Of the numerous features of Half-Life 2 there's one that really pushes it past the competition. It's the many interesting characters that inhabit the Half-Life 2 world that inject life and feeling into the game. There are a number to meet on your journey including some old friends from the original game.

WARNING: Reading some of the information on this page may reveal some characters allegiances. If you would rather find these out for yourself while playing the game don't read this page for now.

		Gordon Freeman Playable Character, hero Formerly of the Black Mesa Research Facility, now under the employ of the so-called G-man, scientist Gordon Freeman emerges from the depths of his timeless stasis to an eerie awakening at the hands of his ominous employer. Treated to a rather cryptic briefing Gordon finds himself on a train rattling towards City 17 main station. Very much alone on an Earth barely recognizable Gordon is forced to piece together the unravelling events of the world – now almost two decades on from the Black Mesa incident.
		Alyx Sidekick Daughter of Eli Vance and an important figurehead within the human resistance, Alyx Vance is a determined and strong fighter. Her childhood was shaped by the events of post-Combine Earth, and as such she is extremely abled and focused on the goals of the resistance, but also towards her father, who she admires more so than anyone. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14
		Barney Calhoun Ex-Black Mesa security guard Another survivor of the Black Mesa incident, Barney managed to get himself embroiled in the on going resistance movement within City 17, proving to be more than an asset in working undercover as a Civil protection officer. Quick talking and good humoured, Barney still keeps in mind that beer he's owed. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 11, 12
		The G-Man Gordon's new employer Having manipulated and twisted the events of Black Mesa to shape Gordon Freeman into an almost near unstoppable force he offered him the opportunity to serve as, essentially, his tool. In the interest of aiding humanity, Freeman accepted, not quite knowing what lay ahead. Almost two decades on and the G-man is in need of his services. Delivering an altogether cryptic mission briefing he deposits Gordon on Earth. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 14
		Vortigaunts Alien slaves freed by Gordon Freeman Formerly enemies of Gordon Freeman during the Black Mesa incident, Gordon arrives on Earth to find them allied with the resistance. It would appear that with the destruction of the Nihilanth, Gordon liberated the Vortigaunts and as such they are now indebted to him. Stranded on Earth, the Vortigaunts aid in the struggle against the totalitarian Combine regime. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
		Odessa Cubbage Cowardly Officer Heading a small rebel outpost along the coastal wasteland, aptly named ‘New Little Odessa’. Despite claims of military service, the ‘Security’ tag on his jacket suggests otherwise, as does his somewhat dodgy British accent. Believing himself to be an asset to the resistance, Cubbage never quite manages to get his hands dirty. First Seen: Chapter Seven, Highway 17 Chapter Appearances: 7
		Father Grigory Survivalist monk The last remaining survivor of Ravenholm, a mining town that was formerly a safe haven for City 17 escapees – before it was discovered and bombarded with parasite rockets. The fearless and rather detached monk does his best to quell his 'flock', with delusional sermons and the muzzle of his shotgun. First Seen: Chapter Six, "We don't go to Ravenholm…" Chapter Appearances: 6
		Dr. Breen The token evil scientist Formerly the Administrator of Black Mesa, Wallace Breen managed to strike a deal with the Combine, in which the remains of humanity were saved – but at a terrible cost. For his actions the alien oppressors appointed him Administrator of Earth, and tasked him with managing the assimilation program. Cold, dry and driven by an unquenchable thirst for scientific knowledge Breen is convinced his actions are for the better of humanity in an increasingly hostile universe. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
		Dr. Judith Mossman Research scientist Judith originally went up for Gordon’s job at Black Mesa, but got rejected due to Gordon's Innsbruck experience. Nonetheless, Mossman is an incredibly abled physicist and takes genuine pride and interest in her work. Unfortunately, this is marred by her emotional vulnerability and this can brush off wrongly on others – namely Alyx, who takes a particular dislike to her. First Seen: Chapter Two, A Red Letter Day Chapter Appearances: 2, 5, 10, 14
		Dr. Kleiner Ex-Black Mesa research scientist One of the most brilliant physicists of our age, Dr. Kleiner was both teacher to Gordon at MIT and project lead of anomalous materials testing at Black Mesa. An absent-minded and thoroughly long-winded yet likeable scientist, Kleiner sets up his lab in the heart of City 17 to help the resistance. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 11
		Dr. Eli Vance Ex-Black Mesa research scientist A member of BMRF's anomalous materials team, and a mentor to Gordon Freeman, Eli Vance now takes an active role as leader of the human resistance against the Combine. Setting up "Black Mesa East" outside of City 17, Dr. Vance works toward the liberation of humanity through technological advancement. First Seen: Chapter Two, A Red Letter Day Chapter Appearances: 2, 5, 10, 14
		Dog Alyx's pet robot The affectionately named 'Dog' was built by Eli Vance to protect Alyx when she was a little girl. He started off as a little puppy and slowly grew into the gigantic hulk it is today thanks to Alyx adding various upgrades over the years. Although simple minded and with a passion for playing catch, Dog is incredibly loyal to both Alyx and her friends. Dog would never hesitate to protect them and can lift almost anything to throw at anyone who dare try to hurt them. First Seen: Chapter Five, Black Mesa East Chapter Appearances: 5, 11, 12
		Resistance Forces Allied militia Although most of the world has been destroyed and humanity enslaved there are pockets of resistance forces ready and willing to fight back against the Combine. Their small size have allowed them to keep under the Combine radar and do considerable damage to their plans. Like the security guards in the original, resistance soldiers will follow your lead offering support and covering fire in your battles. First Seen: Chapter Three, Route Kanal Chapter Appearances: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12
		Citizens The remains of Earths human population The remaining human populace, suffering under the brutalities of the Combines totalitarian regime and forced into a meagre existence. Hope is scarce, and the promise of a future a far distant dream as the Combine suck the planet dry, and prepare the last of the humans to be shipped off-world. First Seen: Chapter One, Point Insertion Chapter Appearances: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14