Who is the protagonist controlled by players in Assassin's Creed II?

Ezio Auditore is the protagonist controlled by players in Assassin's Creed II.

The game follows Ezio from his youth in Renaissance Italy through his transformation into an Assassin. His story begins in Florence in 1476, after a conspiracy destroys his family. Ezio gradually uncovers the people responsible and becomes involved in the long conflict between the Assassins and Templars.

Assassin's Creed II is the second major entry in the series and was developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Its world includes Florence, Venice, Forlì, and Tuscany, with historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci appearing in the narrative. Leonardo also helps Ezio by designing or improving equipment.

A common mix-up is confusing Ezio with Altaïr, the protagonist of the first game, or with Edward Kenway, the lead character in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Ezio later returns in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Assassin's Creed: Revelations.