Half-Life / Characters
Half-Life characters: cast, factions and story roles
Identify the key people and factions in Half-Life, their roles and the relationships that matter during the campaign.
Edition covered
The original GoldSrc Half-Life campaign on PC, first released in 1998. Valve Steam screenshots show original game assets. Half-Life: Source, Black Mesa and the expansion campaigns are separate games.
6 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Characters
Playable scientist
Gordon Freeman
A Black Mesa researcher wearing an HEV suit when the experiment causes the resonance cascade.
Civilian allies
Black Mesa scientists
Researchers can open secured routes and sometimes provide medical help.
Military enemies
HECU marines
Human opponents use gunfire, cover and grenades throughout the facility.
Quick notes
- Know who Gordon can work with. Gordon is a scientist forced into combat, and the surviving Black Mesa staff are more than background scenery.
- Separate allies, invaders and the military. The resonance cascade brings Xen creatures into Black Mesa, while the HECU arrives as a hostile human force.
- Watch the G-Man without expecting an explanation. The G-Man appears behind glass, on distant walkways and in other inaccessible positions.
- Keep sequel identities out of the first campaign. Many original scientists and guards use repeated models and generic roles.
Separate allies, invaders and the military
| Subject | Connection | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Scientists | Black Mesa research staff | Useful guides through locked facility routes |
| Security guards | Black Mesa protection staff | Can provide armed support |
| HECU | Military force opposing Gordon | Human tactics differ from alien attacks |
| Xen creatures | Invaders after the experiment | Enemy types have different attacks |
| G-Man | Observer of Gordon’s progress | Connects the journey to the closing scene |
Useful tip
Many original scientists and guards use repeated models and generic roles.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Half-Life — publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| StrategyWiki: campaign chapters | strategywiki.org |
| StrategyWiki: weapons | strategywiki.org |
| StrategyWiki: final boss | strategywiki.org |
| Half-Life manual | www.sierrachest.com |