10 Best Female Protagonists In Video Games
TheGamer
Something New
10 Best Female Protagonists In Video Games
Video games feature protagonists of all types, but we're taking a look at some of the best female heroes across all video games. Equality and representation in media has been at the forefront of a lot of companies' agendas in recent years. That's not to say that we've reached a point where all is equal and fair, but we are striving to be better. have had a long history of highlighting a "man's man" in the protagonist's role, while women have unfairly been relegated to the role of a damsel in distress (we're looking at you Princess Peach). However, in recent years women in video games are proving to players and developers that they do just as good, and in some cases even better, in the role of the protagonist as men. The best doesn't necessarily mean the most popular; it means these women have exemplified what it means to be a protagonist in both action and personality. THEGAMER VIDEO OF THE DAY AVELINE DE GRANDPRE - ASSASSIN S CREED LIBERATION
In a franchise filled to the brim with male protagonists, Aveline de Grandpre holds the distinction of being the first woman, and woman of color, to be the main character in an game. Aveline is an assassin of French and African heritage, who fights to defend against the oppression of slaves in New Orleans during the 18th century. She is not only a skilled assassin, but is a talented actress which becomes a vital part of the story as Aveline fights to free the slaves in her city. At once poised, charming, but ruthlessly efficient, her morals and actions make her an excellent video game protagonist. KAZOOIE - BANJO-KAZOOIE
We never said that the women on this list had to be humans! Kazooie is the wise cracking, baddie pecking, hot-tempered, insult slinging red-crested breegull that lives in her counterpart Banjo's backpack. She's never afraid to tell it like it is and one of the franchise's main characters has gone so far as to refer to her as the "filthy feathered one". Despite her constant insults and propensity for pranks, Kazooie is the perfect protagonist. She's brave, loves to go on adventures and is willing to help anyone out on the course of those adventures. On top of that, she can fire eggs out of her mouth and backside to incapacitate her enemies. What more could you ask for? FAITH CONNORS - MIRROR S EDGE
One of the less outspoken characters on this list, Faith Connors is still an amazing protagonist from Mirror's Edge. Faith is a "Runner"; someone who transports items for revolutionary groups while avoiding being caught by a totalitarian regime. Mirror's Edge wasn't just praised for it's unique free running game play, but also for the protagonist it produced. She is incredibly driven and single minded in her goal. On top of that, her design is inspiring as it avoids cliched gender roles. The developers stated they wanted her to be 'approachable and real'; not some disproportionate female that is far cry from anything we would see in real life. Faith is a protagonist for grown ups, who are tired of video game cliches. COMMANDER SHEPARD - MASS EFFECT
Commander Shepard is an achievement in terms of equality in for the simple fact that they were created with gender neutrality and equality in mind. Commander Shepard is the player's character in the games and the player can choose to either play as a male or female version. What we like to see in video games is when characters are built around their actions and attitudes, not their genders. Commander Shepard is one of those characters. A lot of the dialogue in these games is gender neutral to support the idea that the protagonist is the protagonist, regardless of their gender. What's fun about playing as Shepard, is the player has control over their personality. Depending on the decisions you take, you can make her the paragon of justice and righteousness, or you can send her down the anti hero route. ELLIE - THE LAST OF US
Although Ellie was the deuteragonist of , she is the protagonist in The Last of Us Part II. Ellie is one of the mentally toughest characters you will ever see in a video game. At just 14 years old, Ellie has gone through more than what most people have to in a lifetime, but that happens sometimes when you're caught in the middle of a pandemic where humans become horribly mutated by a parasitic fungus. Ellie is what you'd expect of someone who grew up amidst a fungal apocalypse. She's rash and impulsive, but also exceptionally clever and knows how to survive in any situation. She's also romantically interested in women, something we don't see often done in a proper manner in video games. SIX - LITTLE NIGHTMARES
Six is the non-speaking protagonist in the platformer, Little Nightmares. Stuck in a mysterious vessel known as the Maw, Six must find her way through the ship past a multitude of terrifying enemies, that want to capture her and sometimes eat her. If you've played this game, you'll know that it would take an incredible amount of bravery to take a single step through the Maw. Armed with only a yellow raincoat and small lighter, Six is the embodiment of willpower. Trapped in a place full of creatures that wish her harm and an atmosphere that sends chills down our spines, this game is a commentary on drive, bravery and a tenacity to succeed despite all odds. AMATERASU - OKAMI
Perhaps the most powerful in terms of abilities on this list, Amaterasu is the Celestial Brush Goddess from the game Okami. Amaterasu takes the form of a white wolf with striking crimson marks across her body and a tail that resembles a calligraphy brush. Despite not speaking, Amaterasu has the personality that is fitting of a protagonist. She is quiet, mature and kind, never backing away from helping those that are in need. By drawing shapes with her Celestial Brush she can perform all sorts of actions like summoning an icicle storm to decimate her enemies, slowing down time or repair broken structures. CLEMENTINE - THE WALKING DEAD
Why is is that in the post-apocalypse, it's always the kids that have to keep everyone together? Clementine is the protagonist from Telltale's , and is beloved by anyone who has played through the game. The difference between her and other protagonists is that you spend a long time getting to know her and watch her grow throughout the game. Clementine has undoubtedly seen and done some stuff that no child should have to, like the heart wrenching moment she has to shoot her father figure Lee to prevent him from turning into a zombie. But despite the violence and ugliness of the world around her, she always remains a good person, which is the sign of a true protagonist. SAMUS ARAN - METROID
Samus may not have the personality or character development that other protagonists on this list do. But, she makes it on here because she was a female protagonist when they were so scarce, they were basically non existent. The big reveal at the end of Metroid was part of what makes Samus such a great protagonist. She's not a great protagonist because she's a woman; she is a great protagonist that happens to be a woman. Samus traverses the caverns of the alien planet Zebes and blasts giant bosses like Ridley to smithereens with her power beam. Only at the end of the game are we shown that the person who managed to do that is a woman. SENUA - HELLBLADE SENUA S SACRIFICE
Perhaps one of the saddest stories in video games. You take control of Senua, a warrior who must travel to the underworld to save the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela. Senua is a tragic character; she undertakes a nigh impossible task all the while fighting through her psychosis, which she believes is a curse. This game is a meditation on abuse, loss, tragedy, acceptance and how our past shapes who we are. Hela does receive resolution and acceptance in the game, but not before she is thrust into an unwinnable battle against a horde of Hela's warriors. She is a tragic, but beautifully and meticulously crafted character that will forever be one of the greatest video game protagonists of all time.