Edward Kenway returns as the main protagonist in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.
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The story features legendary historical pirates, Assassin allies, and Templar enemies.
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Many characters are inspired by real historical figures, including Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read.
One of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced isn't just the naval combat or exploring the Caribbean. It's the incredible cast of characters. Edward Kenway's journey feels memorable because of the people he meets along the way, from legendary pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny to loyal allies like Adewale and mysterious figures like Mary Read. Some of these characters are inspired by real historical pirates, while others were created specifically for the Assassin's Creed universe, but together they create one of my favorite stories in the series. In this guide, I'll introduce you to the main characters in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, explain their backstories, and show why each one plays such an important role in Edward's adventure.
Quick Info
Category
Details
Main Protagonist
Edward Kenway
Setting
Caribbean (1715–1722)
Main Factions
Assassins, Templars, Pirates, British Empire, Spanish Empire
Historical Pirates
Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Charles Vane, Stede Bonnet
Affiliation: Pirates, later the Assassin Brotherhood
If I had to describe Edward Kenway in one word, it would be ambitious.
Unlike many Assassin protagonists characters, Edward doesn't begin his journey fighting for freedom or justice. Instead, he's driven by something much simpler: he wants wealth, status, and a better life for the woman he loves. That motivation makes him one of the most relatable protagonists in the entire Assassin's Creed series.
Edward was born on March 10 in Swansea, Wales, before moving with his family to a farm outside Bristol, England. At just seventeen years old, he met Caroline Scott, and the two quickly fell in love. They married less than a year later, hoping to build a happy life together.
Unfortunately, Edward struggled to leave behind his reckless habits. Drinking, fighting, and chasing adventure constantly pulled him away from home. Even though Caroline begged him to stay, Edward believed he could earn enough money overseas to give her the life she deserved.
Everything changed in 1712.
After joining a privateering expedition, Edward found himself caught in the conflict between pirates, the Spanish Empire, and eventually the Assassins and Templars. During a voyage, he met a character called Adewale, and together they escaped Spanish captivity by stealing a ship that Edward would later rename the Jackdaw. As you progress through Edward's journey, upgrading the ship becomes increasingly important, so I'd recommend checking out our Ultimate Ship Plan Locations guide after you've unlocked the higher upgrade tiers.
From that point onward, Edward's adventure truly begins.
What I love most about Edward is how much he changes throughout the story. He starts as someone who only cares about gold and glory, but every major loss teaches him another lesson about loyalty, friendship, and responsibility. By the end of the game, he's a completely different person from the reckless pirate we meet at the beginning.
Since you'll spend most of the game sailing aboard the Jackdaw, I'd recommend upgrading it regularly using our Jackdaw Ship Upgrades guide. Likewise, collecting stronger Weapons and better Outfits and Armor makes Edward even more effective during both naval battles and melee combat.
Caroline Scott
Role: Edward's Wife
Although the Character Caroline Scott doesn't receive nearly as much screen time as the pirates, she's one of the most important people in Edward's life.
Caroline was born in England in 1691. She first met Edward outside the Auld Shillelagh after one of his drunken fights. At first, she wasn't impressed by his behavior, but Edward eventually convinced her to give him a chance. Before long, the two fell deeply in love and decided to marry.
Sadly, their relationship didn't stay peaceful for long.
Edward couldn't shake his desire to prove himself, and he believed becoming wealthy overseas would solve all of their problems. Caroline strongly disagreed and wanted him to settle down instead of chasing dangerous adventures.
Things became even more heartbreaking when Caroline discovered she was pregnant.
Even then, Edward chose to leave for the New World, promising that he'd return as a successful man worthy of his family. Looking back, this decision becomes one of the biggest regrets of Edward's life and shapes many of the choices he makes later in the story.
In my opinion, Caroline represents the life Edward could have lived if he had chosen family over fame. Her influence remains with him throughout the game, even when she's no longer by his side.
Adewale
Role: Quartermaster of the Jackdaw
Affiliation: Pirates, later the Assassin Brotherhood
If Edward is the heart of Black Flag Resynced, then Adewale is its backbone.
Born in Yoruba to enslaved parents, Adewale spent his childhood working on a plantation after being sold shortly after birth. Life was unimaginably difficult, and freedom seemed almost impossible.
Everything changed when he was sixteen.
A group of buccaneers attacked the plantation, stealing sugar, supplies, and Reales. Instead of hiding, Adewale seized the opportunity to escape. He climbed into a nearby rowboat carrying a crate of sugar and hoped for the best. Surprisingly, the pirates welcomed him aboard their ship instead of turning him away.
Years later, fate brought Adewale and Edward together.
After both men escaped Spanish captivity, they stole a brig together and transformed it into the Jackdaw. From that moment onward, Adewale became Edward's Quartermaster and closest companion throughout much of the adventure.
