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Here we're going to list the characters introduced in the spin-off ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatMythologiesSubZero Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero]]''. While Quan Chi was originally introduced in ''[[WesternAnimation/MortalKombatDefendersOfTheRealm Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]'', he's included here for the sake of narrative, as this is the game which introduced him to the series proper and explained his role in the main story of the games.

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Quan Chi]]
[[quoteright:320:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/quan-chi_6867.png]]
-->[[caption-width-right:320:''"You will serve me in the Netherrealm!"'']]

-->'''Other appearances:''' ''VideoGame/MortalKombat4'', ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'', ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatArmageddon Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]'' and ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9''. Cameo in ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeception Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatVsDCUniverse Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]''.

-> A sorcerer from the Netherrealm, Quan Chi is quite easily the most [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder treacherous]] character in all the games. While originally supposed to serve the Elder God Shinnok, Quan Chi's true allegiance is only to himself, and he will make and break deals with anyone if it furthers his goals. Quan Chi, contrary to most characters in the series, does not actually belong to either a mortal race or the myriad gods: he used to be an oni, a demonic torturer from hell, who eventually took a humanoid form.

->Quan Chi has had a behind-the-scenes presence through a myriad of major events in the series' history. Serving Shinnok, he directly caused the deaths of both Scorpion (and his clan and family...) and the original Sub-Zero, was the one who revived Sindel in order to facilitate Shao Kahn's invasion of Earthrealm, released Shinnok from his imprisonment in the Netherrealm, and brought about Liu Kang's death during the events of ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Deadly Alliance]]''. He has also betrayed every single ally he ever had at one point or another.

->During the events of both ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatMythologiesSubZero Mythologies: Sub-Zero]]'' and ''VideoGame/MortalKombat4'', Quan Chi was working to release his master, the banished Elder God Shinnok, from his imprisonment in the Netherrealm. To this end, he also worked with Shao Kahn (bringing back Sindel for him, as previously mentioned). After Shinnok's defeat, however, Quan Chi eventually discovered the tomb of Onaga The Dragon King, which contained within his undead army, which slept in suspended animation. Wanting to control the army to conquer both Outworld and Earthrealm, Quan Chi allied himself with Shang Tsung, eventually bringing down Liu Kang together during the events of ''Deadly Alliance''. Of course, after being victorious over Earthrealm's warriors at the end of ''Deadly Alliance'', Quan Chi turns on Shang Tsung (with Shang Tsung doing the same, of course). They are both attacked by Onaga the Dragon King, however, and both Quan Chi and Raiden are supposedly destroyed during the events of ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeception Deception]]''. Quan Chi did survive the events of ''Deception'', but eventually dies along with... well, everybody else, during the events of ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatArmageddon Armageddon]]''.

