Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey/Characters

The Protagonist
The main character of the game, he is a high-ranking military officer, his nationality depending on the game region (i.e. in the North American version, he is a US Marine). As per Shin Megami Tensei tradition, he is player-named and is silent except for player-selected dialogue choices.


 * Badass
 * Badass Normal:
 * Future Badass:
 * Submissive Badass: You may be The Hero, but you are always following someone else's orders, whether it be Gore, Arthur,  Regardless, you are acknowledged as the most dangerous guy on the team of whomever you follow.
 * Dude, Where's My Respect? - Averted. Regardless of what path you choose to follow, your allies will cheer you on as you get closer to the end of the game, especially on the Neutral Path. Prior to this, you are always asked your opinion, and it almost always winds up being taken into consideration. Furthermore, the demons steadily come to regard you as the single greatest threat on the Strike Team, and outright panic when you arrive in the final area.
 * Last-Name Basis: Unusually for a Megami Tensei game, you're referred to by your last name most of the time—even in menus and the battle screen, your last name is shown instead of your first. It makes sense, as you're a military officer.
 * First-Name Basis: Your crewmates, however, tend to go by your first name outside of briefings.
 * The Captain: You effectively become this for the Strike Team
 * The Hero
 * The Messiah: What you become for humanity in the Neutral Path.
 * Race Lift: A more subtle example. Your appearance doesn't change, but what country you're comes from depends on what region of the game you're playing (Japanese for Japanese version, American for North American version, etc.)
 * The Stoic: You are actually commended by your teammates for not cracking under the strain, and this results in many members of the human good guys looking up to your character as a role model.
 * You Are in Command Now: After.
 * You Are in Command Now: After.

Gore


The commanding officer of the Red Sprite, and overall leader of the Schwarzwelt Investigation Team. He is a born leader, and greatly respected by the crew.

[[spoiler:Against the wishes of the crew, he accompanies the MC on his mission to rescue Jimenez from the demon Orias, but is mortally wounded in the battle. Before dying, he places the MC in charge of the mission and begs him to stop the Schwarzwelt.

He later returns as a Ubergestalt, thanks to the energies of the Schwarzwelt. His experiences have only reinforced his faith in humanity, essentially making him the Neutral Hero of the game.]]


 * A Father to His Men
 * Badass Normal: He very nearly defeats singlehandly.
 * Bald Black Leader Guy
 * The Big Guy

Zelenin


A Russian scientist assigned as the First Lieutenant to the observation crew of the Elve. Her appointment was one of the first made in preparation for the Schwarzwelt operation. She is a friendly and intelligent thinker, and dedicated to the mission.

[[spoiler:After crashlanding in the Schwarzwelt, Zelenin and the rest of the Elve crew were abducted by the demon general Mitra, who used the crew as test subjects for his experiments. As a result of all she'd seen and heard while in Mitra's custody, she hates demons and refuses to work with them under any circumstances.

However, she is persuaded by Mastema that angels are different from the demons she hates, and accepts their help. As she witnesses the atrocities committed by Jack Squad, she loses faith in humanity and falls under the thrall of Mastema. She eventually accepts an offer from him to transform into an angelic being, becoming the Law Hero of Strange Journey]].


 * Fan Nickname: YouTube folks often call Zelenin Lady Gaga. It doesn't help that she can sing.
 * Fantastic Racism:
 * The Chick: Would be The Smart Guy if Arthur didn't already take the position.
 * Fantastic Racism:
 * The Chick: Would be The Smart Guy if Arthur didn't already take the position.
 * The Chick: Would be The Smart Guy if Arthur didn't already take the position.
 * The Chick: Would be The Smart Guy if Arthur didn't already take the position.
 * The Chick: Would be The Smart Guy if Arthur didn't already take the position.

Jimenez


An American mercenary who once served as an army officer. He signed up for the Schwarzwelt operation for the money, and serves on the Blue Jet's strike team. Though highly skilled, he has a severe attitude problem and cares more about survival than completing the mission.

[[spoiler:He is the sole survivor of the Blue Jet after it crashlands in Antlia and is attacked by demons. He is rescued by the MC and joins the crew of the Red Sprite. Over time he grows fond of one of his demons, Bugaboo, only for them both to be captured by Jack Squad and used in their experiments to create living weapons. After they mortally wound Bugaboo, Jimenez fuses his body with Bugaboo both to save its life, and to take vengeance on Jack.

In his new half-demon form, Jimenez becomes the Chaos Hero of the game, growing to enjoy his new powers and eventually leaving to live alongside his demonic brethren]].


