Why Resident Evil’s Jack Krauser Hates Leon Kennedy

The Antagonist: Jack Krauser

In the world of Capcom’s Resident Evil 4, players take on the role of Leon Kennedy, a secret agent fighting against hordes of infected villagers and vile beasts with the ultimate goal of rescuing the president’s daughter. One of his most prominent foes throughout the game is Jack Krauser, a special ops soldier who harbours an intense hatred for Leon Kennedy.

The Backstory: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

Although Krauser was first introduced in Resident Evil 4, he also appeared in another game, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, as a playable character. This Wii game served to expand on his backstory and motivations. In it, the player takes on the role of Leon Kennedy, who is sent to a South American jungle to pursue a drug lord named Javier Hidalgo and put a stop to his dealings with the Umbrella corporation. Leon is partnered with Jack Krauser, a soldier from the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

Krauser’s Jealousy and Resentment

Krauser is jealous of Leon’s position and assignment, which came directly from the President of the United States. He feels brushed aside by his government and wants to prove his worth by completing the mission. During the game, the two fight against hordes of infected villagers and virus-infected creatures, and Krauser begins to resent Leon. Krauser’s rage is further fuelled when he is seriously injured by Javier’s mutated wife, Hilda, forcing him out of the army and reinforcing his hatred for the government.

Krauser’s Obsession with the Virus

During an unlockable post-game chapter, the player takes control of Krauser and gains further insight into his motivations. Krauser begins to sympathize with Hidalgo and his use of the virus to strengthen himself. In the climactic battle with Javier, Krauser realizes the potential of the virus. The revelation leads him to seek the help of Albert Wesker to aid him in getting his hands on the virus. He goes on to work for Wesker and the Organization, infiltrating Los Illuminados and stealing the parasite, Las Plagas. Krauser ingests a parasite, giving him superhuman powers.

Operation Javier

Files related to Operation Javier in the Resident Evil 4 remake paint a slightly different picture of the events leading up to Krauser’s hatred. According to documents found later in the game, Operation Javier was a secret mission to wipe out South American drug cartels and resulted in the deaths of many elite soldiers, including Krauser himself. Krauser attempts to keep the events of his and Leon’s secret mission further contained by burying a journalist’s report on Operation Javier.

The Conclusion

Krauser’s hatred for Leon is rooted in his resentment and jealousy of Leon’s position, which was granted by the President of the United States. Through his experiences in Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, Krauser comes to see the potential of the virus, and his obsession with it leads him to work for Wesker and infiltrate Los Illuminados. His story was expanded upon in Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles and serves as an integral piece of Resident Evil lore.

Credit: https://www.polygon.com/23654795/resident-evil-4-remake-operation-javier-jack-krauser

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