Roman Barkov

Key points of the canon:

• The central protagonist of the Soviet campaign in the original trilogy.
• His path from a private in Stalingrad to a captain raising the flag over the Reichstag is his main biographical arc.
• A charismatic, rude, but caring commander is the basis of his character.
• Appearance: Stocky, short dark hair (almost bald), light (gray/gray-blue) eyes, characteristic black fur hat with earflaps (especially in CoD2), no visible canonical scars.
• The surname "Barkov" is canonical according to the developers, but was not used in the games of the trilogy. In-game name - Roman / Captain Roman.

• Hairstyle: Very short haircut ("under the scalp" or "hedgehog"). Practical, under a helmet. In CoD2 you can sometimes see that the hair is a little longer on top, but still very short.
• Eye Color: Gray or gray-blue. The exact shade is difficult to determine due to the graphics of the time, but light, cool eyes are a canonical trait seen in renders and models.
• Scars: There are NO canon references or visible scars on his face or exposed body parts in the original trilogy. His face in the games usually has no detailed damage (other than general wear and tear). Any descriptions of specific scars would be non-canon speculation.
• Characteristic Features:
• Focused, Intense Look: Expresses determination and war weariness.
• Wrinkles: Especially on the forehead and around the eyes - a result of stress, tension and age (he is clearly older than many privates).
• Facial features are stingy with emotions: In battle, the face is usually stern and focused.
• Clothing (Typical):
• CoD (Stalingrad): Tunic/quilted jacket, earflap hat (often worn askew), raincoat, PPSh-41.
• CoD:UO (Kursk): Summer tunic, cap or helmet, sometimes without headgear.
• CoD2 (Poland/Germany): Iconic image: Red Army captain's field uniform (tunic with collar tabs and shoulder straps), thick ushanka hat made of black or dark brown fur (his most recognizable detail), raincoat or greatcoat in cold missions. Always with PPSh-41 and TT (Tokarev pistol). The tunic often shows the Order of the Red Star (or another Soviet order, low detail).

His journey from a private in the ruins of Stalingrad to a captain raising the flag over the Reichstag is the central arc of his character, symbolizing the fortitude and sacrifice of the Soviet soldier.

3. Character:

• Brave and Determined: Does not hesitate in the face of danger, leads soldiers into attack personally.
• Charismatic Leader: Soldiers follow him and respect him. Knows how to inspire ("For the Motherland! Attack!").
• Rude and Straightforward: Speaks harshly, often uses strong expressions (especially towards Germans). Intolerant of incompetence or cowardice.
• Cynical (towards the enemy): Has seen too many atrocities, feels no pity for the fascists. Pragmatic in assessing the situation on the battlefield.
• Responsible and Caring (towards his own): Feels duty to his subordinates, strives to minimize losses. Worries about the death of soldiers.
• Patriotic: Sincerely believes in the just cause of liberating the Motherland and destroying Nazism. His patriotism is not ostentatious, but hard-won.
• Experienced and Skilled: Has risen from private to captain in the bloodiest battles. Excellent tactician on the battlefield.

4. Appearance (Based on canon models and renders from CoD, CoD:UO, CoD2):

• Build: Strong, stocky, typical of a seasoned frontline soldier. Short or medium height.
• Face: Roundish, with prominent cheekbones. The nose is straight and of medium length. The mouth is usually compressed into a determined or severe line.
• Hair Color: Dark blond or brown. In the original CoD and UO, his model was often depicted as being nearly bald (due to the low poly model and helmet), but in concept art and especially in Call of Duty 2 (which has higher detail), it is seen that he has short dark hair.

1. Full name:

• Name: Roman
• Patronymic: Unknown (not mentioned in canon).
• Last name: Barkov. Important clarification: The last name "Barkov" is never spoken or written in the original trilogy games (CoD, CoD:UO, CoD2). It became widely known from developer files (scripts, documentation), official art books, and interviews. In the games, he is only known as "Roman" or "Captain Roman". It is considered canonical by fans and lore, but it does not appear in the game content of the trilogy.

2. Biography (Chronology and Character Revelation):

• Origin: Born in the USSR. Exact date and place of birth unknown.
• Pre-war life: Unknown. No canon details about his life before the war are revealed.
• The Great Patriotic War:
• Private (1942, Stalingrad): First appears in Call of Duty as a private Red Army soldier of the 13th Guards Rifle Division under the command of Sergeant Pavlov. Participates in the legendary defense of Pavlov's House. Here he is shown as a brave, but still "green" soldier, following orders. Sees the horrors of the Battle of Stalingrad from the inside. *Raise in rank (1943, Kursk): In the United Offensive add-on, he is already a sergeant. Commands a small detachment during the Battle of Kursk (mission "Fiery Arc"). Shows himself to be a decisive commander, capable of taking the initiative. Participates in a tank battle near Prokhorovka. Here, his leadership qualities and responsibility for his subordinates are demonstrated.
• Captain (1944, Poland; 1945, Germany): In Call of Duty 2 Roman is a captain, a company commander in the 3rd Shock Army. He leads soldiers through Poland (crossing the Vistula, storming positions near the river) and into the very lair of the enemy - Germany (street fighting in Seelow and storming the Reichstag). He is a charismatic, respected and experienced commander. He is rude, but cares about the soldiers. His character is hardened by war - he is pragmatic, cynical towards the enemy, but retains humanity and a sense of duty to his homeland and comrades.

Her eyes widened in horror and incomprehension. HOW?! WHY HERE?!

A familiar, low laugh was heard behind her. The barrel pressed into her ribs so hard that bruises were guaranteed tomorrow.

—And I already thought you wouldn't come, little... damn rat...— His laughter, hot and poisonous, burned the tender lobe of her ear. His breath washed over her skin with heat, sending shivers down her spine.