 * Cluster F-Bomb: Prone to this.
 * His favorite curse word in particular seems to be "shit".
 * Deadpan Snarker
 * Gratuitous Spanish: Prone to saying "Ay Dios mio!" ("Oh my God!") whenever it gets worse. Made all the funnier because, of course,.
 * Jerkass: Oh yes.
 * Jerk with a Heart of Gold: He starts to become this after recruiting Bugaboo.
 * He becomes friendly with the MC, and later says that the MC is essentially the only crew member he gives a damn about.
 * The Lancer:
 * Not Good with People
 * Only in It For the Money
 * The Lancer:
 * Not Good with People
 * Only in It For the Money
 * Not Good with People
 * Only in It For the Money
 * Only in It For the Money

Arthur
The virtual intelligence of the Red Sprite.


 * A.I. Is a Crapshoot: Noticeably averted.
 * Catch Phrase: "I look forward to the successful completion of your mission."
 * Mission Control
 * The Smart Guy
 * The Stoic: Manages to always remain calm and collected, despite the many horrors the team encounters. It comes with being a machine.
 * What Measure Is a Non-Human?: Both the crew of the Red Sprite and the inhabitants of the Schwarzwelt question Arthur's existence as an independent being with a soul due to, yes, being a machine (he's referred to as a "ghost cast in circuits"). The former are a lot more open-minded and consider him one of their own; the latter hold nothing but disdain for him.
 * The Stoic: Manages to always remain calm and collected, despite the many horrors the team encounters. It comes with being a machine.
 * What Measure Is a Non-Human?: Both the crew of the Red Sprite and the inhabitants of the Schwarzwelt question Arthur's existence as an independent being with a soul due to, yes, being a machine (he's referred to as a "ghost cast in circuits"). The former are a lot more open-minded and consider him one of their own; the latter hold nothing but disdain for him.

Other Red Sprite Personnel

 * Americans Are Cowboys: Irving is very obviously from Texas.
 * For Science!: Irving and Chen are a benign version of this who are mostly Heroic Neutral. They get geeked out of their minds over all the forma they can mess with, and Irving gets borderline creepy over how obsessed he is, but the both of them also have limits in that they consider the actions of the resident Mad Scientists in the game horrifying, and unless, they remain loyal members of the Red Sprite Team.
 * Gadgeteer Genius: Irving and Chen take material that would probably perplex MacGyver himself and make all sorts of armor and death-dealing weapons out of it.
 * Hopeless Suitor: Anthony. Oh so much.
 * Interspecies Romance: Anthony really wants to get into one.
 * Only Sane Man: In the Law and Chaos paths,
 * Sliding Scale of Idealism vs. Cynicism: Over time, crew morale goes downward and differences become a problem, especially in later sectors, until ultimately . In the Neutral path,
 * Southern-Fried Genius: Irving. Ye gods, Irving.
 * The Medic: Zoe and Maebe usually staff the Sickbay area, though Wolf occasionally fills Maebe's spot.
 * Those Two Guys: The areas of the Red Sprite have at least two people in the same room at any one time who are usually working together,

Bugaboo
A simple demon that the team encounters in Sector Bootes. Because he is a "half breed", he was tortured and experimented on by Mitra's servants just like the humans. During the final raid on Mitra's palace, the Protagonist and Jimenez encounter and rescue Bugaboo from his tormentors, and he becomes Jimenez's demon.


 * Hybrid Monster: This is the reason Mitra's minions were experimenting on him. The other half of his DNA? Human. Why this is never quite gets explained, though it's implied Mitra and his followers created him for experimental purposes.
 * I Owe You My Life: The reason Bugaboo is intensely loyal to Jimenez. During the investigation of Sector D,.
 * Mascot Mook: He's this for Strange Journey in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.
 * Morality Pet: To Jimenez.
 * Pokémon-Speak: Although he does learn to speak broken English over time.

Captain Jack
The British leader of a mercenary squad called, appropriately enough, Jack's Squad. He claims to have come to the Schwarzwelt in order to make a profit, but a lot of the crew suspects that he has an ulterior motive.


