Anyone Who Can Name All These MCU Characters Definitely Thinks Like an Avenger
- by William Caruana
- – on
- in Movies and TV
The world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is coming on 11 years strong, and that momentum does not seem to be slowing down. With upcoming movies such as Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home, as well as a number of potential new films involving old favorites and new inductees (hopefully the X-Men), it is pretty safe to say that the franchise has far from run its course. That being said, given that there are countless movies and television shows in this beloved franchise, it can be difficult to keep track of all of the characters in the series.
Some favorites have multiple film appearances under their belt, some are bit players, and some have unfortunately left the MCU on a permanent basis, but each of them is incredibly important. Many of them also have big name actors and actresses behind them and have made stars out of some seeming newcomers and actors who have fallen on tough times. That is in many regards the beauty and power of the MCU: with the right character, anyone can become a star! The question is: how many of these characters do we know? This quiz will put it to the test and separate the true Avengers from the rookies!
Also: Spoilers for Marvel flicks up to Infinity War.
What is the name of this Avenger?
This Avenger was the first one to appear in the MCU, but that does not mean he is the first to appear in the timeline. By day, he is Tony Stark, a military specialist who, after changing his mind, switched to creating alternative forms of energy and personal electronics. He is a bit arrogant, standoffish, and has a massive ego, but he genuinely cares for the people around him. He takes on the mantle of a certain superhero and saves the world from various dangers and he always seems to have the right idea, even if he can be a bit off base. What is his name?
What about this one?
This Avenger is the first to appear in the timeline, although he was introduced a bit later in the first phase of the MCU. He is a kind soldier who did not quite make the cut to become a soldier, but always had a level of heart. It was this heart and dedication to his country and his friends that earned him a special opportunity to become a super soldier. He was experimented on and became a mighty hero who fought in WWII. However, he ended up frozen for decades and awoke in modern society. What is the name of this hero?
This one?
This character has a great level of complexity to him and can be both a great hero, as well as an unstoppable force. When he is not transformed, he is the kindly doctor Bruce Banner. Bruce was one day experimenting with Gamma radiation and he was hit with too high a level, causing him to transform into a monster whenever he gets angry. This monster is hard to reason with, but he often uses his power for good, protecting the innocents. However, sometimes he will lose control and do more harm than good, even against his friends. What is his name?
Does this Avenger ring a bell?
This Avenger made her big debut in Iron Man 2, and fans have been begging Marvel for her own movie ever since (and rightfully so, she's a great character!). Born Natasha Romanoff, this character was trained since birth to be a spy. However, when out in the field, she lost her loyalty to her home country and decided to defect to become an international agent based in the United States. There, she took on the name of Natalie Rushman but has since reverted back to Natasha Romanoff. She is kind, fun and a great fighter. What is her superhero name?
What about this one?
This character is one of the most beloved in the MCU. Portrayed by Chris Hemsworth who (at the time of the release of his first film) was something of a relative newcomer, this character is the god of thunder of Asgard as well as the rightful king of Asgard. At the start of his character arc, he was a stubborn prince who basked in the glory of his situation and cared little for others. However, after been banished to Earth, he gained a level of humility and is now one of Earth's mightiest heroes. What is the name of this character?
This one?
This character is one of the most underused in the MCU, but people still love him nonetheless. He is a skilled marksman who can hit almost any target with relative ease, making him a real asset for The Avengers. He has a number of tricks up his sleeve, including trick arrows that can grapple, explode and so much more. He is also the heart of the MCU in many regards, with an established family who he works diligently to protect, no matter the personal cost to him. We can expect to see him next in Avengers: Endgame. What is the name of this character?
What is the name of this Avenger?
This character is one of the fastest in the MCU, as well as one of the ones who is mostly forgotten. The brother of another noted Avenger, he has appeared in both the Avengers movies and in the X-Men movies, albeit played by different actors in both. Both portrayals also vary wildly in terms of tone, but both are generally well regarded. This character's tenure in the MCU was brief for... unfortunate reasons, but he certainly made an impact when he was on screen. He also helped save many lives in Sokovia. What is the name of this speedy character?
