
In the spirit of March, a.k.a. Women’s History Month, let’s take a look back at some of the most prominent and well-written female characters in gaming. These women aren’t just supporting characters; they’re integral to the fabric of their respective universes, showcasing strength, complexity, and relatability.
Some of them have even come to be recognized as genuine feminist icons for video games, something that’s still somewhat rare these days.
So in the spirit of Women’s March, it’s high time we appreciate these female characters.
Alyx Vance (Half-Life 2)

The dystopian world of City 17 in Half-Life 2 would have been way too bleak without Alyx Vance. Alyx isn’t just a sidekick; she’s a brilliant hacker, a skilled fighter, and a ray of hope in the midst of an Orwellian alien tyranny on Earth.
Alyx wasn’t made to cater to the lonely male gaze. She feels like a real person instead of a caricature or a stereotype, something the Half-Life series sorely needs, what with its silent protagonist.
What sets her apart is her genuine personality – she’s relatable, caring, and fearless without trying too hard or looking too arrogant. On top of that, Alyx is also one of the few properly-dressed female characters in gaming, which back in 2004, was a notable break from the mold.
Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)

Forget the damsel in distress; Breath of the Wild presents a Princess Zelda who is both scholarly and powerful. This iteration of Zelda is filled with depth, struggling with her responsibilities and the weight of her heritage while showing an unparalleled determination to protect her kingdom.
Her development throughout the game paints a picture of a woman coming into her own power and standing equal with the hero, Link. She has thus become a symbol of growth and perseverance, but at the same time, Zelda isn’t without her faults and neither is she a Mary Sue.
She’s also shown doubt, fear, and sadness, and has even broken down in a vulnerable state as a person would under the duress of leadership during trying times. To that end, she’s as much a main character as Link is in Breath of the Wild.
Sadie Adler (Red Dead Redemption 2)

From tragedy arises a vengeful and relentless fighter in Red Dead Redemption 2. Sadie Adler’s evolution from a grieving widow and sexual assault victim to a key member of the Van der Linde gang is nothing short of spectacular.

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She’s one of the few portrayals of female characters in gaming that came hauntingly close to tackling some of the biggest issues of women around the world.
Her fiery spirit, unwavering sense of justice, and sharpshooting skills make her stand out in a wild, lawless world. But those came with a cost to Sadie’s sanity as she also became too drunk on the idea of revenge though that’s understandable in her case. Sadie’s journey is a powerful portrayal of overcoming loss and finding a new purpose.
Ellie (The Last of Us)

Ellie captures the essence of survival and hope in her own game, The Last of Us. Introduced as a brave yet promising teenager, she grows into a complex character shaped by love, loss, and the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. If anything, she’s a reluctant savior and main character, and it’s your job to make her realize that.
Her relationship with Joel and her journey across the ruins United States draw everyone into a profound narrative, showcasing the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of connection and empathy.
Aloy (Horizon Series)

Aloy, the fierce hunter from the post-apocalyptic landscapes of the Horizon series, is a testament to curiosity and determination. Her quest to uncover her origins and save her world from looming threats is both epic and deeply personal.
Aloy’s intelligence, combat and bow skills, and compassion for others make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist in a lush, mysterious world. More than anything, she became quite an astounding role model for any struggling teenager or young woman with an identity crisis.
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider Series)

The quintessential female protagonist in gaming, Lara Croft, has evolved significantly since her debut in Tomb Raider. Gone is the one-dimensional character made solely for the male gaze; in her place is a nuanced, resilient explorer. She’s not without her faults, of course. Lara makes plenty of mistakes and at one point, even inadvertently plunges the whole world into an apocalypse.
However, it’s something she set out to fix, and Lara is no stranger to accountability. That impetuous imperfection in her character has become one of her most memorable traits lately.
The reboot series shows her transformation from a clueless young woman into a hardened survivor. Her perseverance, athleticism, and indomitable spirit have cemented her status as a gaming icon.
GLaDOS (Portal Series)

Who says all memorable characters need to be heroes? GLaDOS, the AI antagonist of the Portal series, brings a chilling charisma to the table. Her manipulative nature, dark humor, and haunting backstory make her one of the most sophisticated and engaging villains in gaming.
GLaDOS elevates the narrative through sheer dialog along, transforming the puzzle game into a deeply emotional experience. And she does all this without a discernible womanly form as she’s a human brain implanted into a robotic system.
Still, her sassy passive-aggression reflects much of her colorful character and despite being a villain, she’s a welcome companion in Portal.
Bayonetta (Bayonetta Series)

Step aside, conventional heroes, and make way for Bayonetta, the witch with unparalleled style and power in her own titular game series, Bayonetta. Her confidence and flair are unmatched, making every battle a spectacle of acrobatics and magic.
Beyond her outward appearance, Bayonetta’s story explores themes of fate, friendship, and self-discovery.
Yes, she’s made to be her creator’s interpretation of his ‘perfect’ woman– heavily sexualized, no doubt. But even Bayonetta’s male creator empowered her in a way that made her independent of men and transformed her into a capable fighter and rebellious witch who bows to no one.
Morrigan (Dragon Age: Origins)

Speaking of witches, the mysterious and enigmatic, Morrigan from Dragon Age: Origins is a character you won’t soon forget whether you have a lingering bitter-sweet love for her or you hate her for stealing your baby. And we’re not just including her here because we’re a sucker for Goth girls, for transparency.
Anyway, a witch of the wilds, her calous attitude on life and sharp wit make her a fascinating companion. Her behavior is mostly a result of her hyper-independence. Her complex morality and the choices she presents shake the very foundation of the game’s narrative. At the very least, she’ll challenge you to think beyond black and white.
Lae’zel (Baldur’s Gate 3)

Let’s get this out of the way. Lae’zel is (or was) a raging racist– at first. Lae’zel is a warrior from another world, a Githyanki, whose whole culture revolves around militarism and protecting their hard-earned freedom from slavery at the hands of the Illithid. As such, this indoctrinated Lae’zel’s prejudice against other races.
Yet, her strong sense of honor and duty, coupled with her pragmatic outlook, make her a compelling and sometimes polarizing figure.
Consequently, her whole character is a master class in character development, especially in how she gradually grew disillusioned (depending on your help, of course). Seeing Lae’zel break free from her brainwashed beginnings is a sight to behold and is worthy of its own spinoff in Baldur’s Gate 3.
As you journey with her in Baldur’s Gate 3, her layers begin to unfold, revealing a character full of depth, loyalty, and unexpected tenderness. Love or hate her, gaming could use more female characters like Lae’zel.