Jim Raynor: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Fictional character in StarCraft}}

{{vg-in-universe}}

{{Multiple issues|

{{Primarysources|date=July 2007}}

{{notability|date=June 2023}}

{{General CVG character

{{refimprove|date=June 2023}}

|name=Captain James Raynor

{{inuniverse|date=June 2023}}

|image=[[Image:James Raynor.jpg|200px]]

}}

|caption={{{imagecaption|}}}

{{Infobox character

|firstgame=''[[StarCraft]]''

| name = Jim Raynor

|voiceactor=Robert Clotworthy

| image = Jim Raynor (StarCraft).png

|inuniverse={{StarCraft characterbox

| caption = Raynor as he appears in ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty|StarCraft II]]''

|species=[[Terran (StarCraft)|Terran]]

| series = [[StarCraft]]

|affiliation=[[Raynor's Raiders]]; previously [[Sons of Korhal]]

| firstgame = ''[[StarCraft (video game)|StarCraft]]'' (1998)

|position=Former Confederate marshal; former [[Sons of Korhal]] commander; leader of [[Raynor's Raiders]]

| voice = '''English'''<br>[[Robert Clotworthy]]<br>'''Korean'''<br>[[Choi Han]]

}}}}

| creator = [[Chris Metzen]]<br />James Phinney

'''James Raynor''', better known simply as '''Jim''' to his friends, is a [[fictional character]] in the [[StarCraft universe]]. He is a [[Terran (StarCraft)|Terran]], originally from the colony of [[Mar Sara]].

| designer = Chris Metzen

| species = [[Races of StarCraft#Terrans|Terran]]

| affiliation = [[Characters of StarCraft#Raynor's Raiders|Raynor's Raiders]]

| position = General of the Terran Dominion<br />Captain of the ''Hyperion''<br />Leader of Raynor's Raiders<br>Mar Sara Confederate [[City marshal|marshal]]

}}

'''James Eugene Raynor''' is a major [[protagonist]] in [[Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard Entertainment's]] science fiction ''[[StarCraft]]'' series. Raynor is a predominant character in the science fiction real-time strategy video games ''[[StarCraft (video game)|StarCraft]]'' and ''[[StarCraft: Brood War|Brood War]]'' and is a [[player character]] in ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. He also appears as a playable character in the crossover [[multiplayer online battle arena]] game ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''. Outside video games, Raynor appears in the novels ''[[Liberty's Crusade]]'' and ''[[StarCraft Uprising|Queen of Blades]]'', while his backstory is explored in the novels ''[[StarCraft Uprising|Heaven's Devils]]'' and ''[[StarCraft Uprising|Devil's Due]]''. [[Robert Clotworthy]] voices the character in all video game appearances.

In [[StarCraft]] and [[StarCraft: Brood War]], Raynor is voiced by Robert Clotworthy. He will be voiced by Robert Clotworthy again in [[StarCraft II]].

Created by [[Chris Metzen]] and James Phinney, Raynor is loosely based on a character of the same name in the 1991 film ''[[Rush (1991 film)|Rush]]''. Metzen conceived Raynor to represent the ordinary man in a series populated with politically motivated characters. Raynor's physical appearance was designed by Metzen himself. A [[Terran Marine|Terran]] in his thirties, Raynor is a former soldier and outlaw who eventually becomes a [[City marshal|marshal]] in a backwater colony world. Raynor joins [[Arcturus Mengsk|Arcturus Mengsk's]] revolution against the oppressive [[Templar Caste|Terran Confederacy]] but becomes disillusioned with Mengsk's genocidal tactics, forming his own paramilitary group to challenge Mengsk's tyranny.

In the Starcraft Map Editor, he appears as the hero version of the Terran Marine, Vulture and Battlecruiser.

The character has received a positive critical response; Raynor's depiction in ''StarCraft'' and ''Brood War'' was praised for its character depth and the quality of Clotworthy's voice acting. One survey by [[GameSpot]] put Raynor as one of the top ten heroes in video gaming.

==Biography==

Relatively little is known about Raynor's past before his appearance in the game, only that he is the marshal of the colony on [[Mar Sara]] and has apparently been so for a long time, having seen and done much in the course of his duties. He was married once to a woman named Liddy, and they had a son. However, Raynor's son was lost to the Confederate Ghost Program and was killed during training, causing Raynor to develop a deep resentment towards telepaths. Liddy may have died not long thereafter; by Jim's own account, she "never recovered. She just sort of wasted away, that winter she went down with the flu. And afterwards, I threw myself into my work. Found out I liked working alone." <ref>{{cite book|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|url=http://www.blizzard.com/books/scliberty-excerpt.shtml|publisher=Pocket Books|date=[[2001-02-27]]|id=ISBN 0-671-04148-7|authorlink=Jeff Grubb|first=Jeff|last=Grubb}}</ref> However, while this does seem to strongly imply that she died, it is still somewhat ambiguous, so it is possible that Liddy (and any other family Raynor may have potentially had) were killed later, by the Zerg or the Protoss during the destruction of Mar Sara.

