| “ | We all make choices, Cossack. Who we are in this world, what we do in it. Generous or selfish. Happy or sad. Good or evil. It's all down to choice. | „ |
| ~ John Rider's inspirational words to Yassen Gregorovich about choices |
| “ | You are so very much like him. | „ |
| ~ Yassen Gregorovich seeing the similarities between Alex and John |
Captain John Rider is the overarching protagonist of the Alex Rider book series and the deuteragonist of the prequel novel, Russian Roulette.
He was a spy for MI6, a double agent in SCORPIA, the husband of Helen Rider and the father of Alex Rider. During this time in Scorpia he used the alias "Hunter", and was a mentor to a young Yassen Gregorovich.
As soon as his son was born, John wanted out of the spy game but was unfortunately killed on a plane bombing when Alex was only six months old. It was later revealed he and Helen were killed by MI6 agent turned SCORPIA operative Anthony Howard.
History[]
John Rider was born to unknown parents in 1957. He had one brother, Ian. He studied politics and economics at Oxford University, where he also met his future wife. John later joined the Parachute Regiment at Aldershot and served for three years. He was awarded the Military Cross from the Queen and promoted to the rank of Captain for carrying a wounded soldier to safety under fire in the Falklands War.
He pretended to murder a taxi driver, which landed him in prison, as well as being "discharged" from the Army so he could infiltrate SCORPIA. Under the alias Hunter, John became good friends with a young Yassen Gregorovich, whose life he saved by shooting off a black widow on Gregorovich's face while taking out the target.
Legacy[]
George "James" Adair named his son after John because the man saved his life. It was also Yassen's love for John Rider that caused him to extend loyalty to John's son Alex.
Personality[]
According to John's best friend, Ash, John was a true patriot. He is also a master of disguise, having fooled most people in SCORPIA into thinking he murdered a taxi driver. Most Members didn't even suspect him of the a double agent.