What about this one?
This character is one of the most powerful in the MCU, as well as one of the many prolific female heroes in the MCU. She is a kind woman who has experienced a lot over her lifetime but can be a bit naive at points. While she struggles to control her power, she always has her heart in the right place and will stop at nothing to avenge her family and the world on the whole. She has been romantic with another notable former Avenger, and another one is her brother. What is the name of this important MCU character?
This one?
This character is one of the most complex in the MCU, having been born from a number of different parts. He is a synthetic lifeform, but he is also one of the most human characters on the team. He is also one of the few characters who is established as being worthy of holding the hammer of Thor. Even Captain America was only able to make the hammer budge! This character has the powerful Mind Stone in his head, one of the few Infinity Stones in the MCU, which was found in Loki's scepter. What is the name of this powerful humanoid?
Who might this Avenger be?
This character, whose name is T'Challa is the Crown Prince and later King of the sovereign nation of Wakanda. Wakanda, a rich and powerful nation in Africa, was mostly hidden from the world, but he has made strides to share its technology, wealth and power with others to make the world a better place to live in. T'Challa is kind, selfless, and puts his own subjects as well as the people of the world above himself, making him the perfect king. Many of his friends and family members are heroes in their own right, and even his late father was one. What is this character's superhero name?
What about this one?
This character is one of the most fun in the MCU, and almost always has the right quip for the situation. A young teenager named Peter Parker, he sometimes struggles to balance his life as a superhero with his life as an everyday high school student, and in order to fully succeed in one, it requires sacrificing the other. This makes Peter one of the most relatable characters in the MCU and one who is not hard to love and root for. A kind kid at heart, we can't wait to watch him and his powers grow before us. What is his superhero name?
This one?
Col. "Rhodey" Rhodes is a kind soldier who values his country above all else. He is close friends with Tony Stark aka Iron Man and is not afraid to tell him when he has overstepped the line. In one of those instances, when Tony struggled his way through a birthday party, Rhodey confiscated one of his suits and has donned it ever since as a hero and equal to Iron Man. He has a wide variety of skills and tools, making him a sort of Swiss Army superhero. He once donned the Superhero name Iron Patriot, but what does he go by now?
Who is this Avenger?
This character, whose name is Sam Wilson, is an ex-military man with a heart of gold. Known for his love of running, he and Captain America once raced each other through the streets of Washington D.C. Captain America obviously won, but Sam more than put up a fight, especially impressive as he is not a powered individual. Rather, similar to Iron Man, he relies on technology. In his case, he has a set of wings with tools attached to them, a set of Augmented Reality goggles and a drone. What is the name of this important member of The Avengers?
What about him?
This character has had a long and complex journey to become the hero he is today. Around the time of the Second World War, he was a kind soldier and close friend to Steve Rogers named Bucky Barnes. On one fateful mission, he was presumed KIA, and Steve mourned his loss. It turns out, however, a group of researchers rebuilt him and brainwashed him to pull off their schemes. His brain was wiped, but the memories remained deep within, and it took Steve Rogers to bring him back into the light to fight on the side of good once more. What is this character's name?
Him?
This character seemingly had it all. He was a practicing surgeon, and brilliant at his job. Many impossible tasks he was able to pull off. He healed those without hope, he restored basic functions to inoperable bodies, he did it all. However, this all came to an end when he was distracted driving and drove his car off a cliff. While the doctors did the best they could to save him, they could not save his hands. He went looking for cures and eventually found himself familiar with the Mystic Arts, which he now relies on to save more people. What is his name?
What is his name?