==Character design==

===Fall of the Confederacy===

[[File:Robert Clotworthy Headshot.JPG|upright|right|thumb|Raynor was the first video game character Clotworthy had the opportunity to voice.<ref name="Clotworthy"/>]]

When the player first encounters Raynor in-game, he is a 29-year-old marshal on [[Mar Sara]] who is part of its colonial militia.<ref>{{cite book|language=English|chapter=Roster of Heroes|pages=p91|author=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|title=StarCraft Manual|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=[[1998-04-01]]}}</ref> Under orders from the [[Terran Confederacy]], he escorts key colonists of Mar Sara, including the player's character of Colonial Magistrate, to the wastelands in preparation for their abandonment of planet, which is under attack by the [[Zerg]].

The character of Raynor was originally devised by [[Chris Metzen]]<ref name="manualcredits"/> and James Phinney,<ref name="manualcredits">{{cite book|chapter=Credits|page=94|author=Underwood, Peter|author2=Roper, Bill |author3=Metzen, Chris |author4= Vaughn, Jeffrey |title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=1998-04-01}}</ref> with his depiction as a rough-living and dangerous man developed through various pieces of concept art by Metzen. In an interview, Raynor's voice actor Robert Clotworthy cited one piece of this concept art in how he decided to voice the character. The art, showing Raynor on a hoverbike and outfitted with futuristic weaponry, gave Clotworthy the impression that as Raynor was someone people "wouldn't mess with", he would not have to raise his voice as "other characters [would] shut up and listen" or face the consequences.<ref name="Clotworthy"/> Clotworthy also stated that if a ''StarCraft'' film was produced, he believed [[Clive Owen]] would be the perfect choice to play Raynor due to his "being dangerous".<ref name="Clotworthy">{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/starcraft-2---jim-raynor-blizzard-and-the-ugly/|title=''StarCraft'' – Robert Clotworthy (Jim Raynor) Interview| publisher=BlizzPlanet|date=2007-06-06|access-date=2007-07-11}}</ref>

While safeguarding these colonists, he receives a distress signal from a Confederate outpost named ''Backwater Station''. [[Alpha Squadron]] General [[Edmund Duke]] tells the Colonial Magistrate not to interfere, as he will send help, but Raynor believes Duke will take too long. He takes a detachment the local militia to fight the Zerg, defeating them and destroying their [[Infested Terran|Infested Command Center]], encountering [[Michael Liberty]] in the process. The Confederacy later arrests him (ostensibly) for destroying Confederate property. Liberty later arranges for [[Arcturus Mengsk]] and his faction, the [[Sons of Korhal]] to free him from the Confederate prison ship and Raynor decides to join their cause. He persuades the colonial magistrate to ally with them as well. Raynor takes part in many battles with the Sons of Korhal against the [[Zerg]] and the [[Terran Confederacy]]. After overcoming his prejudice against telepaths he sparks a friendship with Mengsk's second-in-command, Lieutenant [[Sarah Kerrigan]], to whom he becomes strongly attracted. The actions of [[Raynor]], [[Kerrigan]] and the Colonial Magistrate, now named Commander, later rescue [[Edmund Duke|General Edmund Duke]] from his crashed flagship on [[Antiga Prime]] and help ensure that the Terran Confederacy is eventually defeated at their capital world of [[Tarsonis]].

Raynor's character is based on a character of the same name in the film ''[[Rush (1991 film)|Rush]]'', whom Chris Metzen describes as a "gritty, undercover cop". Metzen also states that Raynor is a personal favorite character of his, as although he is only an ordinary man, he has personally met and worked with the most influential characters in the series.<ref name="Blizzcon Gamespot">{{cite web|access-date=2008-10-05 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/starcraft2/video/6176406/starcraft-panel-discussion-lore-? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408061855/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/starcraft2/video/6176406/starcraft-panel-discussion-lore- |archive-date=2010-04-08 |title=''StarCraft'' Panel Discussion: Lore |website=GameSpot |date=2007-08-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In ''StarCraft II'', Raynor was again voiced by Robert Clotworthy.<ref name="Blizzplanet">{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/robert_clotworthy_officially_returns_as_jim_raynor_in_starcraft_ii_wings_of/|title=Robert Clotworthy Officially Returns as Jim Raynor in Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty| publisher=Blizzplanet|access-date=2009-08-05}}</ref>

Toward the end of ''Rebel Yell'' Mengsk leaves Kerrigan to die at the hands of the Zerg on the New Gettysburg space platform orbiting Tarsonis, causing Raynor to sever his ties with Mengsk for this cold act of indifference. He and the Commander desert the fleet, and to Raynor's surprise he is joined by a small army of his former militia and some members of the Sons of Korhal. This becomes the later "[[Raynor's Raiders]]." [[Edmund Duke]] tries to prevent them from fleeing from [[Tarsonis]] using an orbital [[Ion Cannon]], but Raynor's new forces destroy the cannon and escape. Having lost his homeworld and the support of a prominent Terran faction, he strikes out on his own. Parting ways with Michael Liberty, who also deserted Mengsk at this time, Raynor's forces raid the shipyards at [[Dylar IV]] in order to acquire long-term transport. The raid is so successful that Raynor was able to hijack Mengsk's flagship, the ''[[Hyperion (StarCraft)|Hyperion]]'', when Duke arrived with it to defend the shipyards.

