Back in 1981, George Lucas created Indiana Jones, a fictional archeology professor with a penchant for adventure. Since then, the Indiana Jones franchise has produced five movies, a comic book run, a television series, and numerous video game adaptations, expanding the character roster and further deepening the lore of the famous archeologist.
Over the years, Indiana Jones has been supported by numerous sidekicks, family members, and romantic interests, while facing rivals all across the globe, including high-ranking Nazi commanders, other archaeologists, and cult leaders. We take a look at the best characters in the Indiana Jones universe, including those from the movies and video games.
10Elsa Schneider
“In Pursuit Of Truth, I’ve Found Both Beauty And Betrayal.”
In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Alison Doody portrays Elsa Schneider, a beautiful Austrian art historian and collector. Her intelligence and charisma quickly captivate Jones, leading to a romantic relationship. However, Schneider turns out to be a Nazi spy, only using Jones for personal gain and to discover the location of the Holy Grail.
While her allegiance belongs to Nazis, the story reveals more about her conflicted past and her ambition, as her main objective is to find the Grail and achieve fame in the archaeological world.
9René Emile Belloq
“So Once Again, Jones, What Was Briefly Yours Is Now Mine.”
As in every great series, the protagonist has to have a rival that mirrors their characteristics and demeanor, with slight adjustments that make them antagonists. Indiana Jones received his rival in the form of René Emile Belloq, who first appeared in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Paul Freeman portrays this rival archeologist who competes with Indy and is ready to use any means to achieve his goal.
René Emile Belloq is one of the most recurring villains in the Indiana Jones universe and appears in movies, novels, and video games.
While Jones seeks to collect artifacts to preserve and keep them in museums, Belloq only seeks his gain and is ready to cooperate with anyone to satisfy his greed and ambition.
8Marcus Brody
“Does Anyone Here Speak English? Or Even Ancient Greek?”
Often acting as a voice of reason and Indy’s most trusted confidant, Marcus Brody represents the sidekick that every lead role has, frequently providing invaluable advice, protection, and humor. Played by actor Denholm Elliott, Brody appears in two film releases, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.
While Indy is the more adventurous of the duo, Brody prefers to stay back, provide guidance, and care for the artifacts that Jones uncovers during his adventures. Often depicted in humorous situations that show him out of his depth in the real world, Brody still proves himself an invaluable ally to his colleague.
7Emmerich Voss
“Let Me Tell You What You Are Missing, Dr. Jones. While You Were Playing Your Pointless Game, I Was Playing You.”
Acting as a central antagonist in Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, Emmerich Voss is a ruthless, narcissistic archeologist who is dedicated to finding artifacts that will ensure the victory of the Nazi regime in the Second World War.
Another villain that can match Indy’s knowledge and field prowess, Voss seeks out the artifacts for entirely different reasons. This puts him at odds with Jones multiple times, each time managing to outsmart and outpace him by a slight margin until the very end.
6Ginetta “Gina” Lombardi
“Okay, Then. Let’s See If You Can Keep Up.”
Appearing in Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, Ginetta “Gina” Lombardi, is a trusted ally and companion as the duo sets out to thwart Voss’s attempts to uncover the artifacts. While she helps Indy, Gina is driven by her quest to find her lost sister, Laura.
Alessandra Mastronardi gives her voice and looks to Ginetta Lombardi in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle.
A journalist by profession, her keen eye and analytical skills often help Indy navigate pyramids, jungles, and mountaintops. Her criticism of Jones’ actions keeps him in check and focused on the task at hand while creating a deep bond between them.
5Wan “Short Round” Li
“No Time For Love, Dr. Jones!”
Portrayed by Ke Huy Quan in The Temple of Doom, Wan Li, known as Short Round, is one of the franchise’s most endearing Indiana Jones sidekicks. Despite being young, Short Round proves to be a capable driver and aide who demonstrates quick wit, bravery, and resourcefulness.
Despite facing formidable enemies and an ominous Thuggee cult, Short Round always stays by Indy’s side, offering unrelenting support, humor in challenging situations, and competence far exceeding his physical age.
4Sallah Mohammed Faisel El-Kahir
“Asps. Very Dangerous. You Go First.”
Offering Indy the expertise of a local, Sallah Mohammed Faisel el-Kahir is portrayed by John Rhys-Davies in The Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Last Crusade, and Dial of Destiny. He is an expert navigator of Egyptian archeological sites and has been described as “the best digger in Egypt.”
His hearty laugh and humor are his most memorable characteristics and his allegiance to Indy is never in doubt. Sallah considers him a part of his family, and he often demonstrates loyalty by saving Jones and his companions from perilous situations.
3Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Sr.
“He Chose… Poorly.”
Indy’s estranged father, Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Sr. is portrayed by the legendary Sean Connery in The Last Crusade, revealing the backstory of Indy’s interest in archeology. His presence also reveals that Indy’s various exploits were driven by a desire to impress his father. Despite Indy’s efforts, Dr. Henry was too captivated by his research to develop a deeper bond with his son.
In The Last Crusade, Jones Sr. is gone from Indy’s life for several years while he dedicates his efforts to finding the Holy Grail. This eventually leads to an unexpected reunion with his son. Their resulting joint effort to recover the Grail acts as an opportunity for them to mend their relationship and do what they do best - stop the Nazis from obtaining powerful artifacts.
2Marion Ravenwood
“You’re Not The Man I Knew Ten Years Ago.”
Representing a love interest that spans the majority of the franchise, Marion Ravenwood is the ultimate heroine and partner to Indiana Jones. She appears in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and The Dial of Destiny, as well as The Great Circle. Karen Allen portrays(and voices) her as a fiery, independent, and courageous woman who can fend for herself.
Marion’s romantic involvement with Indy stems from her archeological background. Her father, Abner Ravenwood, was Jones’s mentor and a famous archeologist. Marion and Indiana’s relationship often fluctuated throughout the years, and is a rollercoaster of on again on again interactions.
1Indiana Jones
“Fortune And Glory, Kid. Fortune And Glory.”
Embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration, our main protagonist Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, is a professor of archeology at an esteemed college. In his spare time, he embarks on exciting and often dangerous missions to recover powerful artifacts.
His fedora, leather jacket, satchel, and whip, supplemented by charm, resourcefulness, humor, and moral conviction, became instantly recognizable as his fame grew. Indy’s quest to preserve history from human greed and make it accessible to everyone resonates with audiences across the globe to this day.