This character is one of the more unique in the MCU. His name is Scott Lang, and by all accounts, he is a burglar. He was caught whistleblowing at work and stealing from the rich to redistribute to the poor. While his intentions were noble, the law was nonetheless ignored, and Scott had to serve time. When he was released, he found himself without work, and so a man named Hank Pym took pity on him. Pym wanted Lang to be the latest in a long line of superheroes, and Lang ultimately accepted his offer. What is the name of this superhero?
What about her name?
This character is the daughter of Hank Pym, as well as the lover and partner as well as equal to Scott Lang. Her name is Hope Van Dyne, and for years she has searched for her lost mother Janet Van Dyne. She is a superhero in her own right and has a number of abilities that Scott doesn't such as flight and lasers. Unlike Scott, however, she is unable to transform into the size of an ant. Still, she is a beyond capable fighter, and she takes on the persona of the hero her mother once was. What is her name?
His name?
This character is one of the most important in the MCU and surprised the world in 2008. Imagine this: (for those of you who already saw Iron Man theatrically, you probably don't have to) you decide to see the new Iron Man movie not aware of the MCU or the future plans. You watch the movie, and it's pretty great. So great, in fact, that you decide to stay until the end of the credits. The credits end, and out steps Samuel L. Jackson in character, telling Tony Stark about The Avengers initiative. Fans were delighted and thus one of the greatest film sagas had begun. What is the name of this character?
Who is she?
This character has yet to make her debut in the MCU, but she will in the near future (March in fact). She has been teased a couple of times, but the only footage we have seen of her has been in trailers. Her name is Carol Danvers (not to be mistaken with Kara Danvers aka Supergirl from the DC Universe), and she is a human with Kree DNA. It is known that, at one point in the 90s, she came to Earth, teamed up with S.H.I.E.L.D. and fought the alien Skrulls. The rest is currently under wraps. What is her name?
What about her?
This character is one of the more notable agents in the MCU, as well as one of the many heroic female characters within. She is a kind agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. who is loyal to the organization, as well as a key coordinator of The Avengers alongside Nick Fury and Phil Coulson. When it was discovered that S.H.I.E.L.D. had been infiltrated by Hydra, she fought alongside the remaining members of the organization to keep the agency intact. She later went on to work for Tony Stark, but still has inside connections to her friends at S.H.I.E.L.D., especially Fury. What is her name?
Her?
This character is one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D., making her one of the most important characters in the MCU. She is the former flame of Captain America, but after he was frozen for many years, she had to move on. She is a kind and skilled agent who has solved many cases and made many friends. Some of her notable allies include Tony Stark's father Howard Stark as well as the Stark family butler Jarvis, who later inspired the AI J.A.R.V.I.S. She even had a television series of her own on ABC. What is the name of this important character?
Who is this Guardian?
This character is the de-facto leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, although that position can sometimes be disputed. He is a nice man who has been through a lot in his life, a fact he is not afraid to use as leverage. He lost his mother at a young age and his biological father turned out to not be the man he expected. He is a wisecracker with a love for vintage music as it reminds him of his time on Earth before he was taken into space by a group of Space Pirates. What is the name of this hero?
What about this one?
This character is one of the most intense in battle in the MCU, but she is actually very friendly outside of it. She was adopted by Thanos, the mad titan and villain of Avengers: Infinity War. Thanos had "balanced" her planet and separated her from her parents, where she was forced to fight her other siblings for his amusement. She became very powerful very quickly to escape Thanos' treatment, but this also drove a rift between her and her other siblings. She later turned on her father and joined the Guardians of the Galaxy. What is the name of this fierce warrior?
This one?
This character, similar to Gamora, was adopted by the mad titan Thanos. Like Gamora, she was made to fight her siblings for Thanos' amusements and affection. She often lost against Gamora, and every time she did, Thanos would remove a part of her body and replace it with a cybernetic implant to make her a better fighter. However, every time Thanos "improved' her, Gamora just got better and thus, another body part was removed. Eventually, she resisted against Thanos and her sister, but later mended her relationship with Gamora. What is the name of this important character in the MCU?
