Follow TV Tropes

Following

Context Characters / StateOfDecay

Go To

1''VideoGame/StateOfDecay'' has nearly 150 playable characters that can be found and recruited into the survivor community, each with their own background and set of skills and traits. In addition, there are several NPC groups that they player interacts with.
2
3[[foldercontrol]]
4
5!Players Group
6
7[[folder:Starting Survivors]]
8!!Marcus Campbell
9
10''The Hero''
11
12The initial survivor, Marcus was a clerk on vacation with his friend Ed in the mountains of Trumbull Valley when the ZombieApocalypse began. They are soon joined by Maya and head to join other survivors.
13----
14* ActionSurvivor: Like most of the playable characters in the game, he was an ordinary retail worker on a camping trip with his friend before the apocalypse started, though can become quite the zombie-killer if he survives and has the time put into leveling his skills.
15* TheHero: While Marcus can be killed like any others, he's one of the tougher and more effective survivors, particularly early on, thanks to Powerhouse and his bonus Cardio.
16** In ''Breakdown'', his title is TheHero.
17* HeroicBSOD: If the player doesn't or is unable to contact Dr. Hanson in time and Ed dies as a result, Marcus will become extremely depressed, saying some parting words over the radio.
18** Can become a DespairEventHorizon, as there is a chance Marcus will even kill himself if he remains depressed for long enough.
19* TheLeader: He has the "Leadership" skill, which makes him build trust among other survivors faster and defuse tensions easier.
20* WhiteCollarWorker: Stated to be a retail worker in journal entries, and during the game's tutorial section.
21* WrestlerInAllOfUs: At level six of the "Powerhouse" skill he can learn how to suplex zombies.
22
23!!Ed Jones
24
25''The Friend''
26
27A friend of Marcus’, Ed was hiking with him when they discovered the ZombieApocalypse. He is bitten while examining a dead body, and taken by Marcus and Maya to a group of other survivors for treatment.
28----
29* ActionSurvivor: If he survives, he is a pretty useful character due to having the "Reflexes" skill giving him bonuses to stamina regeneration and a selection of a couple of special attacks.
30* CowardlyLion: In the tutorial section of the game, he spends a good time in a panic. After him and Marcus hear gunshots while scouting at the water tower he makes a comment that he wishes they wouldn't check it out, and will wish to himself that they could just wait it out in a cabin somewhere. However this does not stop him from taking on zombies or even facing the Wilkersons if he goes.
31* PluckyComicRelief: Most of the moments of levity in the initial hours of the game are provided by him, many of which involves someone yelling at him for something.
32* ZombieInfectee: He gets bitten in the tutorial, but if you manage to make contact with Doctor Hanson quickly enough Ed will recover.
33
34!!Corporal Maya Torres
35
36''The Veteran''
37
38An off-duty U.S. army soldier, Maya was hiking with two friends when they were attacked by zombies. She was rescued by Marcus and Ed, and they soon joined a larger group of survivors.
39----
40* ActionGirl: An off-duty U.S. army soldier who does a fair job of holding off a zombie horde with a hunting rifle before Marcus and Ed show up to help.
41* ColdSniper: She has two traits that provide a bonus to firearms usage and starts with one of the game's better rifles, which makes her a natural choice to specialize in sniping. In ''Breakdown'', she starts out with maxed-out shooting skill as well as rifle specialization.
42* DeadpanSnarker: Mainly seen in the beginning hours of the game, Maya is quick to snap back when asked stupid questions, a majority of the time against Ed.
43* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Despite often clashing heads with Ed, if she is the player character when Lily mentions killing Ed before he turns, she shows the same amount of shock and anger Marcus does, despite only knowing Ed for little less than an hour by that point.
44* [[WhatTheHellHero What The Hell Military?]]: If she is used as the character to first contact the military, Maya is pretty upset to discover that the military is not helping survivors, but is in fact threatening them and kicking them out of houses as "squatters". Not helping is the fact that she and Sgt. Erik Tan served together in Afghanistan.
45
46!!Lily Ritter
47
48The radio operator of the survivor community, Lily has lupus and thus cannot go on missions due to her health. She is an NPC and cannot be killed.
49----
50* BigGood" In ''2'', she's revered for helping found the Network and everyone listens to her, even Red Talon.
51* {{Bookworm}}: One of her traits is "Loved Books", which notes that she loved everything short of the "[[Literature/{{Twilight}} sparkly vampire]] [[TakeThat nonsense]]".
52* InvincibleHero: Due to her importance within the game's plot, Lily is by all means unkillable, no matter how much damage she is seen taking or how many zombies have swarmed home base. In the event that everyone minus the player character has died, it is entirely possible to watch Lily take down hordes of zombies by herself. The only caveat to this is she isn't a playable survivor and only sticks around at base, meaning the situation at hand must be a rather dire one for this trope to be seen.
53** Made especially apparent within the ''Breakdown'' DLC, where higher difficulties often lead to a TotalPartyKill... minus Lily, who's still beating down zombies like nothing is the matter.
54* TheBusCameBack: She's confirmed to return in ''VideoGame/StateOfDecay2'', working for an organization known as the Network.
55* DeadpanSnarker: Frequently throws out sarcastic and witty comments against Alan, and sasses Jacob whenever they talk.
56* MissionControl: She coordinates the groups supply runs, locates caches of supplies, finds other survivors, and monitors the activity of other groups for the player.
57* MsExposition: Explains the events of the fourteen days since the ZombieApocalypse started to Marcus, Ed, and Maya (and the player), since they had been isolated in the mountains during that time.
58* NiceGirl: She immediately welcomes the initial group with open arms to the church, and after they finally tell her about her dad dying, forgives them instantly for hiding it from her, understanding their reason.
59
60!!Alan Gunderson
61
62''The Killer''
63
64A local forest ranger, Alan is one of the starting survivors in the Church of the Ascension. He has an overbearing personality and is resentful of newcomers to the group.
65----
66* AssholeVictim: [[spoiler: He might end up catching the black fever that he possibly killed Pastor Williams for]].