What makes Adewale such a great character is that he constantly challenges Edward's decisions. While Edward often acts impulsively, Adewale thinks about the bigger picture and isn't afraid to tell his captain when he's making a mistake.
Personally, I think their friendship is one of the strongest relationships in the entire game. They don't always agree, but they trust each other when it matters most.
As Edward continues exploring the Caribbean with Adewale, you'll naturally encounter activities like Assassin Contracts, Templar Hunts, Side Quests, and Officer Quests. I found these worth completing alongside the main story because they add more context to the world while rewarding you with useful gear and resources.
Out of all the pirates Edward meets, Stede Bonnet is probably the most unusual. Unlike the rest of the crew, he wasn't born into a life of piracy or forced to survive at sea. Instead, he came from a wealthy family in Barbados and inherited a large plantation after losing his parents at a young age.
For a while, Bonnet lived a comfortable life. He eventually married and started a family, but tragedy struck when his young son died. Struggling to cope with the loss, Bonnet decided to leave everything behind and chase the adventurous life he had always dreamed about.
That's when he became a pirate.
Unfortunately, Bonnet's lack of experience quickly caught up with him. His ship was attacked by the British Navy, and things could have ended there if Edward Kenway hadn't arrived to rescue him.
From that point onward, Bonnet becomes one of Edward's more memorable companions. While he doesn't possess the same combat skills as other pirates, his optimism and unusual personality make him stand out throughout the story.
I also like how the game doesn't portray every pirate as a fearless warrior. Bonnet feels like an ordinary person trying to survive in an extraordinary world, which makes his story surprisingly relatable. If you want to learn more about his story after the main campaign, be sure to check out our Captain Stede Bonnet Walkthrough, which covers his dedicated side quest and rewards in detail.
Charles Vane
Role: Pirate Captain
Affiliation: Pirates
Based on a Real Person: Yes
If Edward represents freedom, Charles Vane represents pure chaos.
Born somewhere in England around 1680, Vane's early life remains largely unknown. Even historians aren't completely sure where he was born, which only adds to his reputation as one of history's most mysterious pirates.
Vane began his career as a privateer before eventually sailing to Nassau, where he joined several well-known pirates during what became known as the Golden Age of Piracy.
Everything changed when Governor Woodes Rogers arrived in Nassau and offered the King's Pardon to pirates willing to surrender.
Most pirates accepted the offer.
Vane didn't.
Instead of giving up piracy, he openly rejected the pardon and chose to continue living outside British rule. That decision perfectly sums up his personality. He's stubborn, unpredictable, and willing to fight almost anyone who stands in his way.
Throughout Black Flag Resynced, Vane often clashes with Edward because the two men view piracy very differently. While Edward usually thinks before acting, Vane often lets his anger control his decisions.
Personally, I think Vane is one of the game's best antagonistic allies. He's never completely on your side, but he's also not a straightforward villain. That unpredictability makes every encounter with him far more interesting.
Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch
Role: Pirate Captain
Affiliation: Flying Gang
Based on a Real Person: Yes
Very few pirates have become as legendary as Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch.
Even before I played Black Flag, Blackbeard was already one of the names I immediately recognized. The game does a fantastic job of showing why he became one of the most feared pirates in history without turning him into a one-dimensional character.
Born in England around 1680, Blackbeard originally worked as a privateer before piracy became his full-time life. Eventually, he joined forces with Benjamin Hornigold, and together they captured numerous ships throughout the Caribbean.
Later, Blackbeard became one of the founding members of the Flying Gang, a group of pirates hoping to transform Nassau into a free pirate republic beyond the reach of European empires.
Interestingly, when Blackbeard finally acquired his own ship, he discovered that Stede Bonnet was already aboard as his Quartermaster. It's little historical details like this that make the game's world feel so authentic.
Throughout Edward's journey, Blackbeard acts as something of a mentor. He's experienced, respected, and understands the true cost of living as a pirate far better than Edward does.
In my opinion, Blackbeard has some of the strongest scenes in the entire story. Every time he appears, you get the feeling you're standing beside a living legend rather than just another NPC.
Mary Read is easily one of my favorite characters in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.
Unlike many of the pirates Edward meets, Mary constantly keeps players guessing. She's intelligent, confident, and always seems to know more than she's willing to reveal.
Historically, Mary Read was a real pirate, although much of her early life remains uncertain. Most historical accounts agree that she was born in England, but even her exact birth year is still debated today. According to one of the better-known stories, Mary's mother dressed her as a boy during childhood so she could pass as another man's son and secure financial support for the family.
The game builds on this mysterious background and turns Mary into one of the story's most important characters.