->Quan Chi has an important role in the events of ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9'': all the aforementioned events which happen during the course of the first three games also happen during this one. It starts with the fact that he slaughters Scorpion's family to convince him to kill the ''original'' Sub-Zero, not the younger one, and it only goes downhill from there.
----
* AffablyEvil
* ActuallyADoombot: Baraka's non-canon ending in ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombat4 Gold]]''.
* ArchEnemy: Serves as Scorpion's. [[spoiler:At least as far as the original timeline is concerned.]]
* BadassBaritone: Don't even deny it.
* BaldOfEvil
* BigNo: When Scorpion [[TakingYouWithMe drags him into the Netherrealm]] in ''4''.
* CanonImmigrant ''and'' AscendedExtra: He appeared first in the ''Defenders of the Realm'' cartoon, with a whole episode where he used a magic jewel to increase the evil emotions in everyone's hearts except Nightwolf. Game-wise, he was introduced in both ''Mythologies'' and ''4'' at the same time as a major character.
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: There is not a single character he's allied or bargained with that he didn't later betray.
* DualWielding: Wields twin broadswords in the ''DA-D-A'' trilogy.
* EnemyMine[=/=]HeelFaceTurn: In ''DC Universe''.
* EvilAlbino
* EvilOverlord
* EvilSorcerer
* EvilSoundsDeep
* {{Expy}}: Inverted. He looks like a modern day [[VideoGame/GodOfWar Kratos]], but precedes him by a margin of 7-8 years (with his ''DA'' design, seen above, predating ''[=GoW=]'' by almost three years).
* FacialMarkings
* FillerVillain: In ''Defenders of the Realm'', he was only around for one episode and didn't show up after that. [[AscendedExtra Not so much in the games.]]
* GrievousHarmWithABody: [[WordOfGod Ed Boon]] went on record as claiming that Quan Chi had both his most AND least favorite fatalities in the series.
** His Leg Rip fatality in ''4'' and ''9'', where he tears your leg off and beats you to death with it, was his favorite.
** In ''Deadly Alliance'', he stretches your neck to cartoony proportions, and while he does it, it can be assumed that he's tearing your spinal kord from the rest of your nerves while keeping your head attached. It's basically Sub-Zero's head rip, but far less bloody.
* InsistentTerminology: Quan Chi's use of the word "ninja" to refer to Sub-Zero (who is a ''[[McNinja Lin Kuei]]''), specifically done as a form of mockery.
* InstantExpert: According to ''Deadly Alliance'''s Konquest Mode, the bulk of Quan Chi's knowledge of the martial arts comes from magic. When he was drained of his powers in the fifth plane of the Netherrealm, Quan Chi could only rely on basic Tang Soo Do attacks to ward off Scorpion.
* ManipulativeBastard: Quan Chi is the one who killed Scorpion's family & clan, ''not'' Sub-Zero. He told Scorpion that it was the younger Sub-Zero, because he wanted Scorpion on his & Shinnok's side during the events of ''[=MK4=]''.
** He does it ''again'' with Scorpion and the elder Sub-Zero during ''[=MK9=]''. In the process, [[spoiler:Scorpion's now a MUCH more willing pawn for him]], and he has also secured [[spoiler:Noob Saibot]] as his servant. [[spoiler:He might also be manipulating ''Raiden himself'', if Raiden's visit to the Netherrealm and the Stinger at game's end are any indication]].
* {{Necromancer}}: As seen in [[CutscenePowerToTheMax the opening]] to ''Armageddon'' [[spoiler:as well as in the story mode of ''9'']], although [[GameplayAndStorySegregation he can't do this in the games proper]]. He CAN exert limited control over the living as well (see PeoplePuppets below).
* OmnicidalManiac: In Baraka's ''Gold'' ending.
* PeoplePuppets: Some of his moves allow him to control his opponent's body for a short period of time. Prime example of this is his X-Ray move in ''9''.
* RedEyesTakeWarning
* SecretCharacter: Beat the Story Mode in ''9'' to unlock him.
* SlouchOfVillainy: His win pose in ''9''.
* SoLongSuckers: Closely watch the intro to ''Deception''. [[spoiler:Quan Chi makes a getaway ''seconds'' before Raiden's HeroicSacrifice [[TakingYouWithMe kamikaze]] after [[WhatTheHellHero calling him out on it.]]]]
* SpikesOfVillainy: Present on his original armor from ''Mythologies'' and ''4'', but also included to a degree in his current attire.
* TheStarscream: To Shinnok.
* ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill: His above mentioned fatality where he beats the victim with their own leg. Even when the announcer deems the opponent dead, Quan Chi ignores it and keeps "beating the dead corpse", past the screen fading to black.
* ThisCannotBe: Has an OhCrap moment upon the return of Onaga. If you listen closely, he actually says this, too.
* WalkingShirtlessScene: Starting in ''Deadly Alliance''.
* WasOnceAMan: Inverted. He was an oni who became human.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Sareena]]
[[quoteright:315:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sareena_889.png]]
-->[[caption-width-right:315:''"I am not a being of Light. I am a demon of the Netherrealm, a servant of Quan Chi."'']]

-->'''Other appearances:''' ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition]]'' and ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon''. Cameo in ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' and ''Mortal Kombat 9''.

-> Sareena is one of [[EvilSorcerer Quan Chi]]'s personal assassins. She and her [[AmazonBrigade two partners]], Kia and Jataaka, were ordered to kill Sub-Zero before he reached Quan Chi. They were defeated, but Sub-Zero strangely spared Sareena's life. Later, as Sub-Zero battled Quan Chi, Sareena suddenly appeared and did a HeelFaceTurn by helping him in defeating the sorcerer. After expressing her desire to escape the Netherealm with him, she's shot in the back with a bolt of energy by Shinnok. She collapses into an enraged Sub-Zero's arms and seems to die...