The tactical shooter ''[[StarCraft: Ghost]]'' was to feature Raynor as Clotworthy stated he was brought in to voice the character;<ref name="Clotworthy"/> however, the game has since been canceled and Raynor's role was never revealed. Bill Roper, Blizzard North's former vice president, stated that the game would not center on Kerrigan or Raynor.<ref>{{cite web|date=2002-10-03|url=http://www.starghost.com/billroper.php|title=''StarCraft: Ghost'' – Bill Roper Interview|author=Mielke, James|publisher=Star Ghost|access-date=2007-07-27}}</ref>

===Raynor's Raiders===

==Attributes==

Whilst Raynor contemplates his next move, he is drawn to the planet [[Char (StarCraft)|Char]] by the psionic emanations of [[Sarah Kerrigan]] in the form of dreams, believing that Kerrigan may be alive and that she could be rescued. However, his forces are overrun by the Zerg under the command of the newly [[Infested Kerrigan]] and Raynor is shocked to see her alive and in this condition. Kerrigan defeats his forces, but allows Jim and the remaining survivors on the ground to flee. However, the Zerg attack both Raynor's fleet and an orbiting Dominion fleet, forcing the ''Hyperion'' to withdraw to avoid destruction and stranding Raynor's crew on Char. The sudden arrival of the [[Protoss]] destroys the remaining vessels of Raynor's fleet.

===Personality===

Raynor links up with the forces of [[Tassadar]] and those of [[Zeratul]] both of whom were also drawn to Char by Kerrigan's psionic emanations. At first Raynor's troops did not fight alongside the Protoss, but after the Swarm departed for Aiur he was forced to do so to survive. During this time he becomes one of the few humans to learn directly about Protoss history and culture<ref>{{cite book|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|publisher=Pocket Books|date=[[2006-05-23]]|id=ISBN 0-7434-7133-4|first=Aaron|last=Rosenberg}}</ref>

Despite an often laid back and sarcastic demeanor,<ref name="manual">{{cite book|chapter=Roster of Heroes|author=Underwood, Peter|author2=Roper, Bill |author3=Metzen, Chris |author4= Vaughn, Jeffrey |title=StarCraft (manual)|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-04-01|page=91}}</ref> Raynor is described in the novel ''[[Liberty's Crusade]]'' as a decent and honorable man who is well liked by those under his command.<ref>{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Marshal and Ghost|page=121|date=March 2001|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref> Robert Clotworthy noted that as such, Raynor is always willing to do the right thing, no matter how difficult it may be. His assertion to kill [[Sarah Kerrigan]]—the series' main antagonist—despite his former love for her early in the story arc is one of the sacrifices that in Clotworthy's eyes makes Raynor a "true hero in the purest sense of the word".<ref name="Clotworthy"/> He is also described as being fiercely loyal to his friends and his cause,<ref name="manual"/> willing to put it all at risk for the protection of those who cannot defend themselves.<ref>{{cite book|author=Rosenburg, Aaron|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Chapter 2|page=13|date=June 2006|title-link=StarCraft: Queen of Blades}}</ref> It is this loyalty that causes deep resentment in Raynor when he is betrayed by those he had once trusted.<ref name="Blizzcon Gamespot"/> Although often displaying an overzealous attitude, Raynor is well respected by his men as a dynamic and reliable leader<ref name="manual"/> who always tries to ensure his troops survive the day, even when Raynor is responsible for getting them into a bad situation.<ref>{{cite book|author=Rosenburg, Aaron|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Chapter 5|pages=80–83|date=June 2006|title-link=StarCraft: Queen of Blades}}</ref> Raynor himself acknowledges that he is not the most intelligent man there is,<ref>{{cite book|author=Rosenburg, Aaron|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Chapter 11|page=181|date=June 2006|title-link=StarCraft: Queen of Blades}}</ref> but is shown as being extremely resourceful and persistent in the face of unfavorable odds.

.

===Depiction===

Eventually relief arrives as the Fleet of the Executor, accompanied by [[Aldaris]] arrives to arrest Tassadar. Despite Aldaris' contempt for Raynor, he stays close to his Protoss friend and his forces assist in retrieving Zeratul from an infested Dominion installation on Char. The ''Hyperion'' also returns, providing Raynor's crew with a means off the planet. Raynor returns with Tassadar to Aiur to assist in the war against the Zerg. Whilst on Aiur he forms a strong friendship with [[Fenix]]. At the end of Episode III, Raynor's troops are instrumental in the defeat and death of the Overmind, for which Tassadar sacrifices himself.

