Top 10 Fallout Characters

Hibernation and detached management are the way of the future, as it were. Having accumulated control of much of Las Vegas prior to the Great War of 2077, Robert House then spent decades in a hibernation chamber – awakening in a post-nuclear world. From there, House went about rebuilding New Vegas, making it a haven for gamblers yet maintaining singular control. What stands out most about Mr. House is his absolute faith in his system, taking issue with the philosophies of other factions. He will go to great extremes to protect his beloved Vegas, for good or ill.

A hired gun's loyal as long as the money is good. Such is the case with Charon, a ghoul bodyguard working for the bartender of the Ninth Circle bar. When encountered Charon walks a fine line between contract-based loyalty and faint displeasure with his situation... unless the player obtains Charon's contract. At that point, Charon's sense of morality comes to light, as he looks down upon people who cross moral lines. Yet he's enough of an honour-bound professional to not act on his feelings until the contract ends.

Initially a member of the Master's army, from the original “Fallout”, this super mutant would come to co-found the community of Broken Hills. Marcus' role in “Fallout 2” was two-fold: to aid the Chosen One in finding a Garden of Eden Creation Kit, and to serve as a perspective on the views of mutants. While in his early years Marcus maintained the zealous attitude imparted by the Master, by his later years he softened into a more amicable personality. His compassionate style of leadership is truly inspiring.

Speaking of super mutants, here's one who defies expectations thoroughly. Being one of the first created mutants of Vault 87, the being eventually known as Fawkes worked hard to retain both his moral code and his intelligence, unlike other mutants. Unfortunately, this caused Fawkes to be alienated from his kin and confined to an observation cell... until freed by the Lone Wanderer. Everything from his recollection of his struggle to stay sane, to his civil and cultured nature, helps underline Fawkes' intriguing nature. It also helps that he is versatile in all types of weapons, big or small.

Oh, Dogmeat, how we love you so. This canine companion of the Vault Dweller initially takes up residence in Junktown, being introduced as a terrifying presence. However, upon being recruited Dogmeat proves to be a steadfastly loyal – if single-minded – ally, attacking foes with great force and following the player on their quest. Though the original Dogmeat is said to have died, he does gain many descendants also named Dogmeat in later Fallout games continuing this charming legacy.

The DJ's in the house, and he's speaking his mind no matter what. Fortunately, the Galaxy News Radio host Three Dog is benevolent in nature – seeking to balance out the propaganda-fuelled programming of the Enclave with his own embrace of free speech. It certainly helps that Three Dog is an energetic host, filling his broadcasts with sharp observations and witty dialogue. And when approached by the Lone Wanderer during the events of “Fallout 3”, Three Dog is more than willing to offer information about the Wanderer's father James. Keep the spirit alive, good sir.

If malevolence has a name, it's The Master. Born Richard Moreau, this victim of the Forced Evolutionary Virus soon rose to power as the leader of an army of super mutants. Nothing can quite capture the level of cruelty and detachment from humanity that The Master embodies, going so far as to capture and mutate entire caravans. Yet he's also disturbing in physical appearance, consisting of a grotesque face attached to computers with its flesh and speaking via media sampling. Few villains are as skillfully designed as this.

For this man, there will be killing until the score is paid. Ulysses once served Caesar's Legion before leaving to join a budding settlement known as the Divide – only to barely survive the Divide's destruction after a package activated dormant nuclear weapons. Haunted by the disaster, Ulysses set about reshaping the world on his own, while retaining complicated feelings about The Courier, the person indirectly responsible for destroying the Divide. His introspective tendencies, coupled with his obsession with The Courier, lends him a great deal of intrigue.

Ah, the bitter taste of long-term tragedy. This in large part defines Harold, once a citizen of Vault 29 who was mutated by the Forced Evolutionary Virus. At first taking the form of a ghoul, Harold soon had to deal with a tree growing out of his skull, which he named Bob. Perhaps in response to his increasing difficulties in life, Harold maintains a dry sense of humour and a kind disposition. Whether helping to run a ghoul town or being worshipped by a cult, Harold's good nature shines through.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Wadsworth
“Fallout 3” (2008)

Lucas Simms
“Fallout 3” (2008)

Courier's Brain
“Fallout: New Vegas” (2010)

President John Henry Eden
“Fallout 3” (2008)

Nick Valentine
"Fallout 4" (2015)

Simple in nature, this AI program is nevertheless lovable. Acting as the assistant to Benny, leader of the Chairmen of New Vegas, Yes Man underwent reprogramming that enabled him to do as he was asked. Yet it came with a catch: Yes Man cannot refuse inquiries or instructions from anyone. Thus, if the player so chooses, they can rely on Yes Man's determined nature and complete acceptance of orders to secure the independence of New Vegas on their own terms. To top it off, Yes Man is among the most amicable and well-mannered denizens of the Mojave Wasteland.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Fallout character? For more personality-driven Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.