67* GunNut: He has three traits that revolve around his shooting ability, and you can find a note in one of the post offices to him that denies his request for a 50 caliber rifle to deal with bears, with the department noting that no bears have been seen in the Trumbull Valley for a long time. Makes you wonder what he wanted it for really.
68* HiddenDepths: [[spoiler: After he gets infected, if you delay his MercyKill mission, Alan eventually leaves behind a note, goes off to a secluded place and shoots himself in the head. It shows he doesn't expect any different treatment from what he gives others, and he acts solely for the community's benefit. The player character even comments on this]].
69* {{Jerkass}}: Refers to Lily as a freeloader due to her having lupus and being unable to go on missions. He also constantly berates the rest of the survivors on the way they act. His "Authoritarian" trait and "Overbearing" attitude is also a source of Morale loss, from a gameplay standpoint.
70* JerkassHasAPoint:
71** He kind of has a point about noisy cars. However, his points are rendered moot since cars are extremely useful when dealing with hordes, and also can outrun most zombies sufficiently that they lose interest long before getting near the Church.
72** His reasoning for [[spoiler: shooting pastor William, before he even died or turned after being infected with Black Fever]] sounds like overblown measure and cause everyone present call him out on being a stone-cold killer. However, should [[spoiler: Alan die before that happens or be away on a mission for long enough]], ''exactly what he cited as his justification'' happens word for word: [[spoiler: William will reanimate and kill two or three survivors before being put down.]]
73** A meta example: he judges survivors on how useful they are (whether they're good with a gun, etc). Harsh as it might sound, a lot of players eventually adopts this attitude when choosing which characters to keep when the base gets too crowded and resources become sparse.
74* KarmicDeath: You have the option of [[spoiler: shooting him in the head after he gets infected, just like what he did to Pastor Williams. And if left to his own devices, he will blow his cap on his own]].
75* PromotedToPlayable: In the ''Breakdown'' DLC. In certain builds of the game, there is an exploit to get him, but it's based on an entire cascade of gliches and you might just as well crash your save, while still not unlock him.
76* [[spoiler: ZombieInfectee: To a degree. While he isn't shown being bit on camera nor implied to have been, he eventually catches Black Fever, and subsequently dies from it. Whether your player character does it or he does it when left to his own devices, he manages to end his life before he can turn.]]
77
78!!Sam Hoffman
79
80''The Convict''
81
82A volunteer worker at the Church of the Ascension, Sam is a foul-mouthed but kindhearted person.
83----
84* ActionGirl: Like Ed, she has the Reflexes skill, which gives her access to a number of agility-based special moves as well as reducing her stamina usage during combat.
85* DarkAndTroubledPast: Only hinted at, never elaborated on, but apparently she was a recovering addict or alcoholic.
86* DeadpanSnarker: Most of it directed towards Alan.
87* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Initially has a very pessimistic outlook on the their survival situation, but as revealed in a conversation with Pastor William she used to volunteer at the church to help the homeless. She also shows concern towards Lily and her medical situation, in contrast to the more ruthless and pragmatic Alan.
88* LadySwearsALot: She's by far the most foul-mouthed character in the game, with nobody even close.
89* MercyKill: In her personal mission, the player must help Sam track down an old homeless man who used to come to the church (where she volunteered) for free soup. He has since zombified, and had to be put down.
90* ShotgunsAreJustBetter: She starts off in the main story armed with a [[SawnOffShotgun Serbu Shorty]], and specializes in this in the ''Breakdown'' DLC.
91
92!!Pastor William Mulroney
93
94''The Believer''
95
96The priest of the Church of the Ascension in Spencer's Mill.
97----
98* {{Bookworm}}: He's one of few survivors with the Research skill; put it to work while you can.
99* TheLoad: Can't be fielded, doesn't come with any useful skills and [[spoiler: is scripted to get sick and be shot by Alan unless the player performs an exploit]]. And if for whatever reason Alan isn't present in your group by that time, he instantly upgrades to TheMillstone - [[spoiler: once zombified, pastor William will kill three randomly selected members of your group before being put down]]. Enjoy!
100* PromotedToPlayable: In the ''Breakdown'' DLC, turing him into a BadassPreacher. In certain builds of the game, there is an exploit to get him, but it's based on an entire cascade of glitches and you might just as well crash your save, while still not unlocking him.
101* ZombieInfectee: [[spoiler: He is scripted to become sick with Black Fever and die. Then, unless Alan intervenes, reanimates and kills three other characters]]. There is an exploit around it, but it's based on glitching three different bugs together, making it unlikely.
102
103!!Jacob Ritter
104
105''The Tragedy''
106
107Lily's older brother, Jacob is a rather careless survivor. He has only recently gotten back in touch with his family after moving away from Trumbull valley several years ago.
108----
109* TheBigGuy[=/=]WrestlerInAllOfUs: Like Marcus, he has the Powerhouse skill, which lets him carry more weight, carry more items, and makes it easier for him to use heavy weapons and light machine guns, as well as giving him access to a couple wrestling-based special moves.
110* PromotionToParent: After their mom died, his father became depressed and Jacob took on the burden of raising Lily.
111* StraightGay: He is in a relationship with Eli Wilkerson.
112* TheRunaway: Tired of the family depending on him, Jacob left home for the city and college when he turned eighteen.
113
114!!Gurubani Kaur
115
116''The Prodigal''
117
118An exclusive character only available in the UpdatedRerelease ''State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition'', as a bonus gift to players who already own the original game. A world-traveling North Indian Sikh, she combines a number of powerful traits along with a few special items that make her arguably the most powerful pre-defined character or Hero in the game.
119----
120* TheAce: She has a potent combination of powerful traits and abilities, more so than any other pre-defined character or Hero. She starts out with maxed-out Cardio skill (in ''Breakdown'' she also starts with maxed out Fighting skill), the Reflexes skill, enhanced experience gain for Fighting and Wits, as well as both the Medicine and Research skills, allowing her to serve as both a doctor and a library researcher when not in combat (very useful since no other pre-defined characters have those skills in the campaign, leaving you at the mercy of the Random Number Generator). She also comes equipped with a unique, permanently silenced rifle, a pair of unique swords, and a unique backpack that weighs less than a normal large backpack.
