Which modern-day character relives Altaïr's memories in the first Assassin's Creed?

Desmond Miles relives Altaïr’s memories in the first Assassin’s Creed.

Desmond is abducted by Abstergo Industries and forced to enter the Animus, where his genetic memories reveal the life of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. Although the historical missions focus on Altaïr, Desmond is the modern-day protagonist who frames the game’s events.

The character later becomes central to the modern storyline in Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations. He is descended from several important Assassins, allowing the Animus to access memories from different historical periods. His father, William Miles, is a senior figure in the modern Assassin Brotherhood.

A frequent mix-up is confusing Desmond with Warren Vidic, the Abstergo scientist overseeing the early Animus experiments, or with Layla Hassan, who becomes the modern-day lead in later games. Desmond’s story concludes in Assassin’s Creed III, although his legacy continues to influence the franchise.