In Assassin's Creed II, the Italian Assassin who replaces Altaïr as the main protagonist is Ezio.
Ezio Auditore da Firenze is introduced as a young nobleman in Florence during the Italian Renaissance. After a conspiracy destroys his family, he gradually discovers the Assassin Brotherhood and dedicates himself to confronting the people responsible. His journey spans several decades and forms the core of a major trilogy.
Ezio's full name means Ezio Auditore of Florence. The game takes him through important Renaissance locations, including Florence, Monteriggioni, Venice, and Forlì. Historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Lorenzo de' Medici, and Rodrigo Borgia also appear in the story.
Ezio is the protagonist of Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and Assassin's Creed: Revelations. He also appears in the animated short Assassin's Creed: Embers. The character is distinct from Desmond Miles, the modern-day descendant who experiences Ezio's memories through the Animus.