Throughout the long, high-stakes story of Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll encounter a diverse cast of characters, each adding depth and intrigue to the story while also making the whole dystopian world feel more lifelike. Even the villains help keep you company or even give you motivation; there’s no shortage of interesting characters in Cyberpunk 2077.
Of course, some characters are more memorable than others, either through their quirks and idiosyncrasies or their sheer insistence on making themselves relevant (usually by bugging you). So, as you play once more through Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion, keep an eye out for these interesting characters in Cyberpunk 2077.
Goro Takemura
Goro Takemura was once Saburo Arasaka’s bodyguard who failed miserably at his job. His deep sense of honor and noble origins make him a sympathetic character, especially in a sea of decadence with which you had to wade through in Night City.
Takemura’s alliances and desire for bloodless resolutions set him apart in a world defined by betrayal and violence. And while he’s a little too stiff and straight-edged, he did save V’s life and offered a chance for redemption.
Viktor Vector
Viktor is V’s ripper doc and street-smart techy. As far as father figures go, Viktor is a ray of sunshine in Night City’s polluted and artificial atmosphere. He not only gives out free cybernetic implants but also free advice (and he also saved V’s life).
His unwavering kindness in a harsh world sets him apart from the usual gonk you encounter. Seeing how other ripper docs behave in Night City, Viktor is one of the best men you’ll ever meet. Viktor’s role in augmenting V’s body and his genuine remorse for failing to protect Jackie make him a special person in V’s circle.
Yorinobu Arasaka
Yorinobu Arasaka, despite being the main antagonist, deserves to be on this list. Inadvertently or not, he became an allegory for the hypocrisy of some wannabe rebels after this wayward son ended up lusting after his father’s legacy despite picking a more independent path early on.
His ruthless pursuit of power and the way he usurped one of the most influential corporations in Night City make him a fitting embodiment of the city’s darkest aspects. Yorinobu has no sympathetic backstory; he’s simply power-hungry and spoiled, going so far as to commit patricide. Needless to say, he set off the events in Cyberpunk 2077.
Judy Alvarez
Judy Alvarez, the brain dance technician with a hidden heart of gold, is, of course, hard to miss. She’s practically plastered all over the marketing for the game. Those who thought of her as a potential romantic option might be disappointed to find out that Judy is strictly a lesbian if they’re playing a male character.
While initially callous, Judy’s deeper layers emerge as you get to know her, making her a compelling character and even someone crucial to the plot. Judy’s connection to Evelyn Parker and Night City prostitutes, who are on an uphill battle for independence and rights, adds complexity to her role in the story.
Adam Smasher
Like Yorunobu Arasaka, Adam Smasher is one of the main villains in the game, and his character concept alone is enough to make him unforgettable. Despite limited screen time, Smasher leaves a lasting impact with his ruthless actions. His high-functioning cyberpsycho nature makes him a formidable nemesis figure.
Adam Smasher also came to symbolize what V or just about any mercenary could have been if they sold out to corporations and became as power-hungry and immoral as the overlords of a cyberpunk world. Thus, for many reasons (including his appearance in the anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners), the confrontation with Adam Smasher is more than personal.
Panam Palmer
Panam Palmer claims the fifth spot as V’s reliable ally in the Badlands. Her defiance of the status quo and willingness to carve a bold future for the Aldecaldos (her nomad gang) showcase her determination and moral compass as a character.
Panam’s loyalty and potential for compromise make her stand out, and they should since she’s also a companion character and a fully-fledged romantic option. She’s straight, by the way; no female V’s allowed.
Jackie Welles
Jackie Welles has one of the most limited screen time here as far as friendly characters go, but his death, as well as his optimistic demeanor in the face of adversity, make him the most immersive addition to V’s social circle. Jackie is also one of the first few friends that V will make in Night City.
He’s loyal to a fault, impetuous, and loudly machoโa perfect complement to the more subtle and suave V. He’s the best choom you could ever wish for. Too bad he died way too early, but even in his death, Jackie’s existence as a character resonated far beyond the introductory quest.
Saburo Arasaka
Speaking of other characters who died early on but had a bigger impact on the story after their deaths, we have Saburo Arasaka, the Japanese corpo overlord in Night City. He is just perfect as a stereotypical cyberpunk character. Saburo owns everything and is somewhat immortal and even more unscrupulous than his son, as was revealed in the story.
Even though he’s a wholly repulsive and evil character, Saburo no doubt made Cyberpunk 2077 and Night City into the festering techno-hellscape it is. He created the ideal playground for cyberpunk mercenaries and their fiery, rebellious, anti-establishment ideals.
Rogue
Rogue, Johnny Silverhand’s former lover and the influential fixer of the Afterlife merc club, secures this spot. Her relevance in the story, from serving as a parallel to Johnny’s fate to her reputation, makes her a pivotal character. Rogue’s presence in the final battle was rather dramatic and a poetic conclusion to her tale.
Her whole character is a glimpse into the past, and underneath the hardened mercenary boss-lady facade is a secret that shatters the very foundation of her line of work. Such a conflicting characterization of Rogue makes her a quintessential cyberpunk figurehead.
Johnny Silverhand
At the pinnacle of our list is Johnny Silverhand, the charismatic and jaded secondary protagonist. Johnny’s development throughout the game, from a radical rebel to a character willing to sacrifice himself for V’s sake, showcases his dynamic nature and that underneath the douchebag facade is a sympathetic but worn-down man.
Keanu Reeves’ portrayal and Johnny’s influence on V’s choices make him the most fascinating character in Cyberpunk 2077. It’s not like you have a choice either, since he just keeps echoing out his anger and smugness like a tin can inside your head throughout the game. It’s a good thing he’s there, though. Otherwise, Night City and Cyberpunk 2077 would have felt lonelier.