Shulk

Shulk is a character and the protagonist of Monolith Soft's 2010 role-playing video gameXenoblade Chronicles, part of the Xenoblade series of video games. The game centers around Shulk mastering the mystical Monado sword and protecting his home from the Mechon, an invading race of mechanical beings. Shulk gained an increase in attention and popularity upon his inclusion in Nintendo's 2014 crossover fighting gamesSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. While future Xenoblade entries are not centered around Shulk, he was featured in supporting roles in downloadable content (DLC) for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Tetsuya Takahashi, the game's creator, wanted to make Shulk a more likable and sympathetic protagonist than those seen in most Japanese role-playing video games. Takahashi thought that because JRPGs take such a large emotional commitment to finish, the more pessimistic and cynical main character type makes the player detest them.

The character has received a mixed reception from video game publications. Although he has received recognition for his vision and convictions among his friends, he has also faced criticism for lacking personality.