121* CoolSword: Comes equipped with a pair of unique swords, a talwar and a khanda.
122* GeniusBruiser[=/=]JackOfAllTrades: Has both advanced combat skills as well as the medicine and researcher skills.
123* TheHero: In the Year One Survival Edition, she'll be your starting ''Breakdown'' character instead of a randomly generated NPC if you have her unlocked due to already owning the original ''State of Decay''.
124* InTheHood: Wears a hooded sports jacket.
125* ThePaladin: A religious warrior that stands up for those in need, both defending the helpless and healing the wounded, while carrying a holy sword. Despite sounding like someone from an entirely different story, she's simply a devout Sikh paramedic.
126* WarriorMonk: Her traits indicate she's both dedicated to her faith, and also very physically disciplined.
127
128[[/folder]]
129
130!Other Survivor Groups
131
132[[folder:Common Tropes]]
133* PromotedToPlayable: Most of these characters become playable in the ''Breakdown'' DLC.
134[[/folder]]
135
136[[folder:The Wilkersons]]
137!!Job Wilkerson
138
139''The Survivor''
140----
141* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: He really cares about Eli Wilkerson, his younger brother.
142* FauxAffablyEvil: Far politer and seemingly less violent than Mickey, but he is far more dangerous and evil.
143* HillbillyMoonshiner: His family business was about making booze. It became particularly profitable once zombie apocalypse starts.
144* {{Jerkass}}: He's an caustic asshole in general and his way of dealing with other survivors resembles that of a mafia racket, not giving a damn if they survive or not.
145* SawedOffShotgun: In ''Breakdown'', his starting weapon is the "Doubleshort", an illegally cut down double-barrel shotgun.
146* {{Schemer}}: The brains of the Wilkersons.
147* TheUnfought: Despite strong hints that he's the one behind the various incidents of human-on-human violence occurring throughout Trumbull Valley (including the death of the Granges if Quentin runs away), you never get to resolve the situation by taking him on directly.
148
149!!Mickey Wilkerson
150
151''The Sniper''
152----
153* BadassBoast: When accused for being a murderous thug, he points out that if he was trying to kill someone, there would be nobody left to tell the story. Given he's a crack shot with a heavy hand and ''zero'' remorse, it's more than just boasting.
154* BloodKnight: He has a field day due to finally being allowed to indiscriminately drill skulls with rifle rounds.
155* ColdSniper: Probably more like rabid sniper, he can be called upon to provide sniper support.
156* EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: Eli Wilkerson. In ''2'', he can admit he likes meeting his daughter Larissa and has a soft spot for his crotchety neighbor Reba.
157* EvenEvilHasStandards: Despite his reputation as the "mad dog" of the Wilkerson brothers, he's actually got at least some compassion, unlike Job.
158* HillbillyMoonshiner: Along with Job, he keeps making new batches of booze for trade. Fiercily defensive of the business.
159* {{Jerkass}}: He's a redneck moonshiner who takes delight in the fact that the apocalypse happened so he can mercilessly kill any zombies he sees with his sniper, along with running a criminal gang with his brother that extorts the local survivors for their resources.
160
161!!Eli Wilkerson
162
163''The Bruiser''
164----
165* AwesomeButImpractical: In ''Breakdown'', he specializes in heavy weapons despite lacking the Powerhouse skill that makes heavy weapons more viable, which does reduce his usefulness as a Hero.
166* CharacterDeath: [[spoiler: Gets mortally wounded while trying to get back to the Wilkerson's base, and dies despite Doc Hanson's best efforts.]]
167* StraightGay: A hillbilly strongman who happens to be Jacob Ritter's boyfriend.
168* TemptingFate: "Hey, I'm young, quick. And I've got a big ass wrench. What could go wrong?" [[spoiler: You get killed, Eli, that's what can go wrong]].
169* WhiteSheep: Is the only member of the Wilkerson family who isn't a criminal thug.
170[[/folder]]
171
172[[folder:The Military]]
173!!Cpt. Montressor
174
175''The Taskmaster''
176----
177* {{Jerkass}}: She couldn't care one bit less about civilians, barks orders at soldiers and even her underlings dislike her harsh personality.
178* JerkassHasAPoint: As shown in ''Lifeline'', people like her have ''really'' more important things to deal with and have only so many men to do various tasks. So ordering civilians to simply stay inside and hope for the best isn't entirely out of callousness.
179* MeaningfulName: In Creator/EdgarAllanPoe's "Literature/TheCaskOfAmontillado", Montressor trapped his rival Fortunato behind a brick wall and left him to die.
180* MissingMissionControl: [[spoiler: She packs up and leave Trumbull Valley with some of her subordinates. After her disappearance and subsequent radio silence, Sgt. Tan and a survivor take the initiative to blow open the barricades to the Fairgrounds in order to seek her out]].
181* TheUnseen: The player sees her only once, after a mission where Sgt. Tan allows two scavengers to escape, rather than shoot them for looting. (Her character model does not always leave the house where she and the military spawn, making her easy to miss.) Otherwise, her in-game appearance is limited to the military's radio transmissions.
182
183!!Sgt. Erik Tan
184
185[[spoiler:''The Sacrifice'']]
186
187A soldier that commands a squad sent into Trumbull Valley, Erik starts out hostile to the survivors, but grows tired of seeing the military leave them at the mercy of the zombies. He and several like minded soldiers start providing support to the survivors instead.
188----
189* ArmorIsUseless: His armor is purely cosmetic and offers no damage protection from zombie attacks.
190* AFatherToHisMen: When he decided to outright break his orders and save some civilians on his own, he outright informs his soldiers that what he's going to do is illegal and will likely lead to being court-martialed, so it's their choice what to do, rather than blindly following him. [[spoiler: The soldiers don't even hesitate for a second when joining Tan to help]].
191* HeelFaceTurn: Quickly stops following his orders to find and evict "squatters", and then starts providing artillery support to your group.
192* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler: After the C4 detonator malfunctions, he detonates them manually to destroy the wall blocking the road out of Trumbull Valley so all the survivor groups can escape]]. He outright states that he would rather not do this, but given the circumstances of [[spoiler: being infected]], he can at least make himself useful.
193* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: At first he actually seems to be enjoying bullying civvies, but it later becomes clear he was JustFollowingOrders, and despite his radio broadcast, he never actually shot and killed anyone.
194* PunnyName[=/=]ShoutOut: [[spoiler: His corpse in the end has no legs, just like [[Film/ForrestGump Lt. Dan]]]]
195* ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight: He first gives two survivors 30 seconds to flee after being ordered to shoot them for squatting, and then stops following military orders altogether when ordered to not assist a group of survivors being attacked by a horde.
196* [[spoiler:ZombieInfectee: Why he chooses to commit the above HeroicSacrifice]].
197[[/folder]]
198
199[[folder:The Grange]]
200!!Becca Collins
201
202''The Phoenix''
203
204Before the ZombieApocalypse, Becca's name was Alex. She lived in Marshall and was often arrested for solicitation (a.k.a prostitution) and drug possession. When the apocalypse began, she changed her name and became the leader of a small group of survivors outside the town.
205----
206* CharacterDeath: [[spoiler:If Quentin learns about Becca's past, he'll get angry and storm off after confronting her about it. She'll later radio the player to find him, but afterwards, she'll call again that they're under fire by strangers. By the time you return, she'll be dead, much to Quentin's dismay.]]
207* BrokenBird: Though she can have a relatively happy ending, depending on player actions.
208* DarkAndTroubledPast: Has one which she struggles to leave behind.
209* FaceOnAMilkCarton: One of the clippings you can find in the game is a "Missing" poster after her, indicating she might runaway from home in her teens.
210* HookerWithAHeartOfGold: She used to be a prostitute before the outbreak, then took opportunity to craft a new identity and now is the level-headed leader of her community.
211* TheLeader: The head survivor for the Grange enclave, any missions involving them are usually started or given by her.
212* MeaningfulName: Well, a nickname, indicating her rebirth as a new person.
213* {{Pun}}: A character that wears studded leather, boasts about being tough and in her teens used to dye hair in wild colors? Of course she's going to be edged-weapon specialist!
214
215!!Quentin Barnes
216----
217* DoggedNiceGuy: To Becca Collins.
218* MyGirlIsASlut: Subverted. Quentin has a complete meltdown when learning about "Becca's" past and this leads to a whole lot of bad things happening.
219* NiceGuy: Has a polite demeanor, and even noted to have a "southern charm" by his fellow survivor Becca, albeit in a more mocking manner.
220* PromotedToPlayable: Notably, he is still recruitable, but not a hero.
221* RidiculouslyFastConstruction: Rescuing him in Storyline mode grants the player the ability to call him for "Construction Advice", which ''instantly complete any facilities that are being built or upgraded.''
222
223[[/folder]]
224
225[[folder:The Law]]
226!!Judge Lawton
227
228''The Judge''
229----
230* GenreBlind: Yes, just force everyone to turn in their weapons and live under your protection, like in a world with no zombies. That's gonna turn out fine.
231* JerkAss: Her behavior would be considered "tough but fair" under normal circumstances. In the middle of the Zombie Apocalypse, though, it comes across as quite abrasive, especially given the amount of freedom you've likely gotten used to living with no law or government. Indeed, she subtly threatens the player character when they refuse to join her and tells them that the "wild west" won't last forever.
232* PromotedToPlayable: In ''Breakdown'', armed with her gavel, and a UTAS UTS-15 shotgun.
233* TheLeader: Of the Courthouse enclave. It's under her orders that only law enforcement officers are trusted with weapons.
234* PunnyName: She's a rather fat woman who's also a judge, law-ton.
235* WrongGenreSavvy: In any other post-apocalyptic setting, only arming known and trusted law enforcement officers would be a wise idea. In a ZombieApocalypse, it's downright suicide. [[spoiler:When zombies eventually attack the courthouse, she and Sheriff Carl will be dead by the time you arrive, not even lasting the first few minutes of the attack.]]
236* [[spoiler: WeBarelyKnewYe: We only ever get to talk to Judge Lawton once before she meets her demise in the courthouse. Besides that, all we hear of her otherwise are a few radio broadcasts announcing to civilians to give up their guns to law enforcement.]]
237
238!!Carl Parsons
239
240''The Mentor''
241----
242* CoolOldGuy: A polite, level-headed authority figure in The Law that really cares about the people around him and the town itself.
243* NumberTwo: To Judge Lawton.
244* TheSheriff: His literal job.
245* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Definitely more so than Judge Lawton. Makes you wonder why he still chooses to submit to her (now superfluous) authority. [[spoiler:Unfortunately, he's one of the casualties of the courthouse attack.]]
246* RevolversAreJustBetter: In ''Breakdown'', he is specialized in this and starts with an [[HandCannon Anvil Hammer]].
247
248
249[[/folder]]
250
251[[folder:Other Survivors]]
252!!Doc Hanson
253
254''The Healer''
255
256A roaming doctor who treats survivors in all the communities, Hanson refuses to join any of the groups because he believes it would impede his ability to help other survivors.
257----
258* CoolOldGuy: He's in his [=70s=], but can easily fend for himself, while being a no-nonsense country doctor, too. He regularly checks on his patients and is the only character other than Marcus that doesn't sneer at Ed and his lame jokes.
259* GraveMarkingScene: He regularly visits the grave of his wife, who died long before the outbreak. In one mission the player has to assist him as he is ambushed by a large zombie mob at the cemetery.
260* TheMedic: If rescued by the player during his rescue mission, he can provide medical advice over the radio, instantly healing you to full health, even permanent damage normally fixed by resting the player character.
261* NiceGuy: He's very pleasant in all of his interactions, while also going above and beyond the call of duty by roaming the valley and helping everyone in need.
262* SouthernGentleman: An old country doctor who wears a cowboy hat and a tanned hide jacket, always polite and always soft-spoken, even when delivering worst news. In ''Breakdown'', his starting weapon is a Wild West revolver.
263
264!!Ray Santos
265
266''The Dealer''
267
268A wealthy local figure whose late father was the mayor of Marshall at the time of the outbreak.