-> ... Turns out after the events of the game that the only thing Shinnok destroyed was [[TheHeartless her human form]]. In ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeadlyAlliance Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition]]'', it's discovered that her essence was banished as punishment for her betrayal, [[YankTheDogsChain where she would suffer for years]]. Some time later, Sareena discovered the portal Quan Chi and Scorpion used to escape the Netherealm.

-> Shortly after regaining her human form, Sareena encountered [[Characters/MortalKombat2 the younger brother of the Sub-Zero she met years before]]. Sub-Zero granted her sanctuary with the Lin Kuei back on Earthrealm. In gratitude, Sareena pledged her loyalty to the clan, swearing to help defend it from its enemies.

-> In ''Armageddon'', it is revealed that Sareena followed Sub-Zero into the Netherrealm, saving him from [[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeception being killed by Noob Saibot and Smoke]]. She and Sub-Zero were victorious, but after the battle, Sareena lost control of her human form and returned to her true demon self. Thinking her to be a threat, Sub-Zero attacked and she fled, not wanting to harm him. However, she was later attacked by Noob Saibot, Smoke, and her former master Quan Chi, who demanded she provide them information about the Lin Kuei. At first, Sareena refused, determined to remain loyal to Sub-Zero. But Quan Chi then cast his dark sorcery upon her, returning her to her human form and then convincing her that she can never be good and that she is simply a pure evil demon. Swayed by Quan Chi's corruption, [[FaceHeelTurn she agreed to serve him once again]].
-----

* AbortedArc: WordOfGod dropped a few hints that she had a connection to Reiko, but nothing came of it. All that's known is that they both were once members of the Brotherhood of Shadows.
* AmazonBrigade: Was once part of one along with Kia and Jataaka.
* AscendedExtra
* TheAtoner
* BareYourMidriff
* BigDamnHeroes: If you [[MercyRewarded let her live]], [[DynamicEntry she pops out]] during the battle with Quan Chi in ''Mythologies'' to deliver the coup de grace. After ''Deception'', she also prevents Noob and Smoke from getting the jump on Sub-Zero.
* [[BishonenLine Bishoujo Line]]: Averted, as it's implied that her true demon form is vastly stronger, but Sareena hates her demonic lineage and [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity will lose control of her actions]] if she stays in the form for an extended period of time. [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith Sareena assumes human guise out of preference]], making this something of an {{invoked|Trope}} PowerLimiter.
** InformedAbility: That being said, besides the mention of her demon form in her ''Armageddon'' bio, it's never been seen in action (possibly {{justified|Trope}} due to the above), and from what's been discerned, her true form is most likely ''not'' a CuteMonsterGirl or even an attractive {{Beastess}}. Also, while likely, it's unknown if Jataaka and Kia have similar demon forms.
* CombatStilettos
* DarkActionGirl --> ActionGirl
* DarkIsNotEvil: Despite her dark appearance and insistence on continuing to wear the garb of the Brotherhood of Shadows, Sareena has proven herself to be a valuable ally of the heroes and a force for good. In a BreakTheCutie moment at the hands of Quan Chi, Sareena is [[MindControl manipulated]] into believing otherwise, as seen in the quote above.
* TheDragon: Arguably one to Quan Chi in ''Mythologies''; she's the only one of the trio seen reporting to him.
* EarlyBirdCameo: Before appearing in ''Tournament Edition'' and ''Armageddon''.
* FacialMarkings
* FemmeFatale: Subverted. She looks like one but never ''acts'' as one.
* GorgeousGorgon: At least her human form is. We've yet to see her true appearance as a demon.
* HellBentForLeather
* HighHeelFaceTurn
* HooksAndCrooks: During her time with the Brotherhood of Shadow, Sareena brandished [[DualWielding twin]] hookswords.
* IAmAMonster: [[FreakinessShame Loathes her demon form]] and is briefly manipulated into believing that she can't be good because of her status as such. Younger Sub-Zero doesn't seem to agree.
* KnifeNut: Her main projectile in ''Armageddon''.
* MacGuffinGuardian: In ''Mythologies'', Sareena guards one of three crystals (the other two protected by Kia and Jataaka) that, when combined together, grants access to a teleporter that sends Sub-Zero to Quan Chi's throne room.
* MercyRewarded: See BigDamnHeroes above.
* MidBoss: In ''Mythologies''.
* MiniBoss: In ''Armageddon''.
* NobleDemon: Though she really isn't very demonic.
* RavenHairIvorySkin: [[SkunkStripe More or less.]]
* RedemptionEqualsDeath: [[spoiler:Or so it seems. It is later revealed that Shinnok merely destroyed her human form.]]
* ShesGotLegs
* ShipTease: With the Elder Sub-Zero in ''Mythologies''. With the Younger in ''Armageddon''.
** BattleCouple: Seems to be played up as the female half of one with the Sub-Zero bros. Not much happens with the elder one, as she only gets to deliver the finishing blow to Quan Chi before Shinnok "kills" her, but she comes to the younger Sub-Zero's defense to help him force Noob-Smoke to flee and in her ''Armageddon'' ending, [[spoiler:she and Sub-Zero imprison Quan Chi in the Lin Kuei temple. Take note of how Sub-Zero revives her and how she miraculously gains [[AnIcePerson freezing powers]] in this ending. [[ShipTease Coincidence, right?]]]]
** InterspeciesRomance: She's a demoness, and the Sub-Zero brothers are mostly human, partially Cyromancer.
** LovingAShadow: Her semi-sorta there relationship with Sub-Zero the Younger could possibly be seen in this light in lieu of her previous interaction with his brother in ''Mythologies''.
** RescueRomance: A variation. Part of the reason for her HighHeelFaceTurn was Sub-Zero sparing her life. She then [[BigDamnHeroes comes to his aid against Quan Chi]], and then requests that Sub-Zero take her with him back to Earthrealm. The younger Sub-Zero also grants her asylum with the Lin Kuei and Sareena pledges [[UndyingLoyalty eternal loyalty]] to the clan.
* SkunkStripe
* {{Stripperiffic}}
* VoluntaryShapeshifting: Her "human" form is a disguise that she prefers to appear as, although she's lost control of this on at least one occasion. Possibly crosses over with ShapeshiftingSquick and HotSkittyOnWailordAction, seeing as she's Sub-Zero's ImpliedLoveInterest and she's a demon...
* WomanInBlack: Strangely, in such a dark setting where black is particularly prominent for guys, she is about the only female to don a black outfit.
* YankTheDogsChain: Her efforts to be freed from her demonic side are often met with failure.
** ThrowTheDogABone: Her time with (the younger) Sub-Zero seems to be a complete 180 from the rest of her life, though.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fujin]]
[[quoteright:256:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/fujin_9942.png]]
-->[[caption-width-right:256:''"Farewell Thunder God, I will not fail you."'']]

