Alfred Woden

Alfred Woden is part of a secret society called the "Inner Circle". He first contacts Max when he calls Payne and tells him to meet him at the Asgard Building. Woden informs Max about who Nicole Horne is. He also asks Payne to kill Horne in exchange ensuring that the criminal charges against Max are dropped. After their meeting Horne's agents attack the building, Alfred escapes by pretending to be shot. Woden is later seen in a crowd near the end of the game. Payne smiles, knowing that Woden will get him through the justice system.

Woden plays a more central role in Max Payne 2; it is revealed throughout the game that Woden was a one time mentor to Vladimir Lem who eventually turned against Woden in a bid for domination in the Inner Circle.

Although Woden is initially portrayed in a positive light, helping Max in exchange for dealing with Horne, it is gradually revealed that Woden was the perpetrator of the events in Max's life throughout the series. In the first game, he is responsible for sending the Valkyr files to Michelle Payne's computer, indirectly leading to her death and thus Max's thirst for revenge. With Horne (and many other members of the Inner Circle) dead, Woden becomes the undisputed leader of his organization. In Max Payne 2, Woden orders Mona (under his payroll) to assassinate Max (likely as a backup in case Max finds out about Woden's involvement in the Valkyr case) but, in a change of heart, apologizes to Max towards the end of Love Hurts. Shortly after, Woden is shot by Vladimir Lem as he attempts to disarm him.

Trivia

• Alfred Woden's character is an allusion to Wōden, one eyed king of the Norse Gods who rules the universe from his throne at Asgard.

  

  Woden depicted in Max Payne 2

• Max says as Woden seemingly comes back from the dead "In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king"