Does this Guardian ring a bell?
This character is a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and one of the fiercest warriors in the galaxy. Thanos visited his planet one day to balance it. He was spared, his wife and child were not, leading him to seek revenge against Thanos for his loss. While he is very serious, he has been known to crack a good joke, whether he intends to or not. He also takes everything people say very literally, sometimes to the very extreme. As such, he struggles with detecting sarcastic phrases. He loves his new family The Guardians deeply. What is his name?
What about this one?
This character has a tragic story. While he looks similar to an everyday raccoon, he is actually a result of years of testing. He has a genius intellect, an understanding of machines that rivals Shuri and Tony Stark, and a wit that goes a long way. However, he is also prone to losing his temper and is not the best team player. He still cares deeply for his friends, although he does quarrel with them often. He considers himself to be the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, a fact Quill often disputes. What is the name of this character?
This one?
He's become one of the most popular characters in the MCU since his introduction and has even spawned his own internet meme (which is also based on his name). He made his first appearance in 2014 in Guardians of the Galaxy and returned for the 2017 sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He was back again for Avengers: Infinity War and is also due to make an appearance in Avengers: Endgame later this year. This sentient tree-like creature is voiced by Vin Diesel of the Fast and Furious movie franchise. Who knows the name of this adorable little MCU character?
Who might this Guardian be?
This character is one of the sweetest in the MCU and always means well. She was the "pet" (as Draz so bluntly put it) of Ego the Living Planet and helped him sleep at night. However, when the truth about Ego became revealed to her, she left the care of the titan and joined The Guardians of the Galaxy. She is an empath, which means that she can tell what other people are feeling, no matter how embarrassing those emotions may be. She is also able to put people to sleep on command. What is the name of this character?
What about this one?
This character is the leader of a band of Space Pirates, as well as a man who can be a tad intense at points. He was requested by Ego The Living Planet to take Peter Quill from Earth to him. He only completed half of that request. Yes, while he did take Quill from Earth, he found out the truth about Ego and decided to raise Peter as his own, away from the reach of the wicked Living Planet. He was not always the best father figure for the young boy, but he genuinely tried his hardest and loved him. What is his name?
This one?
This character is the right-hand man to Yondu, as well as the new leader of a band of Space Pirates. He is also an honorary member of sorts of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He is a kind man who cares for Yondu and his friends deeply. However, he did question Yondu's motives and did revolt against him. He quickly came to regret that decision and freed Yondu from his fellow space pirates. While he is not a powered individual, he does have some power of his own, and there is more to him than you may think. What is the name of this character?
What is the name of this supporting character?
This character is the main love interest of Tony Stark/Iron Man, but there is much more to her than that. She is an accomplished businesswoman in her own right and currently acts as the CEO of Stark Enterprises while Tony is off fighting battles as Iron Man. She has appeared in a number of films outside of the Iron Man franchise, a rarity for a supporting character in the MCU. At the end of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Tony proposes to her, and they were planning their wedding before Thanos and his cronies arrived on Earth. What is the name of this character?
What about this one?
This character's story in the MCU has unfortunately been cut short, as Liv Tyler has not returned to play her since 2008. Still, she made an impression in the film The Incredible Hulk. She is the daughter of one of the MCU's lead antagonists, as well as the love interest of Bruce Banner/The Hulk. She is kind, smart and accomplished, which makes it even sadder that she has yet to reappear. Her father, in contrast, has appeared a few times since. She was alluded to in Avengers: Age of Ultron, but Banner has been romantically involved with Natasha since, meaning it is likely she left him (or vice-versa). What is her name?
This one?
This character served as the lead love interest for Thor in both Thor and Thor: The Dark World. She was also referenced in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Thor: Ragnarok. It is implied that things between her and Thor ultimately did not work out. She is played by beloved actress Natalie Portman and is a brilliant scientist. She found Thor and took him in when he was at his lowest, helping him adjust to his new life on Earth. Thor, in turn, worked to help her recovered her confiscated research. What is the name of this notable supporting character in the MCU?