-->'''Other appearances:''' ''Mortal Kombat 4'' and ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon''. Cameo in ''Mortal Kombat 9''.

-> Fujin is one of Raiden's god-guardians of Shinnok's amulet in ''Mythologies'', and the first of them which was challenged by Sub-Zero. He returned in ''4'' as one of the Earthrealm gods not being destroyed by Shinnok. He assists Raiden in his battle against Shinnok, and after his defeat, he was ascended to the Earthrealm protector status, while Raiden (who chose him as the replacement) was re-promoted to the Elder Gods pantheon.

-> In ''Armageddon'', he notices a behaviour change in his old friend. While Raiden was, technically, in the good guys' side, he also gained a ruthless side after realizing that HumansAreBastards and revived Liu Kang's corpse in order to send him to do a massive manslaughter. In spite of this, Fujin allied with Kung Lao in order to find a way to save both Raiden and Liu Kang. He learns that Johnny Cage is trying to gather the Forces of Light, and there's also a mention of the brothers Taven and Daegon, whose family has been friends with Fujin over the years. Argus (their father) sent them on a quest which was corrupted by evil. Fujin then goes to search for both brothers, hoping to prevent their progress and learn the true purpose of their quest.
-----

* BadassCape: In ''Mythologies''. Gains it back as an alt. in ''Armageddon''.
* BlowYouAway
* BraidsOfAction: In ''Armageddon'', his hair is adorned more lavishly than it was back in ''Mythologies'' and ''4''. And yes, this is a {{rare male example}} of this trope.
* TheCameo: In ''9'', in [[VideoGame/GodOfWar Kratos']] ending alongside Raiden.
* CompositeCharacter: Shinnok is the Wind God in ''Film/MortalKombatAnnihilation''.
* EarlyBirdCameo: Before appearing in ''4'' and ''Armageddon'', he was a MidBoss in ''Mythologies''.
* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning
** SpinAttack
* {{Flight}}: In ''Mythologies'', the player can't throw him to the void. This is how he recovers from his supposed death in that game. Also, he has a torpedo move similar to that of Raiden.
* [[HoistByHisOwnPetard Hoist By His Own Tornado]]: How he (supposedly) dies in ''Mythologies''.
* [[BadassLonghair Long]] [[WhiteHairedPrettyBoy White-Haired]] CoolOldGuy
* {{Mentor|s}}: He becomes this to Kung Lao, similar to Raiden and Liu Kang.
* NotQuiteDead: He's shown being torn asunder by his own tornado in ''Mythologies'', but he's perfectly fine afterward.
* PhysicalGod: He's the Wind God.
* RazorWind
* SoleSurvivor: When Shinnok broke free of his Netherrealm imprisonment, he ''killed'' the other three Elemental Gods. A wounded Fujin narrowly escaped and would've been felled himself had it not been for [[BigDamnHeroes the intervention of]] Liu Kang and Kai.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Shinnok]]
[[quoteright:338:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/shinnok_5475.png]]
-->[[caption-width-right:338:''"Soon I will be free. Earthrealm and Outworld will be ours."'']]

-->'''Other appearances:''' ''Mortal Kombat 4'' and ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon''. Cameo in ''Mortal Kombat 9''.

->Shinnok is a former elder god and current ruler of the Netherrealm. Originally, he wanted to take Earthrealm for himself to gain immense power. To make sure he could freely enter Earthrealm without being detected, he created a special amulet which discreetly weakened the dimensional barriers. However, with the help of the other Elder Gods, Raiden discovers his plot and defeats him in battle, banishing him to the Netherrealm for good. There, he suffered constant torture until he met the sorcerer Quan Chi. With his help, Lucifer was dethroned and Shinnok became the new ruler with Quan Chi as his arch-sorcerer and right-hand man.

->During the events of both ''[[VideoGame/MortalKombatMythologiesSubZero Mythologies: Sub-Zero]]'' and ''VideoGame/MortalKombat4'', Quan Chi was working to release his master, the banished Elder God Shinnok, from his imprisonment in the Netherrealm. With the assistance of the original Sub Zero, Quan Chi managed to get the amulet and initiate Shinnok's invasion of the realms after Shao Kahn's failed attempt to conquer Earthrealm. He managed to invade Edenia and attack the heavens before Earthrealm's warriors managed to have him banished back to the Netherrealm once more by Raiden.

->In ''Armageddon'', Shinnok tricked Taven into helping him, claiming that he was no longer an Elder God for getting involved with the affairs of mortals. He wished for him to defeat the demons that inhabit his throne and he would try to locate Daegon as a reward. He successfully does the task and Shinnok tells Taven that he is most likely in Earthrealm. As he leaves, it is revealed that Shinnok [[TheManBehindTheMan was helping]] Daegon who was hiding in Netherrealm. In addition, it was Shinnok who alerted the many combatants to the prize at the top of the Pyramid of Argus, telling them that whomever obtained this power would be granted godlike power. His ending reveals that Shinnok created a clone of his own self to assist Daegon in ''Armageddon''. His clone was killed off shortly after defeating Kung Lao, unable to complete his objective.

->He makes a brief cameo in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9''.
-----