Without spoiling too much, Mary plays a major role in Edward's personal growth. She repeatedly challenges his priorities and encourages him to look beyond fame, fortune, and piracy. Some of Edward's biggest turning points happen because of the conversations they share.
That's one of the reasons I enjoy their relationship so much. It never feels forced, and every interaction helps Edward mature into a better person.
If you'd like a deeper look at one of their most memorable interactions, don't miss our How a Wink Changed Mary and Edward's Chemistry article, where I break down why that seemingly small moment became such an important part of their relationship.
Anne Bonny
Role: Pirate
Affiliation: Flying Gang
Based on a Real Person: Yes
Anne Bonny is another legendary pirate who plays an important role in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. While she doesn't receive as much screen time as Edward, Adewale, or Blackbeard, every scene she's in helps make Nassau feel like the pirate haven it's meant to be.
Anne was born in Ireland in 1702 before moving to the British colonies as a teenager. At just sixteen years old, she sailed to the West Indies with her husband, Jack Bonny, hoping to build a new life.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.
After arriving in Nassau, Jack focused almost entirely on his work, while Anne slowly became frustrated with their marriage. She eventually took a job as a barmaid at the Old Avery Tavern, where she met the charismatic pirate "Calico" Jack Rackham. That meeting completely changed the direction of her life and cemented her place among some of the Caribbean's most infamous pirates.
One thing I really appreciate about Anne is that she isn't written as a stereotypical pirate. She's sharp, independent, and never hesitates to speak her mind. Even among a cast filled with larger-than-life personalities, Anne always manages to leave a lasting impression.
As Edward's journey continues, Anne becomes another reminder that every pirate has a different reason for choosing life at sea. Some chase fortune, others seek freedom, while a few are simply trying to escape the lives they left behind.
Character Relationships
One of my favorite things about Black Flag Resynced is how every major character influences Edward's journey in a different way. Some become trusted friends, others challenge his beliefs, and a few leave lessons that stay with him long after they're gone.
Character
Relationship with Edward
Caroline Scott
Wife and Edward's biggest motivation early in the story.
Adewale
Quartermaster, closest friend, and trusted advisor.
Stede Bonnet
Pirate ally who often relies on Edward's help.
Charles Vane
Rival pirate whose reckless choices frequently clash with Edward's ideals.
Blackbeard
Mentor figure and one of Edward's greatest inspirations.
Mary Read
Assassin ally who encourages Edward to rethink his priorities.
Anne Bonny
Trusted pirate ally and member of Edward's growing circle of friends.
Looking back at the story, I think this balance is what makes Black Flag Resynced stand out from many other Assassin's Creed games. Edward doesn't grow because of one single mentor or one life-changing event. Instead, every major character teaches him something different, and those lessons slowly shape him into the person he becomes by the end of the game.
Why the Characters Make Black Flag Resynced So Memorable
I've played plenty of Assassin's Creed games over the years, but I still think Black Flag Resynced has one of the strongest casts in the series.
Part of that comes from how naturally the game mixes fictional characters with real historical pirates. People like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Charles Vane, and Stede Bonnet genuinely existed, while characters like Edward and Adewale fit into that world so well that they never feel out of place.
The game also gives each character room to grow. Nobody feels like they're only there to hand out missions. Instead, they have their own personalities, motivations, and struggles that make every interaction feel meaningful.
If you're exploring the Caribbean alongside these characters, I'd also recommend completing the various Side Quests, Templar Hunts, and Assassin Contracts along the way. They add even more context to the world while rewarding you with useful gear, resources, and unique collectibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main character in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced?
Edward Kenway is the main protagonist of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The story follows his transformation from an ambitious pirate into a key figure within the Assassin Brotherhood.
Is Blackbeard based on a real person?
Yes. Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch was a real historical pirate who sailed during the Golden Age of Piracy. The game adapts his life while staying faithful to many well-known historical events.
Are Mary Read and Anne Bonny real pirates?
Yes. Both Mary Read and Anne Bonny were real pirates, and they're among the most famous female pirates in recorded history.
Who is Edward Kenway's closest ally?
Throughout most of the story, Adewale serves as Edward's Quartermaster, closest friend, and most trusted companion.
Which character has their own Side Quest?
Stede Bonnet has a dedicated Side Quest that rewards players with Stede Bonnet's Portrait and Stede Bonnet's Dagger. If you're looking for a complete walkthrough, check out our Captain Stede Bonnet Walkthrough guide.
Kohinoor is a gaming and tech writer at TechWiser who loves breaking down updates, guides, and hidden details in popular games, especially within the Roblox space. Known for keeping things clear, practical, and easy to follow, their work helps players stay informed without the fluff. When not writing, you’ll usually find Kohinoor listening to music, going on long bike rides, or planning the next travel adventure.
Updated: July 20, 2026 