Raynor is only ever depicted by his unit portrait through the course of ''StarCraft'' and ''Brood War''. He is later shown in ''StarCraft II'' as a physically strong yet casually dressed character, wearing his combat gear over his normal clothes,<ref name="SC2bio">{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/hero/jim-raynor|title=Biography: Jim Raynor|work=StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2010-07-27|access-date=2008-01-29}}</ref> which are further described in the novels as well-worn and rough in appearance.<ref>{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Anthem Base|page=68|date=March 2001|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref> Raynor has a neatly trimmed moustache and beard,<ref>{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Anthem Base|page=69|date=March 2001|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref> which by the time of ''StarCraft II'' are beginning to grey. His ''StarCraft II'' model also reveals the presence of tattoos on both his arms.<ref name="SC2bio"/> In addition, a number of pieces of concept art depict Raynor smoking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eu.starcraft2.com/images/artwork/ss34-hires.jpg|title=Concept art of Raynor|work=StarCraft II|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|access-date=2008-01-31}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Unlike other characters, Raynor is not seen wearing a uniform at any point during the series, with the rare exceptions of when he is encased in [[space marine|marine]] combat armour. Raynor is often depicted riding a modified vulture hovercycle, which he uses for transport<ref>{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Creeps|page=72|date=March 2001|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref> and in open land combat.<ref>{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Marshal and Ghost|page=127|date=March 2001|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref>

===The threat from the UED===

The temporarily leaderless Zerg rampage over Aiur, killing 70% of its inhabitants. The Protoss make the decision to evacuate [[Aiur]] through a [[Warp Gate]] to [[Shakuras]], homeworld of the Dark Templar. Raynor and Fenix stay behind on Aiur to guard the Aiur side of the Warp Gate so that the surviving Protoss can escape. This unlikely bond between a Terran and a Protoss is one of the strongest and most enduring in the entire storyline of ''StarCraft''.

==Appearances==

During Episode V, Raynor makes a brief appearance in the ''Hyperion'', backed with a Protoss support fleet, to rescue Arcturus Mengsk from being captured by the [[United Earth Directorate]] and later escapes with him through the Warp Gate on Aiur.

===In video games===

At the beginning of Episode VI, Kerrigan asks him and Fenix to bring Arcturus Mengsk to her. Kerrigan deceives all three into thinking they are allied against a common enemy - the UED. Kerrigan uses them to help her destroy the UED's [[Psi Disruptor]], as well as retaking [[Korhal]] for Mengsk. Then, when Kerrigan has no more use for them, she has Fenix killed. Raynor finally realizes Kerrigan's treacherous nature, and in one of the strongest moments of the game, swears to kill her, after which he strikes out on his own again. For the rest of ''Brood War'' we see no more of Raynor, and after the final mission we are told that "James Raynor and Zeratul went their separate ways, and have not been heard from since their departure."

====''StarCraft''====

However, Raynor made an appearance in the ''StarCraft 64'' map, ''Resurrection IV'', which takes place after Brood War. ''Resurrection IV'' occurs on the world [[Braxis]]. Here, he works with [[Artanis]] and other Protoss to help capture [[Alexei Stukov]], who is now an infested Terran, and return him to human using [[nanotechnology]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/Resurrection_IV|title=Resurrection IV|publisher=[[Wikia]]|accessdate=2006-09-06|date=2006-08-24}}</ref>

Raynor's first appearance is in the 1998 title ''[[StarCraft (video game)|StarCraft]]''. Raynor is a marshall on the [[Templar caste|Confederate]] fringe colony of Mar Sara, where he is attempting to defend the population from an expanding [[Zerg]] infestation. As the Confederacy abandons Mar Sara to its fate, [[Arcturus Mengsk]] and his rebel Sons of Korhal arrive to evacuate the colony. Thoroughly disillusioned with the Confederacy, Raynor and his colonial militia join the Sons of Korhal.<ref>'''Raynor:''' Arcturus' boys sprung me from the prison ship. Apparently, they're as frustrated with the Confederates as we are! I know their reputation, but they seem to be on the level.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=The Jacobs Installation}}</ref> During his time with the rebels, Raynor falls in love with Mengsk's second-in-command, psychic assassin [[Sarah Kerrigan]]. However, when Mengsk uses Zerg-attracting Confederate technology to destroy the Confederate capital Tarsonis and abandons Kerrigan on Tarsonis to the Zerg, Raynor and his militia desert, hijacking Mengsk's flagship ''Hyperion'' in the process.<ref>'''Raynor:''' I can't believe he actually left her down there! I'm gone, and you'd better come with me. There's no tellin' who Arcturus'll screw over next. / [...] / '''Mengsk:''' Gentlemen, you've done very well, but remember that we've still got a job to do. The seeds of a new Empire have been sewn, and if we hope to reap– / '''Raynor:''' Aw, to hell with you! / '''Mengsk:''' You're making a terrible mistake. Don't even think to cross me! I've sacrificed too much to let this fall apart. / '''Raynor:''' You mean like you sacrificed Kerrigan? / '''Mengsk:''' You'll regret that. You don't seem to realize my situation here. I will not be stopped. Not by you, or the Confederates, or the Protoss or anyone! I will rule this sector or see it burnt to ashes around me. If you try to get in my– / [...] / '''Raynor:''' The hell with him. We're gone.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=The Hammer Falls}}</ref> Raynor's men, labelling themselves "Raynor's Raiders", take it upon themselves to strike at Mengsk, who has crowned himself emperor of the new Terran Dominion. Soon after, Raynor is lured to the planet Char by psychic dreams. He discovers the source is Kerrigan, who has been captured and infested by the Zerg. Raynor tries to save her, but to no avail;<ref>'''Raynor:''' Sarah... Is that really you? / '''Kerrigan:''' To an extent... I'm far more than I once was, Jim. You shouldn't have come here. / '''Raynor:''' But the dreams... I dreamed you were still alive, that somehow... you were calling to me. / '''Kerrigan:''' I was. While I was in the chrysalis, I instinctively reached out to you and Arcturus telepathically. Apparently, Arcturus sent Duke here to reclaim me. But that was then, Jim. I'm one of the Zerg, now. And I like what I am. You can't imagine how this feels... / '''Raynor:''' So... what? Are you goin' to kill me now, darlin'? / '''Kerrigan:''' It is certainly within my power. But you're not a threat to me, Jim. Be smart. Leave here now, and never seek to confront the Zerg again. / '''Raynor:''' Doesn't look like I have much choice.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=Agent of the Swarm}}</ref> he and his men end up stranded on Char for months. Raynor discovers a Protoss force led by high templar [[Tassadar]] and the [[dark templar]] [[Zeratul]] is also on Char, likewise attracted by Kerrigan's psychic emanations and subsequently stranded. The two groups ally and hold out against Kerrigan and the Zerg until rescue arrives with forces from the Protoss homeworld of Aiur. Raynor and his remaining Raiders accompany Tassadar back to Aiur, which has fallen prey to Zerg invasion, and help the Protoss destroy the gargantuan [[Zerg Overmind]].<ref>'''Raynor:''' Well, I guess all I have left is to see this through. The Zerg have taken everything from me: my home, my family, my friends. I know that nothing I do can bring those things back, but I'll be damned if I just sit on my hands and wait for the end. I want a piece of 'em, all right. I'm in.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=Eye of the Storm}}</ref>

