Tyrannical Outworld emperor threatening the realms with conquest.
Kitana is Shao Kahn's stepdaughter, but she ultimately rejects his rule.
The plot identifies Kitana as Shao Kahn's stepdaughter when she rebels against him during the tournament.
Both are major antagonistic powers, but the plot presents them as separate threats rather than allies.
Shao Kahn leads the Outworld war, while Shinnok independently pursues a plan to end all creation.
Shao Kahn is Raiden's principal opponent in the tournament's decisive conflict.
Shao Kahn petitions Raiden to participate in a final Mortal Kombat tournament and later defeats him in battle.
Their final confrontation determines Earthrealm's immediate fate.
After Raiden dies fighting Shao Kahn, Liu Kang defeats the emperor and wins the tournament.
Shang Tsung serves Shao Kahn's campaign as a powerful tournament combatant.
Shang Tsung fights alongside Shao Kahn during the tournament and kills Stryker.