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- Haytham Kenway is Assassin’s Creed’s best protagonist, considering his status as a Kenway, a family full of Assassins.
- Despite being a Tempar, Haytham’s intentions were good regardless of his ways of achieving peace.
- Haytham wasn’t a bad guy; in fact, it was more of a player’s perspective to see him as bad or good.
The Assassin’s Creed series has had many antagonists and protagonists throughout the entries, who weren’t limited to either of the sides: Templars or Assassins. There have been many storylines throughout the franchise exploring different eras and the rise and fall of each side.
Previously, I mentioned that the Kenway saga is among the best from the Assassin’s Creed franchise because of the way that each story is connected from Assassin’s Creed 3 to Rogue.
One reason that particular storyline was so good is Haytham Kenway, who, in my opinion, is the series’ best antagonist. Haytham’s background and status as a Kenway member make him an interesting friend or foe.
Why It Matters: With more than 10 entries in the series featuring so many villains and heroes, fans often debate who the best antagonist was. Haytham Kenway is the answer because of his recurring appearance and perspective from both the Templar and Assassin’s sides.
Haytham’s Background Makes Him An Interesting Character
I wouldn’t exactly say that Haytham was a villain, but the antagonist term seems to fit him better since both Templars and Assassins have shown to be on the good side and sometimes bad, depending on the era and power.
I’d argue that Haytham’s character was the most explored one in the franchise. It’s surprising, considering that Edward was one of the most legendary Assassins, but Haytham turned into a Templar.
This was because Reginal Brich raised Haytham as a Templar after Edward’s death. Even after discovering that he had been manipulated into following the order, his faith didn’t deviate.
While he was overshadowed by his father, Edward, and son, Connor, Haytham’s position was a bit weird in an upbringing of a tragic childhood and being burdened with great responsibilities.
Haytham’s Motives Set Him Apart From Other Antagonists
Aside from Shay Cormac, Haytham was one of the most logical and good Templars in the series, often portrayed as the bad guys. While his appearance in Assassin’s Creed 3 may cause people to consider him a bad guy, the overarching narrative says otherwise.
Haytham was actually a good guy, in my opinion. Consider this: He learned of his father’s background as an Assassin but didn’t abandon his Templar ideology because he knew this was the way to achieve peace regardless of the price.
From his perspective, the Templars and everyone from each group were the good guys. Haytham was the first character in the series, making the players contemplate whether the Assassins were the good guys. His arguments were always logical, and the Assassin’s way of freedom always resulted in anarchy.
This happens with his interactions with Connor throughout the game. Sure, they have nice moments together, even teaming up, and Haytham even tries to get closer to his son despite their different beliefs, but they each fall apart at the end of the day due to the same aspect.
Still, Haytham wanted peace at the end of the day, and despite his first attempts to reconcile the Templars and Assassins towards ending the war, they still couldn’t quite come to it.
Haytham Kenway Wasn’t Exactly A Bad Guy
Since Assassin’s Creed 3 is from Connor’s pov, players automatically believe that the Assassins are the good guys. However, the dialogue exchange between father and son proves that neither side is good or bad, but they are equally wrong in their own ways.
In Assassin’s Creed Rogue, Haytham’s story is explored from Shay’s perspective as a Templar, which changed many people’s perspectives on his status, including mine. I understood more of the character and his willingness to do the wrong thing for the right sake.
What makes Haytham so good at the end of the day is that players are left to evaluate his status. Some may find him ruthless, while others may find him a reasonable person willing to do anything to end the war. It’s difficult to judge a person without being in their shoes.
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[News Reporter]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
Get In Touch: shaheer@tech4gamers.com
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