====''StarCraft: Brood War''====

==Personality==

[[Image:Easy Rider (StarCraft).jpg|thumb|upright|Metzen's "Easy Rider" concept art from which Clotworthy based the personality of Raynor]]

Jim Raynor seems to be very short-tempered, but generous in the whole gameplay. In the scenarios, he always tries to do the right thing, and he also breaks out from Mengsk's force because of his abandonment of Kerrigan.

Raynor returns in ''[[StarCraft: Brood War|Brood War]]'', having earned the trust of the Protoss and befriended the templar warrior [[Praetor Fenix|Fenix]]. The Raiders and Fenix's forces remain on Aiur as a rearguard while the surviving Protoss evacuate their homeworld, now devastated and overrun by the Zerg, for the dark templar world of Shakuras.<ref>'''Raynor:''' Executor, my crew and I will remain here on Aiur and shut the gate down on this side. It's the only way to make sure that the Zerg won't send more reinforcements to Shakuras. / '''Artanis:''' You will be hopelessly outnumbered, and once the gate is shut down there will be no one to save you should you be overrun. / '''Raynor:''' Yeah, well... I'm a man of action. What can I say? / '''Fenix:''' I shall remain with Raynor as well, Executor. My duty is to Aiur, after all. / '''Artanis:''' Farewell then, brave warriors. We will send through all the troops we can spare. / '''Raynor:''' Thanks. You kids just remember to play nice from now on, okay? Wish us luck.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft: Brood War|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=Dunes of Shakuras}}</ref> Raynor is later contacted by Kerrigan, who convinces them to join with her against the [[United Earth Directorate]] (UED), which has arrived to pacify the sector by any means necessary. Raynor and Fenix reluctantly prevent Mengsk's capture by the UED,<ref>'''DuGalle:''' You have far outlived your reputation 'citizen' Mengsk. Captain, prepare to take the Emperor into custody. / '''Raynor:''' You'll have to postpone those plans, gentlemen. / '''Adjutant:''' Sir, the rebel command ship ''Hyperion'' has just entered our sensor range. It is accompanied by a small Protoss fleet. / '''DuGalle:''' What?! Who are these intruders? / '''Mengsk:''' Jim Raynor... What the hell are you doing here? / '''Raynor:''' I'm pullin' your ass out've the fire, Arcturus. So shut up and sit tight. Make no mistake about it: we've got us a serious score to settle, but right now a mutual acquaintance of ours wants you alive. Prepare your ships for dimensional recall.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft: Brood War|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=Emperor's Fall}}</ref> and with Kerrigan's Zerg rout the UED from the Dominion throne world of Korhal. However, Kerrigan turns on her allies, launching a surprise attack against both the Dominion and the Raiders. Although the ''Hyperion'' escapes the planet, Fenix is killed in the attack; an outraged Raynor vows that Kerrigan will die by his hands.<ref>'''Raynor:''' Fenix! No! / '''Kerrigan:''' What are you worried about, Jim? He died the way all Protoss hope to: in combat! / '''Raynor:''' He died because you betrayed him! How many noble souls do you need to consume before you're satisfied? How many more people need to die before you realize what you've become? / '''Kerrigan:''' You don't even know what you're talking about, Jim! / '''Raynor:''' Don't I? I'll see you dead for this, Kerrigan. For Fenix and all the others who got caught between you and your mad quest for power! / '''Kerrigan:''' Tough talk, Jimmy. But I don't think you have what it takes to be a killer. / '''Raynor:''' It may not be tomorrow, darlin'. It may not even happen with an army at my back. But rest assured: I'm the man who's going to kill you some day.—{{cite video game|title=StarCraft: Brood War|developer=Blizzard Entertainment|year=1998|level=True Colors}}</ref>

Raynor is one of the very few major Terran characters in StarCraft to be [[Goodness and evil|fundamentally good]] throughout the game . Even when he assisted Kerrigan, it was to overthrow the UED, which he suspected would enslave or kill all three races in the sector (in essence, he chose what appeared to be the [[lesser of two evils]]). Raynor is also the only known Terran closely associated with, and trusted by, the Protoss.

