Why don’t Resident Evil Protagonists get Infected?
The Resident Evil series has been thrilling audiences for decades with its intricate storyline, gruesome horror scenes, and lovable yet flawed protagonists. Among the many questions that plague the minds of fans, one stands out: Why don’t the protagonists of Resident Evil get infected? In this article, we’ll delve into the canon explanations and theories to shed light on this seemingly unanswered question.
Canon Explanations
- T-Virus and Las Plagas Parasite: In the Resident Evil series, the T-Virus and Las Plagas Parasite are two different strains of the virus. The T-Virus is airborne and requires contact to infect, while Las Plagas is transmitted through insect bites. This is a crucial distinction, as the protagonists rarely come into direct contact with the T-Virus.
- Natural Resistance: In the case of Jill Valentine, her natural resistance to the virus is attributed to her being so close to death. This allows her to survive the infection and ultimately receive a vaccine. Similarly, Leon Kennedy, as a member of the DSO, was inoculated against the T-Virus.
Theories
- Vaccines and Treatment: One theory is that the protagonists, being part of various military and scientific organizations, had access to vaccines and treatment protocols that allowed them to counteract the effects of the virus. Chris Redfield, for example, was part of the U.S. Government’s Raccoon City Research and Development team, which might have provided him with some level of immunity.
- In-Game Conveniences: Some argue that the lack of infection is simply a plot convenience to allow the protagonist to continue the story and avoid unnecessary complications. After all, if the main character were to become infected, the game would become quite difficult to continue, making for a less engaging narrative.
- Character Arcs: Another perspective suggests that the protagonists’ resistance is a deliberate storytelling choice, allowing them to remain focal points for the plot’s progression. In-game events and character interactions are designed to propel the narrative forward, and a suddenly infected protagonist would disrupt this flow.
Examples of Protagonist Non-Infection
- Resident Evil 0: Rebecca Chambers, an American government agent, was sent to Raccoon City to investigate strange occurrences. Despite being present in the city during the initial outbreak, she didn’t contract the virus, indicating some level of resistance.
- Resident Evil 4: Ada Wong, a mysterious ally and potential love interest for Leon, was immune to the Las Plagas parasite despite being in close proximity to infected individuals.
- Resident Evil 5: Sheva Alomar, an Israeli agent, was assigned to work with Chris Redfield to investigate the global virus outbreak. Although exposed to the virus, she received treatment and remained healthy throughout the mission.
Table: Protagonist Non-Infection Cases
| Game | Protagonist | Situation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE 0 | Rebecca Chambers | In Raccoon City during outbreak | No infection |
| RE 4 | Ada Wong | Proximal to infected | No infection |
| RE 5 | Sheva Alomar | Exposed to virus | Treatment succeeded |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the absence of infection among Resident Evil protagonists can be attributed to a combination of canon explanations and theoretical perspectives. Whether due to natural resistance, vaccines, or plot convenience, the protagonists’ survival serves as a narrative cornerstone, allowing the story to unfold and engage players.