269
270----
271* AllLovingHero: Was raised in a family tradition that taught that terrible events can be overcome if people pull together in times of crisis. Engaged in philanthropy prior to the outbreak (including paying for Lily's medical treatments), and set up a trade network during the outbreak to help survivors support each other.
272* CorruptPolitician: A benevolent version, as he gave bribes and favours and asked those he helped out to "remember him in November". Apparently it was so he could stay in a powerful position to continue helping the community.
273* FamilyBusiness: As his parents and their parents before, Ray is eager to continue their tradition, even deep into the zombie apocalypse.
274* NiceGuy: Honestly just wants to help his fellow survivors through a trade system he has set up in Trumbull County with its residents.
275* RedHerring: When you first hear about him, there's a conversation between the survivors which casts doubt on whether or not you should trust him, and when you first meet him he has a somewhat suspicious "offer you all the kingdoms of the world from the highest point of the Temple" moment, but he ultimately turns out to be a genuine good guy.
276* TheScrounger: His description says he "... can procure anything, especially if it's a car". Having him gives the player the radio command "Vehicle Delivery", where they can have him bring a vehicle to the home base.
277* WhateverHappenedToTheMouse: He's part of The Law community, but still offers his car delivery services after [[spoiler: the courthouse is overrun and almost everyone is killed]], suggesting that [[spoiler: he managed to survive the massacre]], even though he's nowhere to be found.
278[[/folder]]
279
280[[folder:Random Survivors]]
281
282Survivors are spawned with consistent personality traits, backgrounds and skills. With some exceptions, most of them have names randomly chosen from a "pool" fixed for each character.
283
284!!Danica Vito
285
286A paramedic whose entire team was killed on her first emergency call. Her last name is randomly chosen.
287----
288* TheMedic
289* SoleSurvivor
290
291!!Karen Tolbert
292
293A student found "squatting" by the military. She always appears with the Funeral Director.
294----
295* TheAlcoholic: She has the "Drank a Lot", "Total Lush", AND "Alcoholic" traits...
296* TheLoad: ...which means her lack of stamina makes her a poor choice as the player character. However, only the Wits stat is adversely affected by her traits.
297
298!!The Funeral Director
299
300A funeral director found "squatting" by the military. He always appears with Karen Tolbert. His appearance and stats are fixed, but his name is randomly chosen.
301----
302* IHaveAFamily: Tries to plead Sgt. Tan with this, to no effect.
303* TheLeader: He has the "Leadership" trait and skill, which makes him a good diplomat if Marcus is too tired, injured, or dead to do the job.
304
305!!The Deputy
306Sheriff Carl's deputy, and originally a member of the Law faction. He asks to join the player's survivor community [[spoiler:after Judge Lawton and Sheriff Carl are killed during a zombie siege.]] His appearance and stats are static, but his name is randomly chosen.
307----
308* LateCharacterSyndrome: Despite having the fairly useful "Cop" trait, he has beginner stats and only becomes recruitable ''immediately'' before the game's final missions become available, so there's no point in leveling him up unless you'd prefer to faff about instead of finishing the game.
309* NonUniformUniform: He wears a similar shirt and pants as the Sheriff, but his shirt is untucked and doesn't seem to have any official insignias, making him appear more like a civilian than a lawman.
310* ScrewThisImOutOfHere: Implied to be the reason of joining your group of survivors [[spoiler:after witnessing the death of Judge Lawton and Sheriff Carl]].
311
312!!Courthouse Woman in Pink (and a Jockey Cap)
313The player helps Sheriff Carl and the Deputy rescue this survivor from the downtown Marshall area during the Law quest chain. She joins the enclave "The Law", but asks to join the player's community after [[spoiler: Judge Lawton and Sheriff Carl are killed during a zombie siege]]. Her appearance and stats are static, but her name is randomly chosen.
314----
315* DamselInDistress: Initially. Is always first seen during Sheriff Carl's first mission, under attack from a horde and requiring immediate assitance.
316* LateCharacterSyndrome: She has decent traits, but her stats start at level 1 and she only becomes recruitable ''immediately'' before the game's final missions become available, so there's no point in leveling her up unless you want to faff about instead of finishing the game.
317* WrestlerInAllOfUs: A rare female character to consistently possess the "Powerhouse" skill. Like Marcus, she can learn how to suplex zombies.
318
319[[/folder]]
320
321[[folder:Breakdown Heroes]]
322!!Amelia Crassman
323
324''The Fighter''
325----
326* DiskOneNuke: Starts with max cardio and fighting allowing the player to choose a weapon specialization and any one of 3 of the 5 special abilities unlocked by maxing out basic skills as soon as the game begins.
327
328!!Andy Pimms
329
330''The Dead Man''
331----
332* AscendedExtra: Was originally the homeless man the player had to execute in Sam's Storyline side mission.
333* TheAlcoholic: To the extend that Sam used to wonder what got to him first, the zombie or the booze. [[spoiler: Turns out the zombie did]].
334
335!!Calliope Morris
336
337''The Gardener''
338----
339
340!!Charley Marshall
341
342''The Scholar''
343----
344
345!!Dan Hovenden
346
347''The Moustache''
348----
349
350!!Evan Woodrow
351
352''The Grenadier''
353----
354* ArmorIsUseless: His armor is purely cosmetic and offers no damage protection from zombie attacks.
355
356!!Heather Larue
357
358''The Mother''
359----
360* ImprobableWeaponUser: Starts with a rolling pin in her inventory
361* TeamMom: Well, a mom on the team.
362
363!!Joel Macon
364
365''The Biker''
366----
367
368!!K.C. Winters
369
370''The Gunner''
371----
372* ArmorIsUseless: His armor is purely cosmetic and offers no damage protection from zombie attacks.
373
374!!Leon Montague
375
376''The Mercenary''
377----
378* ArmorIsUseless: His armor is purely cosmetic and offers no damage protection from zombie attacks.
379
380!!Lincoln Voss
381
382''The Hunter''
383----
384
385!!Lyanna Carter
386
387''The Enthusiast''
388----
389
390!!Owen Lykins
391
392''The Cop''
393----
394* ArmorIsUseless: His armor is purely cosmetic and offers no damage protection from zombie attacks.