 * Expy:
 * Subverted. The only reason the fusion succeeded was because you plugged your Demonica into it to power the fusion. Jack's squad was using a VERY flawed method of demon fusion and while it did produce results, there was a reason why the only demons you see under their control are mostly abominations like Ghouls, Legions, Slimes and Pisacas.
 * Only in It For the Money
 * Expy:
 * Subverted. The only reason the fusion succeeded was because you plugged your Demonica into it to power the fusion. Jack's squad was using a VERY flawed method of demon fusion and while it did produce results, there was a reason why the only demons you see under their control are mostly abominations like Ghouls, Legions, Slimes and Pisacas.
 * Only in It For the Money
 * Subverted. The only reason the fusion succeeded was because you plugged your Demonica into it to power the fusion. Jack's squad was using a VERY flawed method of demon fusion and while it did produce results, there was a reason why the only demons you see under their control are mostly abominations like Ghouls, Legions, Slimes and Pisacas.
 * Only in It For the Money
 * Only in It For the Money

Ryan
A member of Jack Squad, and Captain Jack's second in command.


 * The Dragon: To Captain Jack.
 * Smug Snake
 * What Happened to the Mouse?: . And if you choose to go Neutral and
 * Smug Snake
 * What Happened to the Mouse?: . And if you choose to go Neutral and
 * What Happened to the Mouse?: . And if you choose to go Neutral and
 * What Happened to the Mouse?: . And if you choose to go Neutral and

The Three Wise Men
A trio of angels that appear to the protagonist in a dream when he first enters the Schwarzwelt. They are essentially the leaders of the forces of Law in Strange Journey.


 * Council of Angels
 * Expy: Of YHVH, natch.
 * Knight Templar: Arguably less so than YHVH, but they still count.
 * Mr. Exposition: They outright say at one point.
 * The Omniscient Council of Vagueness: They welcome the expedition into the Schwarzwelt and occasionally communicate with our heroes. At one point, both the crew and Arthur refer to them as "the three living beings" (What Do You Mean Its Not Symbolic) They represent.
 * Except it is symbolic. They're getting you to help the god of law (aka YHVH). And also, they're only vague until just before Horologium, when you get The Reveal from them and Louisa Ferre.
 * Rule of Three

Mastema


An Angel with pitch black wings that serves the Three Wise Men.


 * The Dragon: To the Wise Men.
 * Expy: For as he is portrayed in SMT 2. Unsurprisingly, given that the two names seem to refer to the same being (or at least two very similar beings) in Hebrew folklore.
 * Knight Templar: He is on the side of Law, after all.
 * Manipulative Bastard: Considering he's named after  consider this a non-surprise for people who looked up the name on That Other Wiki.
 * : In the Neutral route.
 * Knight Templar: He is on the side of Law, after all.
 * Manipulative Bastard: Considering he's named after  consider this a non-surprise for people who looked up the name on That Other Wiki.
 * : In the Neutral route.
 * Knight Templar: He is on the side of Law, after all.
 * Manipulative Bastard: Considering he's named after  consider this a non-surprise for people who looked up the name on That Other Wiki.
 * : In the Neutral route.
 * : In the Neutral route.
 * : In the Neutral route.

Morax
The demon leader of Sector Antlia.


 * A Load of Bull
 * Ars Goetia
 * Blood Knight
 * Playing with Fire: Uses Maragi  He also calls himself the Tyrant of Flames
 * Standard Status Effect: Gehenna causes Fear in those it affects. Earlier, he can cast Bobasma, which can also inflict Fear.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Warmup Boss
 * With Great Power Comes Great Insanity: Mentions that his power is overflowing to such a extent that his sanity is fleeting.
 * With Great Power Comes Great Insanity: Mentions that his power is overflowing to such a extent that his sanity is fleeting.

Mitra
The demon leader of Sector Bootes.


 * Affably Evil:
 * An Ice Person: Has Mabufudyne as one of his attacks.
 * Bishounen
 * Complete Monster
 * Evil Tower of Ominousness: The Palace of Pleasure in Bootes.
 * Irony: Has a attack called Light of Order despite being a Dark demon of Chaos.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Smug Snake: Believes himself to be superior to the humans in every sense.
 * Standard Status Effects: His Waking Dream attack can cause Strain, which drains MP.
 * "Wake-Up Call" Boss: Let's see, he has Light of Order, a One-Hit Kill to one of your demons in a game where putting a dead demon back in action takes 2 turns (one to revive, another to re-summon) unless you have a particular rare item or late-game spell that cuts that down to one turn, as well as Mabufudyne, a third-degree all-targeting ice spell, when you're lucky to have Bufula and Mabufu at this point.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Smug Snake: Believes himself to be superior to the humans in every sense.
 * Standard Status Effects: His Waking Dream attack can cause Strain, which drains MP.
 * "Wake-Up Call" Boss: Let's see, he has Light of Order, a One-Hit Kill to one of your demons in a game where putting a dead demon back in action takes 2 turns (one to revive, another to re-summon) unless you have a particular rare item or late-game spell that cuts that down to one turn, as well as Mabufudyne, a third-degree all-targeting ice spell, when you're lucky to have Bufula and Mabufu at this point.
 * "Wake-Up Call" Boss: Let's see, he has Light of Order, a One-Hit Kill to one of your demons in a game where putting a dead demon back in action takes 2 turns (one to revive, another to re-summon) unless you have a particular rare item or late-game spell that cuts that down to one turn, as well as Mabufudyne, a third-degree all-targeting ice spell, when you're lucky to have Bufula and Mabufu at this point.