* ActuallyADoombot[=/=]FightingAShadow: According to both his ''Armageddon'' ending and ''9'', the Shinnok present in ''Armageddon'' was nothing more than a clone sent by the real Shinnok, who was GenreSavvy enough to not sully his hands with either the big battle itself or the in-fighting of the villains.
* AmplifierArtifact / ImmortalityInducer: His Amulet and his Amulet Staff. Both are used to drastically increase his powers to the point of nigh-{{immortality}} (even beyond his PhysicalGod status).
* ArchEnemy: To Raiden, who cast him into the Netherrealm millenia before the main series started.
* AuthorAvatar: His ''VideoGame/MortalKombat4'' model is based on Midway Games' developer Steve Beran.
* TheBadGuyWins: He was the one who spread word of the prize of god-like power in ''Armageddon'', in order to make them die when Daegon killed Blaze. While Daegon failed, he was still able to win because most of his enemies had killed each other trying to get the prize leaving only him, Shao Kahn, Taven, and Liu Kang's spirit alive. [[spoiler: In MortalKombat9 's ending, it appeared that he also accounted for Raiden attempting to alter the timeline, which results in a severe tilt in favour of the Forces of Darkness, and his most powerful obstacle, Shao Kahn, dead.]]
** Also, [[spoiler:in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat9'', Raiden letting Shao Kahn win in order to prevent Armageddon plays directly into Shinnok's plans, and leaves him with a very deadly set of minions while Earth's defenses have been left in pieces.]]
* BigBad: Of ''4''. [[spoiler:If the ending of ''9'' is any indication, he'll possibly be this in a future game.]]
** BiggerBad: He was a former Elder God and controlled (or at least had some sort of authority over) the main Big Bad of the entire series, Shao Khan.
* TheCameo: [[spoiler:In the SequelHook of ''Mortal Kombat 9'', suggesting that the new timeline will see some adaptation of the storyline from ''4''.]]
* TheChessmaster: TheManBehindTheMan to Daegon and is trusted by Taven (who is unaware that he had fallen), and pits the two against each other. He seems to have a greater awareness of what is going on than most other heroes and villans, and he chooses to use an avatar for the final battle rather than show up in person. [[spoiler:It is implied in ''Mortal Kombat 9'' that the entirety of that game is a result of his machinations in ''Armageddon''.]] Quite impressive, though he's as much of an AntiClimaxBoss as a fighter as he ever was (even if, granted, he's not technically a boss).
* ChekhovsGun: His Amulet is technically the seventh Kamidogu. If Shujinko had collected the item and placed it on the altar alongside the other relics, it would have been sent to the Elder Gods [[BlatantLies as Onaga told Shujinko originally]]. When combined with the Kamidogu, its power would have allowed Onaga to reshape the realms.
* CompositeCharacter: Shinnok is the Wind God in ''Film/MortalKombatAnnihilation''.
* TheCorrupter: Preys on Daegon's fears of being TheUnfavourite to get him to kill his parents.
* DittoFighter: He could also switch between the other characters' moves with ease.
* EarlyBirdCameo: Before appearing in ''4'' and ''Armageddon''.
* EvilAlbino
* EvilIsHammy: '''FEEL MY POWER!!! FEEL THE FORCES OF DARKNESS!!!'''
* EvilLaugh: '''MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!'''
* EvilSorcerer
* FallenHero: His backstory. His lust for power is what caused the other Elder Gods to exile him.
* GameplayAndStorySegregation: As a Fallen Elder God, he's arguably the most powerful force of evil in the entire mythos, but he has a rather lackluster record as a gameplay character. In ''4'', he simply copied his enemies' moves, a clear ripoff of Shang Tsung minus the shapeshifting and not much harder to beat than the other characters. He got a slightly more original moveset in ''Armageddon'' but has still yet to compare to the toughest characters in the series.
* GodEmperor [[GodOfEvil of Evil]][=/=]{{Satan}}: Fallen Elder God, ruler of the Netherrealm, plans to rule over all of existence. Although he canonically usurped the Netherrealm ''from'' Satan (well, actually Lucifer), the dynamic is still the same.
* LargeHam
