Canonically, who are you supposed to actually play as in the first game? Carnby or Emily?

If I'm remembering right, Carnby, but canonically they were both there. He knows Emily in 3. I think it's like Resident Evil 1. Canonically, in RE1, Chris, Jill, Barry and Rebecca make it out, but that outcome is impossible to get in-game, since a Jill playthrough you never even meet Rebecca, and vice-versa with Chris and Barry (more or less). And AitD1 is the same way, technically, the game as you played it didn't happen. So, choose whoever, it has much less effect on the game than character choice in RE1.

Carnby is technically the guy you're suppose to play. They were both there in terms of story, as mentioned above. So its down picking pointy boobs or drugged out eyes and a moustache. :P

They made Carnby as the protagonist of the series, but history wise it doesn't make any sense he is there (he had a different history planned with different puzzles, but they ran out of time. How is he going to carry the piano? how he knows how to solve some puzzles like the drawer in front of the window?) Emily was the first character they put into the game and all the puzzles are designed around her. Plus she has proper reasons to go to Derceto: Her aunt commited suicide, she knows the house by hearth....

So I say Emily if you are concerned about the history of the game.

You got it all wrong. Did you even play the games? First, her uncle commited suicide, not aunt. Second, confusing and such other puzzles are present in Alone In The Dark 2 and 3 too, where it's hard to understand what to do without walkthrough. Third, what do you mean by doesnt make any sense? He is sent there to find an antique piano.

Yes, uncle, I english is not my first language either.

I am not talking about some puzzles given clues at the very beginning only for Emily, but not Carnby. And no, still doesn't buy the piano plot: Emily has many more reasons to be there, and Carnby has very few reasons to trespass a private property. Even if he wanted to check the piano.... then what? you can't carry it!

I think he really needed money, so he just agreed for the deal, without thinking how would he get piano out. I do agree that Emily has a better reason to be there as a character, but it still doesn't answer a question who you're supposed to play as canonically.

Heh, March 2017 and someone else just tried one also?

I was so confused I tried both, and died with both in seconds. LOL. I kept wondering what the heck was wrong with my mouse. Then I read the manual (something I usually do before I start any game but I was trying it like the kids today do and I died)

There is no mouse support. At least it's not on mine, and I saw no mention of a mouse in the manual. 100% keyboard. That sucks. 1992 game. Mice were prevalent then big time. So were controllers. Yet 100% keyboard.

Oh well, gonna give it a go anyway. Graphics are hard on the eyes, but I'm interested in the thing now. Why did the Uncle kill himself???? I've got to know dammit!!!!

Well this is very frustrating.

I've tried again and again and again and can't get my characters to fight. I'm selecting "Fight" from the inventory screen, then holding down on the spacebar and hitting direction keys but they do NOTHING. They just stand there and take their beating and die.

Hold space, hit up when you have a gun, only melee weapons work with other directions.

Did you get this to work? Do you mean you're trying to fight back after you've already been attacked or can't you get them to attack even when they're just standing there?