6. Characters

Learn about the main characters in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, including Master Chief, Cortana, Captain Keyes, and the Covenant.

Master Chief

You play as Master Chief, a SPARTAN II supersoldier and the last of his kind. Aided by the Artificial Intelligence Cortana, he aims to stop the Halo from destroying the universe. He wakes from cryo sleep to assist the marines.

Cortana

Cortana is a highly intelligent AI who guides you throughout Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Once placed in the back of your helmet, she can appear as a purple or green hologram. She is crucial for calling in evacuations and troops. Captain Keyes warns you to keep her away from the Covenant, as her capture could reveal vital information about weapon research, marines, and the location of Earth.

Foehammer

Foehammer pilots the Pelican ship that Cortana calls for evacuation at the end of many levels. She is also referred to as Echo 419. Tragically, Foehammer is shot down by two Banshees while attempting to extract you from the Pillar of Autumn at the game's conclusion.

Captain Jacob Keyes

Captain Keyes commands the UNSC forces. He lands the Pillar of Autumn on Halo to investigate its nature. He provides you with your first weapon and entrusts you with Cortana. He is captured twice; during the first capture, you rescue him, and he acquires a Needler. You must protect him, as he can become reckless and cause his own demise, resulting in a return to the last checkpoint (a type of save point).

UNSC Marines

Marines assist you through the first 6 levels of Halo: The Master Chief Collection. They are no longer present after you complete the level '343 Guilty Spark'. Notable marines include the humorous SGT. Johnson and PVT. Jenkins, whose video becomes significant. Marines typically wield Assault Rifles, firing in three-round bursts, but may later use Shotguns and Covenant weapons. They can be particularly effective as gunners in a Warthog.

Covenant

The Covenant are an alien species responsible for the fall of planet Reach and the deaths of many. Their current objective is to locate and conquer Earth. Your mission is to prevent this by destroying Halo.

343 Guilty Spark

343 Guilty Spark is a floating monitor with a blue glow, encountered at the end of the level of the same name. He informs you about the threat of the Flood and tasks you with retrieving an index to activate Halo and potentially wipe out the galaxy. He appears in every level after you meet him, except for 'Keyes'. He has an annoying, nerdy voice and hums and sings during the level 'The Library'.