Is the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone a character itself?

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone poll options

Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

• Yes, it's alive
• No, just a setting
• Maybe, in some ways
• It's complicated