The Complete List of Original Mortal Kombat Characters

Goro, a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios, is a fictional creation. He made his first appearance in the original 1992 Mortal Kombat as a sub-boss and has since appeared as a sub-boss in Mortal Kombat 4 (1997), the 2011 reboot, and Mortal Kombat X (2015).

Goro is a member of the Shokan, a half-human, half-dragon race known for their four arms and enormous size. He starts the series as the reigning champion of the Mortal Kombat tournament, which he has won for 500 years. Goro is commonly portrayed as a villain, fighting for Outworld against Earthrealm's warriors.

Considered an iconic figure in the franchise, Goro is recognized as one of the most memorable and challenging bosses in video game history. He has also made appearances in various media beyond the games.

Johnny Cage, a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games/NetherRealm Studios, first appeared in the original 1992 game. He is an action movie star who possesses extensive martial arts skills. In the series, Cage is portrayed as one of the primary heroes who defend Earthrealm against various threats, while also serving as the comic relief. In the rebooted timeline, he is also the love interest of Special Forces officer Sonya Blade and the father of their daughter, Cassie. Cage's character is inspired by martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme, specifically his character in the 1988 film Bloodsport.

Cage is a mainstay of the franchise and has appeared in various media beyond the games. Reception to the character has been generally favorable, with praise for his role in the series, character development, gameplay, and Fatality finishing moves.

Kano, a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios, made his debut in the original 1992 game. He is the leader of the Black Dragon, a fictitious criminal organization, and is recognized by his cybernetic eye, which he has employed as a laser in later games. Kano is frequently portrayed as one of the series' recurring villains, often teaming up with the forces that threaten Earthrealm. He is also the primary adversary of Special Forces officer Sonya Blade, who strives to apprehend him.

Kano has appeared in various media beyond the games, including the 1995 film adaptation and the 2021 film. The character has received mainly positive feedback, with his heart rip Fatality in the first game considered one of the franchise's most iconic.

Liu Kang is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. He is depicted as Earthrealm's greatest warrior and champion and is generally the primary protagonist of the series. Kang, a Shaolin monk, made his debut in the original 1992 game and has subsequently appeared in nearly every main installment of the series. Additionally, he is a protagonist in the action-adventure beat 'em up spinoff game Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005).

In the character's storyline, he wins the eponymous Mortal Kombat tournament in the first and second games, saving Earthrealm from being taken over by Outworld's opposing forces. Following his death in both the original and rebooted timelines, Liu Kang receives a more villainous portrayal, appearing as a reanimated corpse in the former and as an undead revenant who rules the Netherrealm in the latter. In Mortal Kombat 11 (2019), he reverts to his heroic role as a fire god.

Liu Kang has appeared in various alternate media outside of the games, including as the hero of the 1995 film adaptation and its 1997 sequel Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. The character has been generally well-received for his special moves, gameplay, and his role throughout the series.

Raiden is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series developed by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. He is inspired by the Japanese deity Raijin and serves as the god of thunder with the ability to control lightning. Raiden made his first appearance in the original Mortal Kombat game released in 1992 and has been a playable character in every main game installment since (including updates) alongside Scorpion.

In the game's storyline, Raiden acts as Earthrealm's protector, choosing and training warriors to defend the realm from various threats while participating directly in its defense. Throughout the franchise, Raiden serves as a mentor to the heroes, though he sometimes assumes a darker role in the story, becoming more ruthless in his protection of the realm.

Raiden is a central character in the franchise and has made appearances in various media outside of the games, including guest spots in NBA Jam Tournament Edition (1995), NFL Blitz (1997), Unreal Championship 2 (2005), and Injustice 2 (2017). The character has received a positive reception and is among the series' most beloved characters.

Reptile, a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios, is a fictional figure. He was first introduced as a hidden opponent in the original 1992 game, earning him the distinction of being the first secret character in the history of fighting games. In the follow-up Mortal Kombat II (1993), Reptile became a playable character and has since been a staple of the series. He belongs to the fictional species of reptilian humanoids called Zaterran Saurians, and he is one of the few remaining members of his race. He aligns himself with the franchise's primary antagonists in the hopes that his loyalty will lead to the revival of the Zaterrans.

Reptile has made appearances in various media outside of the games. Critics have praised the character's development from a hidden character to one of the franchise's most well-known fighters.

Scorpion, an undead ninja, is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise developed by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. His primary motive is to seek revenge for the murders of his family, himself, and his clan. Scorpion is well-known for using a kunai-rope dart to harpoon his enemies, and his famous fatality is the "Fire Breath," which involves him removing his mask to reveal a skull before setting his opponent on fire.

First introduced in the 1992 Mortal Kombat game, Scorpion has appeared in every main installment of the series (including updates) alongside Raiden. His backstory identifies him as Hanzo Hasashi, a warrior from the Shirai Ryu clan who was killed by Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei clan. Later games reveal that his family and clan were slaughtered by the sorcerer Quan Chi, who becomes Scorpion's primary target for revenge. Though he is a neutral character in most games, Scorpion typically avoids the franchise's primary conflicts to pursue his personal missions. He occasionally chooses sides that will help him accomplish his objectives. Scorpion is also both a rival and ally of the younger Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang).

Scorpion has been praised by critics since his debut and frequently appears in media outside of the games. He is considered the franchise's most iconic fighter, and even the series' co-creator, Ed Boon, cites Scorpion as his favorite character.

Shang Tsung is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. First appearing as the final boss in the original 1992 game, he has remained one of the franchise's primary antagonists. Shang Tsung is a formidable sorcerer, known for his shape-shifting abilities and the power to absorb the souls of his defeated opponents. Typically serving as the right-hand man of Outworld emperor Shao Kahn, he is also the archenemy of Shaolin monk Liu Kang. In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002), he was featured as the main villain alongside Quan Chi, forming the eponymous Deadly Alliance. Shang Tsung has also appeared in various media outside of the games, including the 1995 film adaptation and the 2021 film, where he played the main villain. He has garnered positive reviews for his design, abilities, and role in the franchise.

Sonya Blade is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise developed by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. First appearing in the original 1992 game as the only female fighter on the roster, Sonya was modeled after martial artist Cynthia Rothrock and is depicted as a military officer in the Special Forces.

In the game's storyline, Sonya is introduced as she pursues her nemesis, criminal leader Kano, and becomes involved in the Mortal Kombat tournament. She eventually joins the ranks of Earthrealm's defenders and founds a government agency to combat threats from other dimensions. In the franchise's rebooted timeline, she is also depicted as the love interest of martial arts actor Johnny Cage and the mother of their daughter, Cassie.

As a long-standing character in the series, Sonya has also appeared in various media beyond the games. Overall, she has been well-received for her role as one of Mortal Kombat's primary female fighters.

In the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios, Sub-Zero is the name of two fictional characters. A member of the fictional Lin Kuei clan, Sub-Zero is known for his ability to manipulate ice. The franchise's main Sub-Zero is Kuai Liang, who debuted in Mortal Kombat II and has appeared in every subsequent game. His older brother, Bi-Han, previously used the Sub-Zero mantle but later became the villainous Noob Saibot. Unlike his brother, Kuai Liang is depicted as a heroic fighter defending Earthrealm against various threats and is often depicted as both a rival and ally of Scorpion. Sub-Zero has become one of the franchise's most popular characters and has appeared in various media outside of the games. He is known for his abilities, appearance, and signature Fatality finishing moves.