Roman

Lore & Background

Roman is a powerful Russian mobster who becomes obsessed with finding the legendary treasure of El Dorado. He employs a group of mercenaries and a historian, Gabriel Roman, to help him locate the treasure in the jungles of a remote island. Roman is portrayed as a cold and calculating leader, but his greed and arrogance ultimately lead to his downfall.

Throughout Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Roman pursues Nathan Drake and his allies, using his resources and influence to stay one step ahead. He is willing to kill anyone who stands in his way, including his own men, to claim the treasure. Roman's obsession with El Dorado blinds him to the dangers of the treasure's curse, which ultimately consumes him.

Roman's character serves as a foil to Nathan Drake, highlighting the difference between a treasure hunter driven by greed and one driven by adventure and history. His death at the hands of the supernatural guardians of El Dorado underscores the theme that some treasures are not meant to be found.

In Their Own Story

The jungle was thick with humidity, the air heavy with the scent of decay. Roman stood at the edge of the ancient temple, his eyes fixed on the golden idol within. 'Finally,' he muttered, his voice a low growl. 'After all these years, it's mine.' He gestured to his men, who began to pry open the stone doors. But as the doors creaked open, a low rumble echoed from within. Roman's smile faltered as the ground shook, and from the darkness, a swarm of cursed creatures emerged. He turned to run, but it was too late. The treasure he sought had claimed him.

Reader's Guide

Roman is a secondary antagonist in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, serving as a rival to Nathan Drake in the hunt for El Dorado. He is a Russian mobster who leads a group of mercenaries, and his arc is defined by his greed and eventual demise.

Roman's role in the game is to provide a human antagonist who contrasts with the supernatural threats of the island. He is a foil to Nathan, representing the darker side of treasure hunting. Roman's death at the hands of the cursed guardians serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed.

Key relationships include his partnership with Gabriel Roman, a historian who helps him locate the treasure, and his rivalry with Nathan Drake. Roman's signature moment is his final confrontation with Nathan, where his arrogance leads to his downfall. The character is voiced by an actor who brings a menacing presence to the role, though the specific actor is not widely known.

Did You Know?

• Roman's name is derived from the Russian mobster archetype, though his exact background is not detailed in the game.
• He is one of the few antagonists in the Uncharted series who is killed by supernatural forces rather than by Nathan Drake.
• Roman's character design was inspired by classic film villains, with a focus on his cold, calculating demeanor.
• His role in the story was originally more prominent, but was reduced during development to focus on the supernatural elements.