, rarely joked, and so provided less obvious camera-ready spark than showboat Ezio had. Nevertheless, if you can appreciate what Connor brings to the show, you’ll realize why Connor was a better, Assassin's Creed protagonist AND overall videogame character.

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