Who is this villain?
This character made his first appearance in 2008's The Incredible Hulk and has appeared many times since, including a cameo in Avengers: Infinity War and a sizeable role in Captain America: Civil War. He is technically considered a villain, as he often stands in the way of The Avengers and especially in the way of The Hulk. However, to an extent, his actions also have a point. The Avengers, while important, can be careless, and it does lead to innocents getting caught in the middle of it. His points are strong, his methods not so much. What is the name of this character?
What about this one?
This character is one of the more notable villains in the MCU. He is portrayed by Mickey Rourke and is from Russia. His family was wronged by the Stark family long ago, and as such, seeks revenge on Tony Stark. He creates an Arc Reactor as well as two energized whips that he uses to take on Stark at the Monaco Grand Prix. While he is stronger than Stark in many regards, Stark still outsmarts him, and he needs to team up with another villain to even the odds. What is the name of this villain from Iron Man 2?
This one?
This character is the other villain from Iron Man 2. Unlike the first one from the prior question, he is Tony Starks match in intellect. He is played by veteran character actor Sam Rockwell who recently won an Academy Award for his work in 2017s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. This character appeared in Iron Man 2, as well as made a cameo appearance in a short film. Like Tony, he is another wealthy businessman, and he desperately wants to re-create the Iron Man suit and mass produce it. What is the name for this intellectual equal to Tony Stark?
Who is this Marvel baddie?
This character first appeared in Thor as the lead villain, and later leveled up as the lead villain of the first Avengers movie. He is a trickster god who desperately wants to be loved and respected by many, especially because he is the second in line to the throne. While he respects Thor, he has a complicated relationship with him and ultimately desires what his brother has. He is a former frost giant, and this further leads to his insecurities. He also played a major part in introducing Thanos to Earth. What is the name of this notable Marvel baddie?
What about this one?
Marvel has been building to the introduction of this villain for many years, beginning with his appearance in a mid-credits stinger in 2012s The Avengers. From there, he has appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron, as has also been alluded to in many other movies. He finally made his triumphant full introduction to the MCU in Avengers: Infinity War where he serves as the main villain. His goal is to balance all life in the universe, by sparing only 50 percent of it. He sees it as a necessity, whereas many others do not. What is the name of this character?
This one?
This character made his first appearance in Captain America: Civil War where he served as the leader of the mysterious but integral organization Hydra. From there, he fought against Captain America, who attempted to thwart his plans. They fought over the infinity stone the tesseract although they were not aware of what the item was at the time. Ultimately Captain America prevailed and this villain was defeated... or was he? Yes, while audiences have waited long to see him return, he might just come back? Who knows? Hugo Weaving of Lord of the Rings fame played him in First Avenger. What is his name?
Who is this Marvel villain?
This character is in many regards a tragic villain, as well as one of the smartest characters in the MCU. He is also very, very ruthless, and single-handedly split the Avengers into two separate groups. He has a sympathetic past, but this does not justify his actions. Unlike many of the other MCU villains, he is not a physical force nor is he powerful in social standing. Rather, he is simply a genius tactician, and the Avengers are mere chess pieces to him. He knows their secrets and he knows how to get his way. What is the name of this character?
What about this one?
This character is one of the most notorious in the MCU... and not necessarily for the best of reasons. In what is one of the MCU's most divisive moves ever, this character was billed as The Mandarin, a character who in the comics is to Iron Man what The Joker is to Batman. The film builds him up as the villain for Tony to fight, and Sir Ben Kingsley, one of our best actors, brilliantly brings him to life. Then... it turns out he is just a football hooligan hired by the real villain (who is not The Mandarin)! For many, this was a thoroughly unsatisfying result. What is his name?
This one?