395* AscendedFanboy: In-universe; he is described as having practiced fighting zombies in his basement, and is now eager to fight them for real.
396
397!!Shark Hoodie Guy
398
399''The Ninja''
400----
401* ShoutOut: His various names are references to prominent Undead Labs forum members, whose comments and contributions helped the developers improving the game.
402* UnusualEuphemism: He's a [[BlatantBurglar weekend ninja]].
403
404!!Walter Degrasse
405
406''The Scientist''
407----
408* ShoutOut: To [[Series/BreakingBad Walter White]], complete with a yellow hazmat suit.
409
410!!Zeika Rivera
411
412''The Rebel''
413----
414[[/folder]]
415!The Zombies
416
417[[folder:Zombies]]
418!!Normal Zombies
419Unfortunate victims of the infection sweeping Trumbull Valley and other affected areas. Relatively slow and weak, they make up for it in numbers and may even surprise survivors by suddenly sprinting. Sometimes seen marching in large numbers aptly named, 'Hordes', they can present a very dangerous threat and may even mount assaults to the Home Base with ''several'' Hordes. In ''Lifeline'', Hordes gain the ability to actually infest an area.
420----
421* GlowingEyelightsOfUndeath: Mostly noticeable during nighttime.
422* Mook: They're plentiful, but individually not particularly threatening.
423* RemovingTheHeadOrDestroyingTheBrain: Only decapitation via [[CleanCut sharp blades]], [[TapOnTheHead blunt force trauma]] or a [[BoomHeadshot bullet through the head]] will gurantee a swift, clean kill.
424** A notable exception would be the [[AbsurdlySharpBlade 'Bladed Weapons Master' Skill]], which enables the survivor to cut off their legs in one swing, causing the zombie to drop and eventually lose it's will to (un)live.
425** [[LudicrousGibs Explosives also do the job]] [[NoKillLikeOverKill just a little too well.]]
426* ZergRush: The ''modus operadi'' of a standard Horde. If caught unprepared, their victims will not usually come out unscathed.
427* ZombieGait: In the Storyline mode, most of them have this. Only a small percentage always run (usually horde members).
428
429!!Big Un'
430First (usually) seen during the siege of the Wilkerson's Farm, these zombies have grown almost twice in size of any human and have gained a considerable amount of mass weight-wise. Despite their exaggeratedly overweight appearance, they can take extreme amounts of punishment and even charge towards their victims. With their powerful arms, they can pound or tear apart unfortunate victims into two.
431----
432* DeadWeight: It is implied they mutated from the zombified Millers hillbilly siblings.
433* DegradedBoss: The first Big Un's is a boss that you have to defeat to finish the mission "the siege of the Wilkerson's Farm", after that they will appear as normal enemies in the open world, although luckily for the player most fights are optional.
434* BullfightBoss: A viable way to defeat them without ranged weapons.
435* ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: Big Un's (or Big Bastards, or Juggernauts) are basically massive, fat zombies, who throw their weight around in combat.
436* {{Expy}}: Of the Tank and Charger from the ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' series.
437* FoeTossingCharge: They charge, and sweep you off your feet, literally.
438* LightningBruiser: They move fast, hit hard, and can inflict injuries without defeating survivors.
439* MadeOfIron: Can dish out an take a ''lot'' more damage then your average zombie. It is possible to kill them with CarFu, but prepare to lose that car or, in the best case scenario, drive the broken heap back to base to repair. Killing them with headshots is possible, but should be done with high caliber weapon and careful aim, or you will waste a lot of ammo. This doesn't stop players and [=AI=] characters from meleeing them, of course.
440* TheJuggernaut: Duh.
441
442!!Feral Zombie
443A severely mutated zombie with a hunched upper body, stretched out limbs and claws. Noticeably fast and agile, they present a significant threat to survivors and will relentlessly pursue them running on all fours. They have the ability to severely injure survivors and can even rip apart downed victims.
444----
445* DeadlyLunge: Its specialty. Once it gets its hands on you while you're downed, it's instant death. With the right timing and awareness, can also be its downfall.
446* {{Expy}}: Of the Hunter from the ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' series.
447* SuperPersistentPredator: Running away from it on an open field is always suicidal. Your options are: stand your ground and fight, lose it by quickly navigating houses, or ram it with a car.
448* SuperSenses: Heavily implied. Apparently being blinded by it's unique mutation doesn't stop them from somehow noticing a nearby victim and immediately attacking them.
449
450!!Rotter Zombie
451Also known as Bloaters, it is an infected creature with a slightly oversized pot-belly. Upon death it's belly will rupture, releasing a cloud of toxic gases affecting survivor's health.
452----
453* ActionBomb
454* DeadlyGas: When killed, gases will project itself over its corpse which will deteriorate the player's health and stamina over time, and potentially cause them to fall ill later on. It can even stick onto surfaces of vehicles which makes them completely unsafe to run over.
455* DeadWeight: Has this look due to their bloated belly.
456* {{Expy}}: Of the Original Boomer, which was an action bomb, from the ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' series.
457
458!!Screamers
459Slow, aimlessly wandering zombies with dismembered upper limbs, they can emit high pitched screeches that attracts unwanted attention from other nearby zombies. Usually the heart of every infestation, they and their entourage must be destroyed in order to clear the occupied area.
460----
461* ArmlessBiped: Doesn't have any arms, but its screech makes up for it.
462* EnemySummoner: It alerts more zombies to your presence by, well... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin screaming]].
463* {{Expy}}: Of the cut Special Infected that was an EnemySummoner, the Screamer, from the ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' series. ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil6'' also has similar-looking zombies, which are much tougher than this version.
464* MakeMeWannaShout: Its screams cause survivors to stagger in pain for a second or two, which can be fatal when surrounded by other enemies.
465
466!!SWAT Zombie
467Former members of local law enforcement who turned while still wearing riot gear. They are not much different from the regular zombies, save for the bulletproof vests they wear.
468----
469* {{Expy}}: Of the riot police uncommon infected from the ''VideoGame/Left4Dead2''.
