Alex is described as the lead character of the Street Fighter III series. He was introduced as the primary protagonist of Street Fighter III: New Generation, giving the series a new central fighter instead of making Ryu the sole narrative focus.
Alex is an American grappler from New York who fights with powerful punches, throws, and close-range techniques. His initial motivation is personal: he seeks revenge against Gill after Gill defeats and injures Alex’s friend Tom. That storyline gives Street Fighter III a distinct dramatic hook while connecting Alex to the game’s new antagonist.
His design was deliberately meant to stand apart from Ryu. Alex wears green overalls, a red bandana, and wrestling-influenced gear, and he was conceived as a straightforward, physically imposing hero around whom the newer cast could be built. He later appeared in Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact and 3rd Strike.
Ryu and Ken remain playable and important, while Gill serves as the main villain. Dudley and Sean are prominent fighters, but neither is identified as the series’ lead character.