====''StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty''====

==Game unit==

The 2010 sequel ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty|Wings of Liberty]]'' takes place four years later, where the Raiders are still resisting the renewed Dominion, but are low on morale and resources, while their efforts are marginalised by Dominion media. Raynor, blaming himself for Kerrigan's transformation and Fenix's death, has started drinking. He returns to Mar Sara, where he is approached by a former associate, [[Tychus Findlay]], with a business proposition to acquire [[Xel'Naga]] artifacts for a research group, the Moebius Foundation. The artifacts, guarded by an extremist faction of Protoss, are also sought by Kerrigan, who launches a vast invasion of the Dominion to find them. Between missions Zeratul appears and tells Raynor that Kerrigan must survive the coming battles "or all is lost", as she will be pivotal to every species surviving a coming enemy worse than even the Zerg. To prove his point he leaves a Protoss memory device, through which Raynor sees Zeratul's journey following an ancient prophecy and the vision of an alternate timeline's future. In this vision Kerrigan had died and the swarm (under control of an unknown entity) is wiping out the last remaining Protoss - with the Humans having already fallen and the Zerg being wiped out after their victory.

Jim Raynor appears in [[StarCraft]] and [[StarCraft: Brood War]] in three separate units. We first see him piloting a ''Vulture'' hover cycle. He raids the ''Jacobs Installation'' as a [[Marine (StarCraft)|Marine]], and he commands the ''[[Hyperion (StarCraft)|Hyperion]]'', a [[battlecruiser (StarCraft)|battlecruiser]], during Episode III as he fights alongside the [[Protoss]].

His vulture hovercycle has 300 hit points, and does 30 points of concussive damage. The Hyperion has 850 HP and does 30 points of normal damage.

He appears in all three forms in [[StarCraft: Brood War]] as well. Although he appears throughout Brood War, he is not a playable hero during those episodes. The only exception is a brief moment during the first mission of Episode 4, when he helps Zeratul and the Khalis escape from Aiur. This is also notably the only time players can command an invincible hero.

Eventually accumulating all the artifacts, the Raiders discover that the Moebius Foundation is a front for the heir apparent of the Dominion, [[Valerian Mengsk]]; though the ''Hyperion'' crew is concerned about having been working for their enemy, Valerian coaxes Raynor to accompany him in invading Char as the combined artifact may reverse Kerrigan's infestation. Although the Dominion takes heavy losses to the Zerg, the Raiders defend the artifact from Kerrigan until it can be activated; upon detonating, it destroys all nearby Zerg and leaves Kerrigan human again. However, Findlay, acting on orders from Arcturus Mengsk, attempts to kill the weakened Kerrigan, forcing Raynor to kill Findlay before tending to Kerrigan.

==Trivia==

* As of [[May 26]], [[2007]], the [[Battle.net]] Web Site contains a hidden image of [[Infested Kerrigan]] saying "Help me Jim Raynor...you're my only hope!". The animated GIF image and the text can be found at the bottom of the main page. In order to reveal them the user has to click the round object above the Blizzard image. This is a reference to [[Star Wars]] specifically, [[Princess Leia]]'s message inside [[R2-D2]]. Some speculate that this may also be hinting at Raynor's role in the plot of the upcoming sequel ''[[StarCraft II]]''.

* In the 2.0.3 Patch for the Blizzard MMORPG [[World of Warcraft]], a level 70 NPC named Lord Marshal Raynor was added at the Dark Portal opening event. This is almost certainly a Blizzard self-referential cameo.

*Raynor is the only hero in the game appearing in three units (Marine, Vulture and Battlecruiser). Both Raynor's Vulture and Hyperion have slightly higher fire rates than their normal counterpart.

* Raynor is one of the characters confirmed by Chris Metzen to appear in [[Starcraft II]].

====''StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm''====

==References==

Following the battle of Char, in ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm|Heart of the Swarm]]'', Raynor and Kerrigan are taken to a secret lab by Valerian to evaluate the extension of Kerrigan's current power to control the Zergs, until it is attacked by Dominion forces. Raynor is captured by Nova and Mengsk declares that he was executed, much to Kerrigan's grief. However, Mengsk later contacts Kerrigan and reveals that Raynor is still alive and under his custody, using him as a leverage to have her keep the Zerg swarm, now reunited under her command, away from Dominion Territory. Kerrigan then manages to rescue Raynor with the Raiders' help and despite his rejection of Kerrigan at first for choosing to abandon her humanity in order to save him, he and his forces join the swarm for a final battle on Korhal to overthrow Mengsk, saving Kerrigan once more when the Emperor tries to destroy her with the artifact, ultimately leading to Mengsk's death at her hands. Reconciled with Kerrigan, Raynor bids farewell to her as she leaves with the Zerg swarm to confront Amon, the fallen Xel'Naga which intends to return and exterminate both the Zerg and Protoss races.