This character first appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where he played a small but memorable part, and introduced us to the world of Wakanda, albeit in a small way. His big break, however, took place in Black Panther, where he served at first as a primary antagonist, but later took a back seat to another. Andy Serkis, who readers may also know for his roles in Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes and the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy gives a rare live-action performance and is clearly having a great time. What is the name of this character?
What is the name of this baddie?
This character initially serves as a secondary antagonist in Black Panther but soon becomes the lead one. He is the cousin of King T'Challa and Shuri and is a bit of an outsider to Wakanda. However, he is a skilled warrior and more than worthy of the throne on that level. It is his personal ideology that puts him at odds with his family and other people in Wakanda. He believes that Wakanda needs to be a militaristic force and not the quiet, peacekeeping nation they currently are. T'Challa believes the diplomatic approach is best. What is the name of this character?
What about this one?
This character is easily one of the most sympathetic villains in the MCU, and really isn't much of a villain at all. That is not a slight against her, she is a more than capable fighter. However, unlike many other misguided villains, she needs to fight for her survival. While her approach is unorthodox, it is really a matter of living and... well you know, for her. Ultimately, this makes her one of the most unique characters in the MCU, and Hannah John-Kamen's performance elevates an already well-written character. Speaking of which, what exactly is the name of this character?
This one?
This character is one of the most powerful baddies in the MCU. He started off as a force for good created by both Tony Stark and Bruce Banner. His goal was to protect the world, no matter the cost. He took this a bit too literally, as he believed that the only way the Earth would be safe is with humans out of the equation entirely. Worse yet, he became self-aware and picked up some of the less than positive tendencies of his creators, especially Stark. He serves as the main antagonist in the second Avengers movie. What is the name of this baddie?
What is the name of this important supporting player?
This supporting player in the MCU is the sister of King T'Challa and the daughter of King T'Chaka. While she may be younger than many characters in the MCU barring Peter Parker, this does not make her any less accomplished. She is an incredibly skilled developer and is able to create a number of gadgets to help Black Panther on his missions. She is even smarter in some ways than Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, and Rocket Raccoon. In combat, she is incredibly competent, but she is best at creating numerous great things in her lab. What is the name of this character?
What about this one?
This character is one of the closest allies to Black Panther. She is a skilled leader and is incredibly loyal to the throne. She is also loyal to her husband and King T'Challa, which sometimes puts her in a precarious position when she has to choose. She is an incredibly strong warrior, with many different feats under her belt. She even plays a sizeable part in Infinity War, where she takes part in the Battle of Wakanda. She is the leader of a group known as the Dora Milage, an all-female force that protects the throne. What is the name of this character?
Who is the character alongside Shuri?
This character who is pictured next to Shuri is another major player in the story of Black Panther. She is a kind diplomat from Wakanda who serves as the main love interest of King T'Challa and serves as his emotional anchor. She is also a skilled spy and often goes on undercover missions. She is remarkably good at reading most any situation. She played a vital role in saving T'Challa from certain doom and is a fan favorite character from Black Panther. Better yet, she is played by acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong'o (Marvel Wiki). What is the name of this important character?
Who is this supporting character?
This character plays a key role in Doctor Strange, as he is one of the protectors of the Mystic Arts. He is a skilled man who always remains calm, even under pressure. He has mostly detached himself from the material world but has been known to enjoy the odd tuna melt sandwich and pop song. He also serves as a librarian of many books on the mystic arts, although his vices sometimes distract him from those who want to borrow forbidden books. He is a kind, fun character and will play a big role in the MCU going forward. What is his name?
What about this one?
This character was the original Ant-Man and one of the original superheroes in the MCU. Only a few heroes such as Captain America predate him. His wife, Janet Van Dyne fought alongside him as The Wasp. However, when she heroically trapped herself in the Quantum Realm, he could no longer find the courage to return as Ant-Man. This disappearance also strained his relationship with his daughter Hope. However, he eventually found himself back in the fight, as he convinced Scott Lang to take on the role of Ant-Man and Hope to suit up as The Wasp. What is his name?