April Ryan (The Longest Journey)

April Ryan is the player character and protagonist of The Longest Journey adventure game series, developed by Funcom. She is a young art student living in Stark, a technologically advanced world within the universe of the game. Initially portrayed as a somewhat cynical and disillusioned 18-year-old, April discovers she is a Shifter, a being capable of traveling between Stark and Arcadia, a magical world.

As a Shifter, April's primary destiny is to restore the Balance between Stark and Arcadia, which has been disrupted, causing instability in both worlds. Her journey involves traversing diverse environments in both dimensions, solving puzzles, and interacting with a wide array of characters, ranging from mundane humans to mythical creatures.

Throughout The Longest Journey and its sequel, Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, April evolves from a reluctant participant to a powerful figure responsible for the fate of both worlds. Her character arc encompasses themes of self-discovery, responsibility, and the conflict between technology and magic. She possesses strong will and determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

While initially focused on restoring the Balance, April's motivations expand to encompass broader questions of destiny, free will, and the nature of reality. Her interactions with other characters and the choices she makes have significant consequences for the overarching narrative of the series. While the character's fate is ultimately left somewhat ambiguous at the end of Dreamfall, her influence and importance to the series' lore remain central.