* ManipulativeBastard: Pretty much his shtick in ''Mythologies'', although he's OutGambitted by [[spoiler:Quan Chi, who took the real Dragon Amulet for himself]]. Also, see ActuallyADoombot[=/=]FightingAShadow above.
* OmnicidalManiac: His goal is to consume all the energies of everything. [[PetTheDog Except Quan Chi]].
** Actually, Shinnok's reward for Quan Chi was [[BlessedWithSuck the gift of his own existence]]. It's easy to understand Quan Chi's frustration at this development, but [[KickTheSonOfABitch the guy had it coming]].
* OneWingedAngel: In ''Mythologies'', [[spoiler:he transforms into a scary-ass demon... thing... as soon as Sub-Zero takes the amulet, but fighting him in this form is optional (and very difficult, though it unlocks a [[HilariousOuttakes game blooper reel]]), as a portal leading to the end of the game opens up anyway]].
* PhysicalGod
* PowerFloats: In ''Mythologies''.
* RoaringRampageOfRevenge: Is not happy with his fellow Elder Gods for casting him down.
* SealedEvilInACan: Cast down into the Netherrealm by Raiden eons before the series began, with the means of his escape (his amulet) being guarded by the four elemental gods in their Earthrealm temples. Is finally unsealed in ''4''.
* SorcerousOverlord
* StealthMentor[=/=]TreacherousAdvisor: To the Elder Sub-Zero in ''Mythologies'', thanks in part to a FalseInnocenceTrick (this is non-canon, though; Scorpion will fight you where you encounter Shinnok instead if you killed him back in the first stage, which is what actually happened). Pulls this again in ''Armageddon'' with Taven.
* TheUnfought: In ''Armageddon''; see ActuallyADoombot[=/=]FightingAShadow.
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity
* XanatosGambit: A huge one with ''Armageddon''. [[spoiler: Several alterations in the timeline would result in the Forces of Light almost irreparably cripples, Earthrealm and Outworld vulnerable to a hostile takeover from the Netherrealm, and his biggest obstacle to his ascension (due to winning the battle of Armageddon), Shao Kahn, eliminated from existence. All of this depended on Raiden's transmission to his past self. Of course, even if Raiden didn't do anything, all he had standing in his way was a disembodied spirit (Liu Kang), an inexperienced God (Taven) and Shao Kahn.]] Either way, Shinnok wins.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Lin Kuei Grandmaster]]
* AuthorityEqualsAsskicking
* TheCameo: The games strongly implied that the Lin Kuei have a Grandmaster. So far, ''Mythologies'' is the only game where we see him. He finally makes a reappearance in Sektor's Arcade ending from ''9'', as he is Sektor's father.
* LargeHam
* MissionControl
* [[spoiler:UnwittingPawn]]: This can be applied to the Lin Kuei as a whole in ''Mythologies''.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Earth God]]
* BadVibrations: [[SublimeRhyme With every step he takes, the entire screen shakes.]]
* DishingOutDirt
* {{Golem}}: Raiden, Fujin, and the other two gods look distinctly human (with the Fire and Water Gods [[ElementalEmbodiment also being entirely composed of their physical element]]). The Earth God is the least humanoid of the five by a large margin.
* LiterallyShatteredLives
* MidBoss
* MightyGlacier: Big, strong, and slow.
* NoNameGiven: Though {{fan|on}}s gave him the name "Ohana."
* PhysicalGod
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Water God]]
* GenderFlip: He's female in ''Film/MortalKombatAnnihilation''.
* LiterallyShatteredLives: Each time you freeze and punch him.
* MakingASplash
* MidBoss
* NoNameGiven: Though {{fan|on}}s gave him the name "Kumari."
* PhysicalGod
* TeleportSpam: Has teleports similar to those of [[Characters/MortalKombat3 Cyber!Smoke]] and [[Characters/MortalKombat Raiden]].
* YouAreAlreadyDead: How he dies.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fire God]]
* GlassCannon ''and'' MightyGlacier: Hard as hell to hit, strong attacks, but also slow.
* KillItWithFire
* MidBoss
* NiceHat
* NoNameGiven: Though {{fan|on}}s gave him the name "Hinoka."
* PhysicalGod: Can be described as Raiden if he was a fire elemental.
* PlayingWithFire
* TeleportSpam: Has one similar to Raiden's.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Jataaka]]
-->'''Other appearances:''' Cameo in ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon''.

