{"id":288941,"date":"2025-03-03T06:03:41","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T06:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=288941"},"modified":"2025-03-03T06:03:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T06:03:41","slug":"is-commander-shepard-canonically-male","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Commander Shepard canonically male?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#Is_Commander_Shepard_Canonically_Male_A_Deep_Dive_into_Mass_Effects_Iconic_Protagonist\" title=\"Is Commander Shepard Canonically Male? A Deep Dive into Mass Effect&#8217;s Iconic Protagonist\">Is Commander Shepard Canonically Male? A Deep Dive into Mass Effect&#8217;s Iconic Protagonist<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#The_Power_of_Player_Choice_in_Mass_Effect\" title=\"The Power of Player Choice in Mass Effect\">The Power of Player Choice in Mass Effect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#Understanding_Canon_in_the_Context_of_Mass_Effect\" title=\"Understanding Canon in the Context of Mass Effect\">Understanding Canon in the Context of Mass Effect<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#Marketing_vs_Intent\" title=\"Marketing vs. Intent\">Marketing vs. Intent<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#Why_the_Question_Persists\" title=\"Why the Question Persists\">Why the Question Persists<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_about_Commander_Shepard\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Commander Shepard\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Commander Shepard<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#1_Is_Commander_Shepards_story_dependent_on_gender\" title=\"1. Is Commander Shepard&#8217;s story dependent on gender?\">1. Is Commander Shepard&#8217;s story dependent on gender?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#2_Is_there_a_preferred_gender_for_Commander_Shepard_by_the_game_developers\" title=\"2. Is there a preferred gender for Commander Shepard by the game developers?\">2. Is there a preferred gender for Commander Shepard by the game developers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#3_Does_Commander_Shepard_have_a_default_name\" title=\"3. Does Commander Shepard have a default name?\">3. Does Commander Shepard have a default name?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#4_Are_there_different_romance_options_for_male_and_female_Shepard\" title=\"4. Are there different romance options for male and female Shepard?\">4. Are there different romance options for male and female Shepard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#5_What_is_the_age_of_Commander_Shepard_in_Mass_Effect_1\" title=\"5. What is the age of Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 1?\">5. What is the age of Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 1?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#6_Is_Commander_Shepard_canonically_biotic\" title=\"6. Is Commander Shepard canonically biotic?\">6. Is Commander Shepard canonically biotic?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#7_Is_Commander_Shepard_canonically_a_soldier\" title=\"7. Is Commander Shepard canonically a soldier?\">7. Is Commander Shepard canonically a soldier?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#8_Is_there_a_canon_romance_for_Commander_Shepard\" title=\"8. Is there a canon romance for Commander Shepard?\">8. Is there a canon romance for Commander Shepard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#9_Who_is_the_voice_actor_for_male_Commander_Shepard\" title=\"9. Who is the voice actor for male Commander Shepard?\">9. Who is the voice actor for male Commander Shepard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#10_Who_is_the_voice_actor_for_female_Commander_Shepard\" title=\"10. Who is the voice actor for female Commander Shepard?\">10. Who is the voice actor for female Commander Shepard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#11_Who_was_the_model_for_default_male_Commander_Shepard\" title=\"11. Who was the model for default male Commander Shepard?\">11. Who was the model for default male Commander Shepard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#12_What_are_Commander_Shepards_background_options\" title=\"12. What are Commander Shepard&#8217;s background options?\">12. What are Commander Shepard&#8217;s background options?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#13_What_are_Commander_Shepards_psychological_profile_options\" title=\"13. What are Commander Shepard&#8217;s psychological profile options?\">13. What are Commander Shepard&#8217;s psychological profile options?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#14_Can_Commander_Shepard_be_a_different_class_than_Soldier\" title=\"14. Can Commander Shepard be a different class than Soldier?\">14. Can Commander Shepard be a different class than Soldier?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/#15_What_is_the_significance_of_the_ParagonRenegade_system_in_Mass_Effect\" title=\"15. What is the significance of the Paragon\/Renegade system in Mass Effect?\">15. What is the significance of the Paragon\/Renegade system in Mass Effect?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Commander_Shepard_Canonically_Male_A_Deep_Dive_into_Mass_Effects_Iconic_Protagonist\"><\/span>Is Commander Shepard Canonically Male? A Deep Dive into Mass Effect&#8217;s Iconic Protagonist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>The short answer is a resounding <strong>no<\/strong>. Commander Shepard, the protagonist of the <em>Mass Effect<\/em> trilogy, is <strong>not canonically male<\/strong>. The beauty and enduring appeal of Shepard lies in the player&#8217;s ability to define their character. While there is a default male Shepard used in marketing, the essence of <em>Mass Effect<\/em> is choice, extending to Shepard&#8217;s gender, appearance, background, and moral compass. To declare a single canon would undermine the very core of the series&#8217; design.