470* ImmuneToBullets: Its only distinction from a regular zombie. Feel free to whack away at it. The only exception to this is .50 cal rounds and explosives.
471
472!!Army Zombie
473US Army personnel infected by the virus similar to the SWAT Zombie above, but gained the extra ability of constantly sprinting to their target, presumably due to their (former) military training regimen.
474----
475* ImmuneToBullets: Like the SWAT zombie; see above.
476* SuperPersistentPredator: Unlike the SWAT variety, they always run full speed to you once they get you in sight.
477[[/folder]]
478
479!State of Decay: Lifeline characters
480
481''Lifeline'' takes place in the city of Danforth, just outside of Trumbull Valley. The players begin with command of Greyhound One, a elite military squad attempting to evacuate civilians from the city.
482
483[[folder: Greyhound One]]
484
485!!Major Alicia Hawkes
486[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/major_alicia_hawkes_sodl_6548.jpg]]
487
488Commander of Greyhound One, Alicia is an experienced veteran who served multiple tours in Afghanistan before being deployed to Danforth.
489----
490* ActionGirl: She's a competent soldier and can easily rack up more kills than the original trio from the baseline game ''combined''.
491* FriendlySniper: One of the few characters with the 'Qualified Sniper' attribute.
492* TheLeader: Even comes with a related trait, 'Organized Leader'. As far as the premise goes, she's your default character and in charge of the whole operation.
493* MajorlyAwesome: You know things are dire when a major is doing a ground work, commanding a mere squad. Still, she kicks some serious ass and is one of the best combatants in the whole game.
494* AMotherToHerMen: For most of the game, she displays more care towards the soldiers under her command than anyone else and is generally pissed about having to risk their lives for what she perceives as a pointless ghost-chase.
495* MilitaryBrat: Her father was in the military, and Alicia moved around the world a lot whenever he was redeployed.
496* TheSquadette: She is the only initial female soldier in the unit.
497
498!!Sergeant Kilohana Young
499
500A soldier who served with Alicia in Afghanistan for several years.
501----
502* HappilyMarried: He is married and has three children. His bunk is covered in letters and drawings sent by them.
503* TheHeart: He expresses distaste for killing American civilians (even though they're currently undead cannibals), and reminds the squad that the zombies used to be people too. This contrasts with Vincent's more cynical, snarky attitude.
504* InSeriesNickname: "Kilo".
505* TheLancer: The right hand of Mjr. Hawkes and literal 2nd in command for the operation.
506* TheQuietOne: His profile says he is fairly quiet, unless he starts talking about his kids.
507
508!!Private Royell Vincent
509
510A soldier who joined the army after bombing his way through high school due to his deep disregard for authority.
511----
512* DeadpanSnarker: He does not hesitate to make light of Greyhound's current situation every now and then.
513* InSeriesNickname: "Vince".
514* KatanasAreJustBetter: Starts off the story with a wakashashi, definitely not military-issue. His 'Fitness Instructor' background probably has something to do with it.
515* TheBigGuy
516
517!!Dr. Julene Horn's Friend
518
519An off duty soldier found alongside Dr. Julene Horn. Unlike other civilians rescued, she immediately volunteers her combat skills to assist the beleaguered members of Greyhound. Her appearance and stats are fixed, but her name is randomly chosen.
520----
521* FragileSpeedster: She always starts off with her 'Cardio' Skill maxed out.
522* JumpedAtTheCall: Joins the Black Friday base and follows Hawkes command the first chance she's given.
523* NonUniformUniform: She's the only recruitable playable character in ''Lifeline'' to wear civilian clothing instead of a military uniform.
524
525!!Sergeant Kelly Eldridge
526[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sergeant_kelly_sasquatch_eldridge_sodl_4155.jpg]]
527
528A special forces operative from the backwoods of Kentucky. He graduated with honors from a top university before joining the military.
529----
530* TheBusCameBack: He returns in ''VideoGame/StateOfDecay2'', although he only "appears" over the radio and doesn't interact with the player's community. He appears to have left the U.S. military and is now working alongside Red Talon, though he's not officially a member of their group. He's working on something known as Project Osiris, which is alluded to be the evacuation of the President. [[TookALevelInKindness He also seems more reasonable and kinder than his previous appearance.]]
531* CoolShades
532* CuttingOffTheBranches: Unlike Lilly in the first game, who has GameplayAllyImmortality, Eldridge can possibly die at the hands of the zombies at any point in ''Lifeline''. The sequel reveals he survived.
533* GenderBlenderName
534* HiddenDepths: Has very surprisingly insightful theories regarding the infection biology. Aside from the fact that the infected ''is'' his mission, he also does have the degree to back it up though, like most special forces operators in the world. In ''VideoGame/StateOfDecay2'', one of his radio messages is how he remembers all the horrible things he's seen and how it's affected him.
535* InSeriesNickname: "Sasquatch".
536* {{Jerkass}}: He's constantly rude and condescending towards the other members of Greyhound One. If you decide to [[spoiler:disarm the nuke]], he chews you out about it over the radio and [[IllKillYou says he's coming for you.]]
537* JerkassHasAPoint: He does have a point about using [[spoiler: the nuke in Danforth]]. No matter how many civilians ''might'' be left in the city, it's already too late. The city is well and truly lost and if something isn't done then the zombies in the city will eventually spread out into the countryside and make survival there impossible. It also helps that the situation has definitely crossed the GodzillaThreshold. The player character will regretfully explain this to Vienna Cho if they both rescue her and elect to [[spoiler:detonate the nuke]].
538* NoPlaceForMeThere: His experiences have left him unfit for civilian life, or even regular army life, according to his character profile. It does, however, make him very well suited for combating the ZombieApocalypse.
539
540!!Stranded Military Personnel
541As the infection rampaged through the city, and military control crumbling apart, many fighting soldiers found themselves cut off during the panic and confusion. The player can choose to seek out stragglers and bolster Greyhound's operational manpower. Their names, personality traits, backgrounds and skills are usually randomized, as well as their weapons.
