Hero (Dragon Quest V)

The Hero of Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is the main protagonist of the game. Unlike some other installments in the series, the Hero’s early life and parentage are central to the narrative. The player names the Hero at the start of the game, but he is often referred to within promotional material and supplementary sources as "Abel" in Japan and "Madason" by fans in English-speaking regions, though these names are non-canonical.

The Hero's story is unique within the Dragon Quest series for its multigenerational scope. The game follows him from childhood, where he travels with his father Pankraz, through adulthood as he marries and raises a family, and into his struggles against the game's primary antagonist, Nimzo.

Key characteristics of the Hero include:

• Parentage: The Hero is the son of Pankraz, a legendary warrior who served the Zenithian king. His mother's identity is kept a mystery for much of the game.
• The Zenithian Sword: He is destined to wield the Zenithian Sword, a powerful weapon needed to defeat Nimzo.
• Monster Taming: He possesses the ability to recruit monsters to his party, a unique characteristic amongst Dragon Quest protagonists.
• Marriage and Family: The Hero has the option to marry one of three potential brides: Bianca, Nera, or Deborah (Debora in some versions). His choice impacts the story and the abilities of his children.
• Children: The Hero has two children, a son and a daughter, who are integral to the plot and possess significant magical abilities. The son inherits the Hero's knack for monster taming.
• Role in the Story: The Hero's journey is driven by a quest to avenge his father's death, protect his loved ones, and ultimately prevent Nimzo from plunging the world into darkness. He is a silent protagonist, and his personality is shaped by the player's choices and actions throughout the game.