<references/>

{{====''StarCraft}} II: Legacy of the Void''====

During the events of ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void|Legacy of the Void]]'', Raynor participates in the defense of Korhal from Amon's forces alongside Artanis. He is later given a psionic call by Kerrigan to aid her and Artanis in a joint Terran Dominion/Zerg Swarm/Protoss invasion of the Void, a realm accessed from the Xel'Naga homeworld of Ulnar, to permanently kill Amon. In the aftermath of the war, Raynor disappears from public view with Kerrigan.

==== ''Heroes of the Storm'' ====

[[Category:StarCraft characters|Raynor, Jim]]

Raynor appears as a [[Player character|playable character]] in the [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] video game ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'', which features various characters from Blizzard's franchises as playable heroes. He is one of many ''StarCraft'' heroes that are available in the game, and features a unique skillset including a heroic ability to summon the Hyperion to fire upon the battleground he is on.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/heroes/en/heroes/raynor/|title=Raynor - Heroes of the Storm|website=us.battle.net|language=en-us|access-date=2019-12-21}}</ref> Raynor is a ranged assassin that can keep enemies away with his basic abilities. He relies on his hard-hitting physical attacks and long range to fight his enemies from a safe distance. Since he lacks any form of innate escape mechanism, like teleports or dashes, knowing when to take a fight and when to retreat is crucial to achieve good results when playing this hero. Jim Raynor is also the leading character in the game's tutorial, and one of the six Blizzard characters who appear in the ''Heroes of the Storm'' cinematic trailer.<ref>{{Citation|title=Heroes of the Storm™ Cinematic Trailer| date=8 November 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ecv0bT9DEo| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/0ecv0bT9DEo| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[Category:Terrans (StarCraft)|Raynor, Jim]]

==== ''Hearthstone'' ====

[[es:Jim Raynor]]

Raynor is set to appear as a card in the ''Warcraft'' spinoff game ''[[Hearthstone]]'', in which he is a playable hero card for the Terran faction of cards in the expansion mini-set "Heroes of Starcraft". He will release in the set alongside fellow Starcraft characters ''[[Artanis (StarCraft)|Artanis]]'' and ''[[Sarah Kerrigan]]''. <ref>https://x.com/PlayHearthstone/status/1879227043931357287</ref>

[[pt:Personagens de StarCraft]]

[[ru:Джим Рейнор]]

===In novels===

[[zh:吉姆·雷诺]]

Several ''StarCraft'' novels also feature Raynor; he is a prominent character in ''[[Liberty's Crusade]]'', which reveals that Raynor had a wife and son.<ref name="Libertyfamily"/> His son exhibited psychic potential and consequently is conscripted for the Confederate [[Ghost agent|ghost program]], where the intense training ultimately kills him.<ref>{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Belly of the Beast|date=March 2001|page=181|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref> Afterward, Raynor's wife Liddy dies after a period of depression and illness.<ref name="Libertyfamily">{{cite book|author=Grubb, Jeff|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=The Wreck of the ''Norad II''|date=March 2001|page=147|title-link=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}</ref> As a result, Raynor immerses himself in his work and develops a penchant for operating alone. He is also the primary protagonist in ''[[StarCraft Uprising|Queen of Blades]]'', a novelization of the events of ''StarCraft''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Episode II in which Raynor attempts to rescue [[Sarah Kerrigan]] from the [[Zerg]] on Char<ref>{{cite book|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Chapter 4|pages=56–72|date=June 2006|title-link=StarCraft: Queen of Blades}}</ref> and eventually allies with the high templar [[Tassadar]] and renegade dark templar [[Zeratul]], facilitating the reconciliation between the two estranged Protoss.<ref>{{cite book|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|chapter=Chapter 17|pages=279–295|date=June 2006|title-link=StarCraft: Queen of Blades}}</ref>

More recently, his early military and criminal history, including his association with Tychus Findlay, were explored in the novels Heaven's Devils and Devil's Due. Also in Devil's Due, Raynor's father died by machine error. Raynor's mother died at day when Raynor visited her.

