Protagonists
 Solid Snake
Solid Snake is the protagonist for the Tanker chapter in Metal Gear Solid 2, who is sent to investigate a new Metal Gear (Metal Gear RAY) which was in development and being transported in a vessel disguised as an oil tanker. However the tanker was quickly overrun and taken over by a group of Russian mercenaries under the command of Sergei Gurlukovich. He infiltrates the oil tanker, defeating Olga Gurlikovich in a gun battle before making his way down into the tanker's interior and secured photographs of the Metal Gear RAY being housed. However, his plans were somewhat thwarted when Revolver Ocelot appeared and proceeded to use Metal Gear RAY to sink the tanker.
Two years later, Snake infiltrated the newly built Big Shell facility when it was taken over by Gurlukovich soldiers and disguised himself as a Navy SEALS Alpha Squad member Iroquois Pliskin. Under the guise of his alter ego, Snake proceeded to assist Raiden with bomb disposal and hostage rescue before working with Olga Gurlukovich in order to get on board Arsenal Gear. On board, Snake fights his way through several Arsenal guards before being captured by Fortune.
Snake is voiced by David Hayter in the English version of the game.
 Jack
Jack is the second protagonist in Metal Gear Solid 2 and is the playable character for the Plant chapter in the game. Jack was briefly referred as "Snake" at the start of his mission until the Colonel changed his codename to Raiden as the leader of the terrorist group was referring to himself as Solid Snake. Once Raiden infiltrated the Big Shell, he met up with Iroquois Pliskin, a Lieutenant Junior Grade with the Navy SEALS (who was later revealed to be the real Solid Snake). Raiden assisted Snake with bomb disposal and hostage rescue as well as to fight and take down Dead Cell (a former anti-terrorist special operations unit), before being captured by the Cyborg Ninja (Olga) and taken aboard Arsenal Gear.
Aboard Arsenal, Raiden and Snake fight their way through several Arsenal guards both are captured and have to fight their way through several Metal Gears.
Raiden is voiced by Quinton Flynn in the English version of the game.
Allies/Supporting Characters
Rosemary
Colonel
Peter Stillman
Hal Emmerich (Otacon)
Cyborg Ninja
Emma Emmerich
James Johnson
Enemy/Boss Characters
Liquid/Revolver Ocelot
Vamp
Fortune
Fatman
Solidus Snake
Olga Gurlukovich
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