In the original Assassin's Creed, which assassin is the player character?

In the original Assassin's Creed, the player character is Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.

Altaïr is a Syrian master assassin operating during the Third Crusade in 1191. After breaking the Brotherhood's code, he is demoted and must regain his rank by eliminating targets connected to the Templar Order. His missions take him through major Levantine cities, including Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus.

Altaïr is distinct from Ezio Auditore, the Italian assassin introduced in Assassin's Creed II, and from later protagonists such as Connor Kenway and Bayek of Siwa. The game also presents Altaïr's memories through Desmond Miles, a modern descendant whose genetic memories are explored with the Animus.

Altaïr's story continues in Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles and plays an important historical role in Assassin's Creed: Revelations. His name is commonly transliterated in several ways, but “Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad” is the standard form used for the central character of the first game.