Horkos
The demon leader of Sector Carina.


 * Bad Boss: He eats his minions during his boss fight.
 * Big Eater
 * Messy Pig
 * Fat Bastard
 * I'm a Humanitarian: Eats his own pig minions in his boss fight.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Verbal Tic: Horkos bellows "BUONO" whether things are going well for him (gorging himself) or not.
 * Villainous Glutton
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Verbal Tic: Horkos bellows "BUONO" whether things are going well for him (gorging himself) or not.
 * Villainous Glutton

Asura
The demon leader of Sector Delphinus.


 * Down in the Dumps: Sector Delphinus
 * Our Giants Are Bigger: Asura is large even when compared to other demons.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Social Darwinist: He considers Law to do nothing but succor the weak...who are meant to die quickly. All loving the weak does is inflict decay upon the strong...and so, weaken and defile the world entire. Yes, you read that correctly—he essentially considers sympathy and kindness to be evil.
 * Our Giants Are Bigger: Asura is large even when compared to other demons.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Social Darwinist: He considers Law to do nothing but succor the weak...who are meant to die quickly. All loving the weak does is inflict decay upon the strong...and so, weaken and defile the world entire. Yes, you read that correctly—he essentially considers sympathy and kindness to be evil.
 * Our Giants Are Bigger: Asura is large even when compared to other demons.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Social Darwinist: He considers Law to do nothing but succor the weak...who are meant to die quickly. All loving the weak does is inflict decay upon the strong...and so, weaken and defile the world entire. Yes, you read that correctly—he essentially considers sympathy and kindness to be evil.
 * Revenge: Against the Protagonist
 * Social Darwinist: He considers Law to do nothing but succor the weak...who are meant to die quickly. All loving the weak does is inflict decay upon the strong...and so, weaken and defile the world entire. Yes, you read that correctly—he essentially considers sympathy and kindness to be evil.

Ouroboros Maia
The Mother Goddess in charge of Sector Eridanus.


 * Anthropomorphic Personification: Apparently of the planet's will, as well as Infinity.
 * Ghibli Hills: Sector Eridanus
 * Our Dragons Are Different: Takes the form of a Ouroboros as well as the Symbol for Infinity.
 * Ouroboros
 * Sequential Boss: You fight her, then she comes back to life and you have to defeat four demons who are feeding her energy. Then you fight her again.
 * Sequential Boss: You fight her, then she comes back to life and you have to defeat four demons who are feeding her energy. Then you fight her again.
 * Sequential Boss: You fight her, then she comes back to life and you have to defeat four demons who are feeding her energy. Then you fight her again.

Tiamat
The Mother Goddess in charge of Sector Fornax.


 * Anthropomorphic Personification: Of the sea.
 * An Ice Person: Uses Glacial Blast, Mabufudyne, and Mother Earth.
 * Dark Is Evil: Naturally as the only mother who is Dark aligned.
 * Eldritch Abomination: Appears as the top half of a female like figure made of stone which is her head.
 * Mother of a Thousand Young
 * No Cure for Evil: Averted. She has Pure Blue the same spell that Jack can use and will use Diarahan if you reflect any of her attacks using spells or items.
 * Our Dragons Are Different
 * No Cure for Evil: Averted. She has Pure Blue the same spell that Jack can use and will use Diarahan if you reflect any of her attacks using spells or items.
 * Our Dragons Are Different

Maya
The Mother Goddess in charge of Sector Grus.


 * Anthropomorphic Personification: Of Illusions
 * Eyeless Face: Instead she has a red gem in its place.
 * Knight Templar
 * Master of Illusion: So powerful are her illusions that they can warp dimensions and even jam signals.
 * Meaningful Name: Her name literally means illusion.
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Psychological Torment Zone
 * Reality Warper
 * Taken for Granite: Her attack Evil Vortex will randomly turn a foe to stone.
 * Reality Warper
 * Taken for Granite: Her attack Evil Vortex will randomly turn a foe to stone.

Mem Aleph

 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger
 * Our Giants Are Bigger