* AmazonBrigade
* DarkActionGirl
* DarkSkinnedBlond
* EarlyBirdCameo: Before appearing in ''Armageddon''[='=]s Konquest Mode.
* FacialMarkings
* HellBentForLeather
* KilledOffForReal: [[spoiler:She apparently died at Taven's hands in ''Armageddon''.]]
* LaserBlade: Her WeaponOfChoice in ''Mythologies''. [[BoomStick It's able to fire blue bolts of magical energy.]]
* MacGuffinGuardian: Same as Sareena.
* MidBoss: In ''Mythologies''.
* MiniBoss: In ''Armageddon''.
* {{Stripperiffic}}
* WhiteHairedPrettyGirl
* WomanInBlack
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Kia]]
-->'''Other appearances:''' MiniBoss cameo in ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon''.

* AmazonBrigade
* BattleBoomerang: Her WeaponOfChoice in ''Mythologies''.
* BoobsOfSteel: Arguably the strongest of the assassins, and the most buxom.
* DarkActionGirl
* EarlyBirdCameo: Before appearing in ''Armageddon''[='=]s Konquest Mode.
* FacialMarkings
* HellBentForLeather
* KilledOffForReal: [[spoiler:She apparently died at Taven's hands in ''Armageddon''.]]
* MacGuffinGuardian: Same as Sareena.
* MidBoss: In ''Mythologies''.
* MiniBoss: In ''Armageddon''.
* RavenHairIvorySkin
* {{Stripperiffic}}
* WomanInBlack
[[/folder]]

----