==Reception==

The character of Raynor was generally well received by critics and fans alike. Gaming's Edge described Raynor as an "almost prototypical action movie figure" with a "healthy dose of arrogance" who despite always attempting to do the morally right thing invariably ends up with "the worst end of the deal" due to circumstances beyond his control. The article also puts forward the case that "it would be difficult not to admire Raynor, if for no other reason than his persistence" in the face of abandonment, isolation and betrayal.<ref name="GamingEdge">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamingsedge.com/viewcontent.cfm?content=35&content_type=Article&department=1|title=Character Profile: Jimmy Raynor| publisher=Gaming's Edge|access-date=2011-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217130929/http://www.gamingsedge.com/viewcontent.cfm?content=35&content_type=Article&department=1|archive-date=2007-12-17}}</ref> In the review of ''StarCraft'' for the magazine ''[[GamePro]]'', the reviewer stated that he felt that the portrayal of characters was so good that he felt they "were actually talking to me" and expressed that he began to feel an emotional attachment to the plights of Raynor, commenting "When was the last time you could say that about a character in a strategy game?"<ref name="gameproSC">{{cite magazine| url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/818.shtml| title=''StarCraft'' for PC review |author = Olafson, Peter |magazine=[[GamePro]] | date=2000-11-24 | access-date=2007-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618090852/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/818.shtml |archive-date=2008-06-18 }}</ref> A reader's poll for [[GameSpot]] voted Raynor one of video gaming's top ten heroes, complimenting Raynor's character on his humanity, his resilience in the face of consistent loss, as well as his progression from backwater marshal to galactic hero. GameSpot also gave additional praise to the quality of Robert Clotworthy's voice acting.<ref name="gamespottopten">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_heroes/page1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000308103500/http://www.gamespot.com/features/tenspot_readers_heroes/page1.html|archive-date=2000-03-08|author=Cheung, James|title=Number 10: Jim Raynor|work=TenSpot: Reader's Choice – Best Heroes| publisher=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=2007-07-18}}</ref> In 2012, [[GamesRadar]] ranked him as the 80th "most memorable, influential, and badass" protagonist in games, commenting: "He embodies the concept of the greater good and is willing to put it all on the line to protect others. If you’re ever stuck in a sticky situation, whether it’s against a swarm of Zerg or a Protoss fleet, he’s the man you want to be fighting side by side with."<ref>[http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ 100 best heroes in video games], GamesRadar, October 19, 2012</ref> In 2013, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked Raynor as the 24th greatest soldier in video games.<ref>Chad Hunter, Michael Rougeau, [http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/05/the-50-greatest-soldiers-in-video-games/jim-raynor The 50 Greatest Soldiers In Video Games], Complex.com, May 25, 2013.</ref>

Raynor earned a nomination for Most Compelling Character at the [[Machinima, Inc.#Inside Gaming|second Annual Inside Gaming Awards]] in 2010, but lost to [[John Marston (character)|John Marston]] from the ''[[Red Dead]]'' video game series.<ref name="Inside">{{cite web |url=http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2010/11/19/machinima-com-announces-nominees-for-second-annual-inside-gaming-awards/|title=Machinima.com Announces Nominees For Second Annual Inside Gaming Awards |work=Inside Gaming Daily |access-date=March 29, 2020 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330193010/http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2010/11/19/machinima-com-announces-nominees-for-second-annual-inside-gaming-awards/|archive-date=March 30, 2012 }}</ref>

==Further reading==

*{{cite magazine|first=Earnest|last=Cavalli |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/10/starcraft-2s-bo/|title=StarCraft 2's Boozy Interludes|magazine=Wired|date=October 10, 2008 }}

*{{cite web|first=Damian|last=Koh |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/starcraft-ii-takes-flight-with-korean-air/|title=StarCraft II takes flight with Korean Air

|website=CNet |date=June 28, 2010 }}

*{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Cross |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/08/column_diamond_in_the_rough_st.php|title=Opinion: 'Diamond in the Rough': Starcraft 2's Jim Raynor And His 'Hyperion'|website=GameSetWatch |date=August 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822014415/http://www.gamesetwatch.com:80/2010/08/column_diamond_in_the_rough_st.php|archive-date=August 22, 2010|access-date=May 19, 2022}}

*{{cite journal |author=Gregory Blomquist|title=Postmodern Medusa: The Monstrous-Feminine in ''StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm'' |journal= [[Games and Culture]] |date=March 2021|volume=16 |issue=7 |pages=885–906 |doi=10.1177/15554120211005232 |s2cid=233633758 |doi-access=free }}

==Notes==

{{reflist|30em}}

==References==

{{refbegin}}

*{{cite book|first=William|last=Dietz|title=StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils|___location=New York|publisher=Simon & Schuster|date=2010-04-06}}

*{{cite book|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|title=StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade|___location=New York|publisher=Simon & Schuster|date=2001-03-01|edition=The StarCraft Anthology}}

*{{cite book|first=Aaron|last=Rosenberg|title=StarCraft: Queen of Blades|___location=New York|publisher=Simon & Schuster|date=2006-06-01}}

*{{cite book|author1=Underwood, Peter |author2=Roper, Bill |author3=Metzen, Chris |author4=Vaughn, Jeffrey |title=StarCraft ''(manual)''|___location=Irvine, California|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-03-31}}

*{{cite book|author1=Underwood, Peter |author2=Roper, Bill |author3=Metzen, Chris |title=StarCraft: Brood War ''(manual)''|___location=Irvine, California|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=1998-11-30}}

{{refend}}

==External links==

* [http://eu.starcraft2.com/features/heroes/raynor.xml Jim Raynor's biography] on the official ''StarCraft II'' website.

{{StarCraft}}

{{Heroes of the Storm}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Raynor, Jim}}

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