The Intriguing Life of Call of Duty Simon Riley "Ghost"
The Intriguing Life of Simon Riley "Ghost" in Call of Duty
Early Life and Traumatic Childhood
Simon Riley, famously known as "Ghost," is a central character in the Call of Duty series, particularly within Task Force 141. His journey begins with a harrowing childhood in Manchester, England. Simon's father was a cruel man who subjected him to various forms of psychological abuse. One such instance involved forcing Simon to kiss a snake, a memory that haunted him for years. Simon's father also exposed him to dangerous situations, such as bringing dangerous animals into their home and taunting him with them.
Despite these challenges, Simon found solace in his younger brother, Tommy. Tommy's nighttime habit of wearing a skull-mask to scare Simon would later influence Ghost's iconic appearance. Their father often took them to concerts of a band called Bone Lickers, where Simon witnessed the dark side of life, including laughing at the death of a prostitute under his father's coercion.
Military Career and Transformation
Simon Riley's life took a significant turn after the September 11 attacks. Motivated by a sense of duty, he left his job as an apprentice butcher and joined the military. His dedication and skill earned him a place in the Special Air Service (SAS), marking the beginning of his career in special forces.
During his military service, Simon returned home on leave in January 2003 to find his family in dire straits. His brother Tommy was battling drug addiction, and their mother was struggling to cope. Simon postponed his return to the military to help his family, eventually confronting and expelling their abusive father. By June 2006, Tommy had overcome his addiction, married, and had a son named Joseph, giving Simon a sense of normalcy and purpose.
The Ordeal with Manuel Roba
Simon's next significant challenge came when he was assigned to a mission against the Zaragoza Drug Cartel, led by Manuel Roba. Betrayed by his commanding officer, Major Vernon, Simon and his team were captured and subjected to months of brutal torture. Despite the physical and psychological torment, Simon's resilience shone through, and he managed to escape his captors.
Using the jawbone from Vernon's corpse, Simon broke out of his makeshift grave and clawed his way to freedom. After recovering from his injuries, he discovered that his teammates had been brainwashed and turned against him. In a tragic turn of events, Simon found his family murdered by one of his brainwashed teammates, fueling his determination to seek justice.
Joining Task Force 141
Simon's quest for vengeance led him to Manuel Roba's compound, where he systematically dismantled Roba's operations and ultimately killed him. His actions caught the attention of General Shepherd, who recruited Simon into Task Force 141, recognizing his skills and relentless drive.
Notable Missions and Operations
Rescue in Ukraine
As a member of Task Force 141, Ghost took part in numerous high-stakes missions. One notable operation occurred in Ukraine, where terrorists had taken hostages at a grade school. Ghost demonstrated his bravery and strategic thinking by deliberately allowing himself to be captured. While in captivity, he used his storytelling skills to distract the terrorists, recounting tales from his past. This diversion provided the crucial time needed for his team to launch a rescue operation. The mission was successful, and Ghost's quick thinking and courage were instrumental in ensuring the safety of the hostages.
Operation Kingfish
Operation Kingfish was another significant mission that showcased Ghost's expertise and determination. This joint operation with Delta Force aimed to capture Vladimir Makarov, a notorious antagonist. Ghost worked alongside prominent figures like John Price, John "Soap" MacTavish, and Gary "Roach" Sanderson. The team assaulted Makarov's main compound and managed to gather vital intel. However, they were ambushed by a bomb, forcing them into a desperate evacuation. During the chaos, Captain Price was wounded and captured, showcasing the perils and unpredictability of their missions.
Hunting Rojas in Rio de Janeiro
Following Makarov's massacre at Zakhaev International Airport, Ghost played a crucial role in the mission to capture Alejandro Rojas in Rio de Janeiro. Rojas was the arms dealer who supplied Makarov with weapons. Ghost maintained radio contact with Captain MacTavish and Roach throughout the operation, providing support and coordination. After a tense chase through the favela, Ghost's persistence paid off, and they captured Rojas. This mission highlighted Ghost's relentless pursuit of justice and his ability to operate under extreme pressure.
Infiltration of the Russian Oil Rig
Using information obtained from Rojas, Task Force 141 learned about Prisoner 627, whom Makarov despised even more than the Americans. To reach the gulag holding this prisoner, the team had to disable SAM sites on oil rigs captured by the Russians. Ghost, along with the rest of Task Force 141 and Navy SEALs, executed a daring infiltration of the least-defended oil rig. They cleared the rig of hostiles and rescued several hostages, successfully deactivating the SAM sites. This mission demonstrated Ghost's ability to lead and execute complex operations with precision.
The Contingency Plan
With Captain Price back in their ranks, Task Force 141 implemented a contingency plan to end the war in America by infiltrating a Russian submarine base. Ghost and his team faced numerous challenges, including initial separation from Price and Roach. Despite these obstacles, they regrouped and converged on the Russian base. Captain Price's controversial decision to launch an ICBM at Washington D.C. shocked Ghost, but he quickly adapted to the evolving situation. Ghost's ability to remain focused and mission-oriented, even in the face of unexpected developments, underscored his value to the team.
The Betrayal and the Search for Makarov
In a pivotal mission, Task Force 141 focused on the last known safe havens for Makarov. Ghost led a team to raid a safehouse on the Georgian-Russian border. Despite finding valuable intel, the mission took a tragic turn when General Shepherd betrayed Ghost and his team. After securing the intel, Ghost and Roach were ambushed by Shepherd, who shot them both and set their bodies on fire. This betrayal marked a significant and emotional moment in Ghost's story, highlighting the harsh realities and treacheries of their line of work.
Betrayal and Death
In one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the Call of Duty series, Ghost and his teammate Roach were betrayed by General Shepherd. After retrieving vital intel from a safehouse, Shepherd shot Ghost and Roach at point-blank range, burning their bodies to eliminate any evidence. This betrayal marked a significant turning point in the storyline, highlighting the brutal realities of war and espionage.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Despite his tragic end, the legacy of Simon Ghost Riley continues in the Call of Duty franchise. He appears in various games, including Call of Duty: Mobile and Call of Duty: Heroes, where his character continues to inspire and engage players. His iconic skull-patterned balaclava, dark sunglasses, and unwavering determination make him one of the most memorable characters in the series.
Ghost's story is a testament to the complexities of war, the impact of personal loss, and the relentless pursuit of justice. His journey from a traumatized child to a revered special forces operator encapsulates the essence of resilience and dedication, leaving a lasting impression on fans and the Call of Duty universe.