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Power_of_Player_Choice_in_Mass_Effect\"><\/span>The Power of Player Choice in Mass Effect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em>Mass Effect<\/em> distinguishes itself from many other narrative-driven games through its emphasis on player agency. From the outset, players are invited to craft a Shepard that reflects their own values and preferences. This customization extends far beyond mere aesthetics; it profoundly impacts the narrative and the relationships Shepard forges throughout the trilogy.<\/p>\n<p>The very first screen presented allows the player to choose Shepard\u2019s <strong>gender<\/strong>, <strong>background<\/strong> (Earthborn, Colonist, Spacer), and <strong>psychological profile<\/strong> (War Hero, Sole Survivor, Ruthless). Each choice subtly shapes Shepard\u2019s dialogue options and interactions with other characters, creating a unique playthrough experience.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, <em>Mass Effect<\/em> provides a deep moral framework where players grapple with difficult decisions that have tangible consequences. The <strong>Paragon\/Renegade system<\/strong> allows players to define Shepard&#8217;s moral alignment, influencing their relationships and the overall tone of the narrative.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, any attempt to impose a canonical gender on Shepard diminishes the impact of player choice. The fact that both male and female Shepard receive distinct voice acting and models proves that the character was intentionally designed to be versatile and gender neutral.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Canon_in_the_Context_of_Mass_Effect\"><\/span>Understanding Canon in the Context of Mass Effect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Canon, in the context of fictional universes, refers to the established, officially recognized elements of a story. It dictates what is &#8220;real&#8221; or &#8220;true&#8221; within that universe. In <em>Mass Effect<\/em>, certain aspects are undeniably canonical: the existence of Reapers, the history of the Krogan rebellions, the major events that shape the galactic landscape. These constants form the foundation of the narrative.<\/p>\n<p>However, Shepard&#8217;s individual story \u2013 their gender, romance choices, specific dialogue options, and even some of their pivotal decisions \u2013 exists outside this rigid canon. These elements become part of a particular playthrough\u2019s narrative, but they do not override the overarching canonical events of the <em>Mass Effect<\/em> universe. A playthrough is akin to a theatrical performance: while the script (the core canon) remains consistent, the actors (the players) interpret and perform their roles in unique ways.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, to claim that Shepard is canonically male would be to disregard the explicit design of the game, which grants players the power to create their own, personalized version of the hero. <em>Mass Effect<\/em> encourages players to view their individual Shepard as <em>their<\/em> Shepard, and that is a fundamental aspect of the game\u2019s appeal.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Marketing_vs_Intent\"><\/span>Marketing vs. Intent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to acknowledge that marketing materials for <em>Mass Effect<\/em> often featured the default male Shepard, sometimes leading to the misconception that he was the &#8220;true&#8221; Shepard. However, marketing decisions do not automatically establish canon. They are driven by promotional considerations and may not always accurately reflect the creative intent behind the game.<\/p>\n<p>The existence of Jennifer Hale, the voice actress for the female Shepard, and the strong positive reception of her performance clearly demonstrate that both genders were intended to be equally valid.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_the_Question_Persists\"><\/span>Why the Question Persists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Despite the evidence pointing towards Shepard&#8217;s non-canonical gender, the question of whether Shepard is canonically male continues to surface. Several factors contribute to this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Early Marketing Bias:<\/strong> As mentioned above, early trailers and promotional materials heavily featured the male Shepard model.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Default Character Association:<\/strong> The default male Shepard, with his established appearance and voice actor, is often considered the &#8220;default&#8221; character, even though the game never explicitly states this.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural Norms:<\/strong> Historically, male protagonists have been more prevalent in video games and other forms of media. This ingrained bias may lead some players to automatically assume that the male Shepard is the intended or &#8220;true&#8221; protagonist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Despite these factors, it&#8217;s crucial to recognize that the <em>Mass Effect<\/em> trilogy was groundbreaking in its commitment to player choice and character customization. The legacy of the series lies in the personalized stories players created, not in a predetermined, canonical version of Shepard.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs_about_Commander_Shepard\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Commander Shepard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Is_Commander_Shepards_story_dependent_on_gender\"><\/span>1. Is Commander Shepard&#8217;s story dependent on gender?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. While some dialogue options and interactions may vary slightly based on gender, the core narrative of the <em>Mass Effect<\/em> trilogy remains consistent regardless of whether Shepard is male or female. The primary plot points, major decisions, and overall arc of the story are not gender-dependent.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Is_there_a_preferred_gender_for_Commander_Shepard_by_the_game_developers\"><\/span>2. Is there a preferred gender for Commander Shepard by the game developers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While a former animator has stated that the initial design leaned towards a female Shepard, BioWare has consistently maintained that both genders are equally valid. There is no official statement indicating a preference for either gender.