Lord Raiden is a wise being that brings together Sonya, Liu Kang, and Johnny Cage for an important mission. He sends them to the dark world of Shang Tsung. There they battle Scorpion, Subzero, Goro and ultimately the giant multiarmed Goro. The final battle for the fate of the Earth is fought by Liu Kang against Shang Tsung.

Kano is a tough fighter who competes in the Mortal Kombat tournaments. He dies fighting against Sonya Blade inspite of his attempts to cheat with a really exotic looking knife. For a larger picture of the knife see Mortal Kombat Merchandise & Collectibles.

Shang Tsung is the creator of the Mortal Kombat tournaments. When a fight ends he takes the soul of the loser and adds it to his own powers. He has amassed a collection of thousands of fighter souls. This makes him very powerful. His final showcase of power is scene against Liu Kang.

Subzero is the legendary master of freeze from the Mortal Kombat video game saga. Subzero attempts to freeze his opponents so that he can finish them off with ease. He is killed by throwing water at him while he is releasing a burst of cold energy. The cold water then turns to ice which pieces Subzero's body.

Scorpion is the "Get Over Here" guy from the video game saga and he utters the phrase memorably in this movie as well. From his wrist emerges the trademark scorpion pulling weapon which he shoots at enemies in an attempt to stick them. He then pulls them in and finishes them off. Johnny Cage takes running to the woods when he first faces Scorpion. After breaking off the Scorpion shooting device, hand to hand fighting commences betwen Scorpion and Johnny Cage.

Goro is the champion fighter of Shang Tsung. His six arms and massive size make him a true challenge to fight. He is defeated with intelligence rather than brute force as he is kicked off a ledge.