The director of the hit platformerCelestehas confirmed that Madeline, the game’s protagonist, is trans, according to a blog posted on their website. This follows some hints in the game’s epilogue expansion which led many fans to speculate that Madeline was trans.
Celesteis a highly-acclaimed precision platformer that tells the story of Madeline, a young woman who hopes to move beyond a stagnant period in her life by climbing the fabled Celeste Mountain. As Madeline climbs the mountain, she encounters a range of obstacles holding her back, including a shadow version of herself that embodies her negative emotions. As Madeline and the player overcomeCeleste’sdemanding platforming challenges, Madeline grows more at ease with herself, and confident in her ability to accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.
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Director Maddy Thorson, who uses they/them pronouns, confirmed that Madeline was trans while noting that they are trans, as well. Thorson did not identify as trans during the development ofCeleste, and their process of self-discovery mirrors that of Madeline herself. The most explicit reference to this aspect of Madeline’s identity comes duringCeleste’sbrutally difficultFarewellcontent update, when Madeline can be seen to have the trans pride flag on her desk during a cutscene.
Thorson also acknowledges that Madeline’s trans identity is never brought up within the game’s narrative, and that this could be a potential source of criticism. In particular, Thorson acknowledges the similarity toHarry Potterauthor J.K. Rowling retroactively declaringthe beloved wizard Albus Dumbledoreto be gay. However, this is partially explained by Thorson’s gradual self-realization, and also by Thorson’s belief that Madeline should be afforded some degree of privacy. Given how realisticallyCelestetreats the topics of depression and anxiety, it only makes sense that it would treat Madeline’s privacy in a realistic fashion as well.
Trans representation in gaminghas recently taken some strides through games likeThe Last of Us Part IIandTell Me Why. Still, representation across a range of genres is essential, andCelestemay be one of the first platformers to feature a trans protagonist. Given its themes of perseverance and self-discovery,Celestecan serve as an especially powerful metaphor for body dysmorphia and the importance of living as one’s most authentic self. This does not take away from the game’s explicit discussions of mental health and grief, but rather helps to contextualize them in a new way.
Of course,Celesteis not the first non-cisgender protagonist of a blockbuster indie game. For example, thehighly-anticipated episodic releaseDeltarunefeatures protagonist Kris, whose gender is never specified. Hopefully these games will pave the way for respectful representation of diverse gender identities in future games from both major and indie studios.
Celesteis available now for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia.
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