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Does_Commander_Shepard_have_a_default_name\"><\/span>3. Does Commander Shepard have a default name?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. If Shepard is male, the default name is John Shepard; if female, it is Jane Shepard. However, players can freely customize Shepard&#8217;s first name.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Are_there_different_romance_options_for_male_and_female_Shepard\"><\/span>4. Are there different romance options for male and female Shepard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Some characters are only romanceable by one gender of Shepard. For example, Garrus Vakarian is only romanceable by female Shepard, while Kaidan Alenko is only romanceable by female Shepard in the first game and male Shepard in the third.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_is_the_age_of_Commander_Shepard_in_Mass_Effect_1\"><\/span>5. What is the age of Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 1?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Commander Shepard is 29 years old in <em>Mass Effect 1<\/em>, born on April 11, 2154.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Is_Commander_Shepard_canonically_biotic\"><\/span>6. Is Commander Shepard canonically biotic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Shepard is a biotic, having received secondary exposure to element zero in 2168 and officially detected as one in 2171.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Is_Commander_Shepard_canonically_a_soldier\"><\/span>7. Is Commander Shepard canonically a soldier?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Shepard is canonically an N7 soldier in the Systems Alliance military, the first human Spectre. The N7 designation is mentioned throughout the game regardless of the choices made.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Is_there_a_canon_romance_for_Commander_Shepard\"><\/span>8. Is there a canon romance for Commander Shepard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. There is no canon romance for Shepard. The choice of romantic partner is entirely up to the player.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Who_is_the_voice_actor_for_male_Commander_Shepard\"><\/span>9. Who is the voice actor for male Commander Shepard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mark Meer provided the voice for the male Commander Shepard.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Who_is_the_voice_actor_for_female_Commander_Shepard\"><\/span>10. Who is the voice actor for female Commander Shepard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Jennifer Hale provided the voice for the female Commander Shepard.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Who_was_the_model_for_default_male_Commander_Shepard\"><\/span>11. Who was the model for default male Commander Shepard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The default male Shepard&#8217;s face and body were modeled after Mark Vanderloo.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_What_are_Commander_Shepards_background_options\"><\/span>12. What are Commander Shepard&#8217;s background options?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shepard has three background options: Earthborn, Colonist, and Spacer. Each background provides a different origin story and influences some dialogue options.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_What_are_Commander_Shepards_psychological_profile_options\"><\/span>13. What are Commander Shepard&#8217;s psychological profile options?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shepard has three psychological profile options: War Hero, Sole Survivor, and Ruthless. Each profile provides a different psychological aspect and influences some dialogue options.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Can_Commander_Shepard_be_a_different_class_than_Soldier\"><\/span>14. Can Commander Shepard be a different class than Soldier?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Players can choose from six different classes: Soldier, Engineer, Adept, Infiltrator, Sentinel, and Vanguard. Each class provides a different combat style and skill set.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_What_is_the_significance_of_the_ParagonRenegade_system_in_Mass_Effect\"><\/span>15. What is the significance of the Paragon\/Renegade system in Mass Effect?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Paragon\/Renegade system allows players to shape Shepard&#8217;s moral alignment. Paragon choices are typically more compassionate and diplomatic, while Renegade choices are more pragmatic and assertive. These choices influence Shepard&#8217;s dialogue options and the overall tone of their interactions.<\/p>\n<p>The emphasis on narrative choice in games like <em>Mass Effect<\/em> highlights the importance of understanding how players learn and engage with complex systems. The <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> at <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong> studies these dynamics, offering insights into how games can be designed to promote learning and deeper engagement with narrative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Commander Shepard Canonically Male? A Deep Dive into Mass Effect&#8217;s Iconic Protagonist The short answer is a resounding no. Commander Shepard, the protagonist of the Mass Effect trilogy, is not canonically male. The beauty and enduring appeal of Shepard lies in the player&#8217;s ability to define their character. While there is a default male &#8230; <a title=\"Is Commander Shepard canonically male?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-commander-shepard-canonically-male\/\" aria-label=\"More on Is Commander Shepard canonically male?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-288941","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/288941","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=288941"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/288941\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=288941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=288941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=288941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}