In the original Assassin's Creed, which Assassin is the playable protagonist?

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad is the playable protagonist of the original Assassin's Creed.

The game follows Altaïr, a Syrian Assassin operating in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. After failing a mission, he is demoted and must regain his rank by carrying out assignments for the Brotherhood's leader, Al Mualim.

Altaïr's story takes place in cities including Masyaf, Damascus, Acre, and Jerusalem. The game presents him as an experienced fighter whose arrogance gradually changes as he investigates the motives behind his targets and the Templar conspiracy.

Altaïr is sometimes confused with Ezio Auditore, who leads the next major story arc beginning in Assassin's Creed II. Altaïr also appears in later series material, especially Assassin's Creed: Revelations, which links his life to Ezio's narrative.