In Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, which pirate captain does the player control?

In Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, the player controls the pirate captain Edward Kenway.

Edward is a Welsh privateer-turned-pirate operating in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. He becomes involved with both the Assassins and the Templars after pursuing opportunities for wealth and status. His personal ambitions drive the story before his relationship with the Assassin Brotherhood develops.

Edward is the father of Haytham Kenway and the grandfather of Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor. These family connections link Black Flag to Assassin's Creed III, but the three characters are separate protagonists in different historical settings. Edward's ship, the Jackdaw, is central to the game's naval exploration and combat.

The story includes fictionalized meetings with historical pirates such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack. Edward himself is fictional, although the game places him among real events and people associated with the Caribbean pirate era.