542----
543* FieldPromotion: After recruiting them, then gaining enough trust and experience, they will be 'commissioned' to an 'Officer' status, meaning they are now playable and available for player control.
544* LightningBruiser: VERY rarely, a recruited soldier may have both the Powerhouse and Reflexes skill. This combination of the 2 most powerful combat skills in the game is exclusive to ''Lifeline'' characters.
545* NonuniformUniform: Many soldiers sport a mixture of army dress regulations such as vest slacks with helmets, full uniform with no vest, etc, very rarely seen in a full battle-dress ready state. Given the current situation they're in, it's unlikely that [[JustifiedTrope dress and grooming standard is on the top of anyone's list at the moment]].
546* RagtagBunchOfMisfits: Originally different soldiers operating from different units and assigned other missions, they had very little choice but to link up and assist the ''only'' fully operational group left in the city. All in the name of duty and survival.
547* TheRemnant
548
549[[/folder]]
550
551[[folder: Danforth Survivors]]
552
553!!Dr. Thomas Horn
554
555A military scientist with invaluable research regarding the zombie outbreak in Danforth. The Army tasks Greyhound One to locate and evacuate the doctor when his chopper crashes within the city limits.
556----
557* [[spoiler: AteHisGun]]
558* [[spoiler: BoomHeadshot: Self-inflicted from a Glock secretly obtained from a fallen soldier. This pushes Greyhound One to confiscate as many weapons from their fallen to prevent similar incidents.]]
559* InformedAbility: Declared by the military to be the top research expert regarding the ongoing infection. Later {{Lampshaded}}, by Pvt. Vince when he later questions the doctor's credibility [[spoiler:due to the doctor killing himself on the '''pure assumption''' that bites are a one-way-trip (many survivors got bitten, nursed their wounds and were otherwise fine afterwards). Without even making sure at the very least his research goes into the right hands.]]
560* ForWantOfANail: The scientist inadvertently starts Greyhound One's mission to secure [=HVTs=] around Danforth [[spoiler: after he blows his owns brains out on the grounds of being a ZombieInfectee]]
561* [[spoiler: ZombieInfectee: Upon reaching the LZ, he announces to the unit about getting bitten by one of the infected, refusing to board the rescue helicopter fearing harm to the crew or to anyone else around him.]]
562
563!!Dr. Julene Horn
564
565Dr Horn's estranged wife, one of the few people left in Danforth with intricate knowledge of Dr Horn's research.
566----
567* CasualDangerDialogue:
568-->(upon seeing her house infested to the brim with zombies) "I didn't invite them."
569* InsistentTerminology: She is Dr. Horn's '''Ex-'''wife.
570
571!!Dr. Dan Bogatz & Shira Bogatz
572
573One of Dr Horn's known associates, as well as one of his most vocal critics.
574----
575* DamselInDistress: Shira, whom the player has to save in order to obtain full cooperation from Dan Bogatz
576* HeroicSacrifice: Shira once again, who distracted a nearby horde to save her injured father. Subverted, if the player fetches her in time. Otherwise, played painfully straight.
577
578!!Timothy Hall
579
580A known collegue of Dr. Horn, who had close ties with his research.
581----
582* TheCoroner: Was investiging a lead about strange corpses showing up at hospitals shortly before the outbreak.
583
584!!Michelle Martin
585
586A known member of the [=NGO=], Human Future Fund, with connections to Dr. Horn.
587----
588* DarkSecret: Of the corporate-illegal kind. Maybe.
589* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: Not that she has done anything illegal enough to warrant asking for legal advice.... right?
590* WorryingForTheWrongReason: For the amount of nervousness she displays, she must have did ''something'' wrong enough. Fortunately for her, the army only cares for her lab reports and cooperation.
591
592!!Hadley Weston
593
594A local college student, and the son of an important government figure, Greyhound is tasked by HQ to extract him on behest of the local governor.
595----
596* CuttingOffTheBranches: Dialogue in ''State of Decay 2'' implies he never made it out of Danforth. His mother blames the government for his death.
597* ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections: Not actually invoked by him; his father, a CEO of a national logistics firm, doesn't hesitate to pull strings in order to save his son.
598* SkewedPriorities: While in the midst is of an ongoing zombie outbreak, what was his first concern he brings forward to Greyhound? ''His college grades.''
599* TheDitz: Despite being in college he is shown not to be that bright. The prime example of this is when you drive him back to base and asks for a gun, he says its his first amendment rights not second amendment.
600
601!!Madison Grant
602
603A local college student and Dr. Horn's research assistant. Was involed with Dr. Horn both academically and romantically.
604----
605* AgeGapRomance: She stil college when she got into a relationship with Dr. Horn.
606* OfficeRomance: Was Dr. Horns research assistant when she got romantically involved with Dr. Horn.
607* TakingUpTheMantle: Of Dr. Horn's research and hopefully, a cure.
608
609!!Vienna Cho
610
611A radio host, Vienna was not a fan of the military even before their retreat from Danforth, aside from a few elite units. Her number one priority is the safety of the remaining civilians in the city.
612----
613* DespairEventHorizon: Despite her not trusting the military, should the player elect to ignore the civilians and either [[spoiler:not activate the nuke]] or get pulled out after losing too many high-value assets, her final radio broadcast has her announcing the military pulling out with clear hopelessness in her voice.
614--> '''Vienna Cho:''' There is no law now, there is no government, and there is no refuge for people like us. I haven't had a new caller in a while. I don't even know if you can hear me, but if you can, then now you know. You're on your own. This is Vienna Cho...signing off. See you on the other side.
615* GrudgingThankYou: The only thing you get when rescuing ''her''.
616* TookALevelInKindness: The more survivors that the military rescues, the more appreciative she becomes of their efforts. Should the player [[spoiler:disable the nuke]], her final radio message to the survivors left in the city will be saying how much she and the city owes to the Army for their survival and thanking them for their efforts.
617* WhatTheHellHero: Frequently calls out on the military should the player ignore her callers' requests for rescues. [[spoiler: Her last radio message has shades of this followed by a DyingDeclarationOfHate, if the player follows Eldridge's orders to nuke Danforth]].
618[[/folder]]
619

Top