The Resident Evil series has never revolved around a single character. Instead, Capcom likes to switch up the main cast for each entry in the franchise. The biggest names like Chris Redfield, Leon Kennedy, and Jill Valentine still make more appearances than most, yet none are in each one.
There's a collection of other characters, though, who are big deals for single installments and then never seen again. It's unclear what these one-game wonders did to be discarded or put on hold for so long, but they deserve better. So, here are those who made one appearance in the series (not counting any remakes) and should come back.
10 Ashley Graham – Resident Evil 4
One of the only complaints about the incredible Resident Evil 4 was Ashley Graham. Leon kept having to save the damsel in distress throughout the game, and she would constantly scream his name in her grating voice.
However, she remains a very memorable character, and if Capcom brought her back, they could redeem her. After all, in RE4, she's only young, so she could return as an older woman who is hardened from her difficult time with the Los Iluminados.
9 Moira Burton – Resident Evil: Revelations 2
Revelations 2 saw the return of Barry Burton to the series, and it also introduced his daughter Moira. The younger Burton has a unique personality for a Resident Evil character as she wasn't as pro-violence as most of them.
She was particularly against guns for most of the game because she accidentally shot her sister long ago. Her role as a more reluctant and inexperienced fighter could be interesting in a future game.
8 Billy Coen – Resident Evil Zero
Rebecca Chambers is one of RE's most underrated characters, and her partner from Resident Evil Zero is no different. Billy Coen has a compelling backstory as while in the Marine Corps, he disobeyed orders by refusing to kill innocent civilians. His team still went through with the massacre, and they blamed Coen for everything.
When he met Rebecca, the man was a death-row inmate, and he had to win her trust. By the end of the game, he'd proven himself to Chambers, but the prickly individual perhaps needs another heroic adventure to clear his name.
7 Keith Lumley– Resident Evil: Revelations
Before Resident Evil 6 did it years later, the first Revelations game stood out due to its many protagonists. Along with usual names like Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, a man named Keith Lumley also played a significant role.
As a member of BSAA, Lumley did his part in uncovering the secret behind the Terragrigia Panic. He's a charismatic and understated guy, especially compared to his partner Quint. It would be cool if Capcom could dive deeper into the character in a future title.
6 Zoe Baker – Resident Evil 7
For much of Resident Evil 7, Zoe Baker served as Ethan's only ally as she helped him navigate the strange Baker household. Yet, in canon, the protagonist left her behind and chose to save his girlfriend instead.
As shown in the DLCs, though, Zoe survived and was eventually rescued. So, there's an opportunity for her to make another appearance in the series. Her relationship with the Winter family could be an intriguing avenue to explore.
5 Sheva Alomar – Resident Evil 5
While not as derided as Resident Evil 6, RE5 received criticism for being more action-orientated than fans wanted. One of the problems was the inclusion of a co-op partner for Chris Redfield. Yet, outside of gameplay, Sheva Alomar was not a bad addition to the series.
Along with being a badass, she was an entertaining character throughout the adventure. Although the adventure wasn't really hers, it was more about Chris finding his former partner and fighting his long-time nemesis. A new game more focused on Sheva would be welcome.
4 Natalia Korda – Resident Evil: Revelations 2
Throughout Revelations 2, Natalia Korda served as Barry Burton's partner. However, she was more vital to the main story than the former S.T.A.R.S member.
Because of her unique powers, she became a target for Alex Wesker, who wanted to take over the girl's body. And at the end of the game, it seemed like the female Wesker had at least partially succeeded in possessing Natalia. Only another adventure featuring Natalia and Alex Wesker will bring clarity to who's in control.
3 Jake Muller – Resident Evil 6
RE6 was more exciting than compelling, yet Jake Muller was a genuinely fascinating character. As the son of Albert Wesker, he had many of his dad's superhuman powers, without the villainy. However, the young man was still not the most honorable individual ever as he was driven more by money than morals. Throughout the game, though, he became a better person. Plus, he was a constant source of entertainment due to his quick wit.
It'll be cool to see the character again in a future installment. Yet, because of RE's refocus on horror, he likely couldn't be a protagonist again as players wouldn't feel vulnerable if they're controlling this superhuman beast.
2 Carlos Oliveira – Resident Evil 3
Due to the Resident Evil 3 remake, Carlos has recently come back into the limelight. In his only game in the series so far, he helped Jill survive against the relentless Nemesis and escape Racoon City.
Throughout the adventure, he proved himself to be a capable hero. And even though a lot of what he says is a little cringy, he's still charming. For sections of RE3, he was a playable character and one of the series better ones. But it would be nice to have a full game with Carlos serving as the protagonist.
1 Rosemary Winters – Resident Evil Village
*Major Spoilers For Resident Evil Village Below*
Rosemary Winters, the daughter of Ethan and Mia, spends most of Resident Evil Village as a baby, albeit an important one. In the ending cutscene, though, she's a teen visiting her father's grave. And the game strongly hints that Village won't be her last appearance in the series.
Her family has been the center of the recent installments, so making her the next protagonist would allow the overall story to continue. Hopefully, she can have a less painful experience than her father had in the last two games.