Because you like Adam Jensen in Deus Ex Series
A hardboiled 1940s detective, Cole Phelps is haunted by his past in World War II. See them in L.A. Noire.
Most of the world has been wiped out from The Beast. And when The Beast comes, Cole MacGrath will be ready. See them in inFAMOUS.
After being resurrected and discovering his new morphing abilities, Alex Mercer uses them to combat the virus now ravaging New York. See them in Prototype Series.
An assassin with supernatural gifts, Corvo Attano is the last guy you should frame for murder. See them in Dishonored.
It's hard enough fighting a war. But it's worse for Commander Shepard, knowing no matter how hard you try, you can't save them all. See them in Mass Effect.
Stuck somewhere between life and death, Talion is motivated by one thing only: vengeance. See them in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.
Big Boss is a disillusioned mercenary commander who wants to create a world for soldiers (and soldiers alone). See them in Metal Gear Series.
A believer in the pursuit of justice, Garrus Vakarian hates it when bad guys slip through the cracks of the bureaucratic justice system. See them in Mass Effect.
M. Bison is a diabolical megalomaniac hell-bent on dominating the world. See them in Street Fighter.
Those who stand against this singular super ninja are doomed to fail. See them in Ninja Gaiden.
Dr. Gordon Freeman is a brilliant physicist is a quiet hero. And given all the violent aliens, he better be. See them in Half-Life.
Raiden is an efficient soldier haunted by his repressed past. See them in Metal Gear Series.