Editing Shadow the Hedgehog (section)

==Personality ==
[[File:Shadow profile SG.png|thumb|left|225px|Shadow's profile, from the [[Xbox 360]] version of ''[[Sonic Generations]]''.]]
Being [[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]'s polar opposite personality-wise,<ref name="SonicCity" /> Shadow is, bluntly put, a brooding loner. He usually acts with a cool and businesslike indifference, only occasionally showing his vulnerable side. He is rarely seen with others for an extended period of time and usually distances himself from essentially everyone. He is usually blunt and does not speak much, but he always knows exactly what to say in combat. However, Shadow never bluffs; if he makes a threat, he has every intention of carrying it out. Tying into this attitude, the Japanese script has his self-pronoun be the more humble "boku", with his pronoun for others switching between either "kimi" or "omae" depending on his mood.

As the most violent and merciless character in the series at times,<ref name="SonicCity">{{cite web|title=Sonic City|url=http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/shadow/index.html|publisher=[[Sega]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080229035720/http://www.sonic-city.com/en/characters/shadow/index.html|archivedate=29 February 2008}}</ref> Shadow's ruthlessness and aggression leads to enemies never treating him lightly. Alongside his dark and violent demeanor, Shadow can be smug and stubborn. He usually treats others in a very callous manner, throwing in his opinion no matter how cold-hearted it is and not caring for whatever the response is. Shadow is also shown to have a sharp wit; during the [[Space Colony ARK]] [[Sonic Adventure 2|incident]], after being called a faker by Sonic, he replied that the latter was not worth being considered his fake.<ref>{{Cite game|dev=[[Sega Studio USA|Sonic Team USA]]|date=23 June 2001|game=Sonic Adventure 2|system=Dreamcast|publisher=[[Sega]]|cutscene=[[Sonic Adventure 2/Script (Dark)#Face off with Sonic|Face off with Sonic]]|quote='''Shadow''': That blue hedgehog again, of all places... / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': I've found you, faker! / '''Shadow''': Faker? I think you're the fake hedgehog around here. You're comparing yourself to me? Ha! You're not even good enough to be my fake!}}</ref>

Just like how Shadow's motivations are never simple to understand, he spends as much time grappling with his own inner demons as he does with his rival, Sonic.<ref name="SonicCity" /> In the past, Shadow has had a degree of mental instability, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder. This was demonstrated by his instances of post-traumatic flashbacks to [[Maria Robotnik|Maria]]'s face prior to and during the events of the [[Black Arms]] [[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|incident]], though it could be argued that the instances of the latter game were simply an effect of his amnesia. On one occasion, at the time of the Space Colony ARK incident, seeing police sirens flashing caused him to intensely flash back to the massacre aboard  Space Colony ARK and in particular Maria's death. Even prior to the events of the ARK raid, Shadow demonstrated some degree of self-doubt, most notably expressing frustration over how, despite being created as the Ultimate Lifeform specifically to act as a means to cure various maladies, he is still unable to cure his friend Maria, and also admitted to Maria when she desired living on Earth that he's uncertain whether he even has a place on the planet.<ref>''[[Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings]]'' Episode 1: "[[Shadow and Maria]]"</ref> Similarly, largely because of his being created with Black Arms DNA, Shadow during this time also showed signs of self-loathing, to the extent that he even went as far as to view himself as no different in overall nature to the Death Leech in containment before being reassured by Maria that he does ultimately have a heart.<ref>''[[Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings]]'' Episode 2: "[[Finding the Way]]"</ref> Shadow was soon able to overcome this in the Black Arms and the [[Emerl]] [[Sonic Battle|incidents]], during which he chose to move on from the past yet keep Maria in his heart. In fact, his personal journey since being awoken by [[Doctor Eggman|Eggman]] has had him confront the shackles of his past, such as ties, fate, and memories. Since then, it appears as though he is reaching a point where he can "do as his heart desires" in his own way.<ref name="SonicXShadow">{{cite web|url=https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210628_002603/|title=ソニック & シャドウ|author=[[Sega]]|publisher=[[Sonic Channel]]|date=28 June 2021|accessdate=28 June 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628073207/https://sonic.sega.jp/SonicChannel/special/coverstory/20210628_002603/|archivedate=28 June 2021|language=Japanese}}</ref>

Shadow originally had disdain for [[Human|humanity]], being a misanthrope, but rarely attacked them outright, merely looking at them as a distant observer. During the events of the Space Colony ARK incident, Shadow was planning to destroy the [[Earth|planet]] both ordered by [[Gerald Robotnik]] through brainwashing, and as revenge for the death of his only friend, Maria Robotnik. Shadow eventually moves past his hatred for humanity by remembering his promise to Maria. Later on, Shadow decided to protect humanity and those on earth to honor Maria's dying wish despite their original misgivings. Now, Shadow has moved on from the past and decided to protect humanity on his own accord. He does, however, have some lingering guilt over Maria's death, to the extent that he at least once came close to having intrusive visions of a scenario where Maria didn't die before reminding himself that chance ended a long time ago.<ref>''[[Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings]]'' Episode 3: "[[To the ARK]]"</ref>

During the many incidents that Shadow takes part in, he pursues his foes with a relentless, unwavering determination. He will usually go to any length to accomplish something he desires or feels should be a certain way, no matter what the cost. Before the [[War to Take Back the Planet]], it is heavily implied that Shadow ruthlessly massacred an entire mercenary band known as the [[Jackal Squad]] not only in an extremely dismissive, nonchalant manner (as he did not even remember the incident a few months later), but also seemed slightly proud, mocking the mercenary defense squad by saying they themselves needed a defense squad. He also demonstrated rather coarse language during the Black Arms incident.

Shadow possesses a strong sense of identity; after falsely being told by Rouge that he was not the Ultimate Lifeform due to a [[Project Shadow|lab report]], he stated to her that, even if his memories were fake, he was still Shadow the Hedgehog.<ref>{{Cite game|dev=[[Sega Studio USA|Sonic Team USA]]|date=23 June 2001|game=Sonic Adventure 2|system=Dreamcast|publisher=[[Sega]]|cutscene=Cutscene 28|quote='''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': Do you actually believe that... you're the real Shadow? / '''Shadow''': No doubt. / '''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': Even your memories might not be real, you know? / '''Shadow''': Even if my memories are not real, it's still me; Shadow. And I will fulfill my promise to Maria. That's the only thing that matters to me now}}</ref> These qualities make him rarely susceptible to being manipulated by others.

{{Quote left|Since when did you become someone who secretly works for everyone's peace?<br>...I'm not interested in peace or whatever. I don't care what happens to others. I just don't like it when fools do whatever they please on this planet. Whether it's [[Doctor Eggman|the doctor]] or anyone else, including you. Don't get me wrong.|[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] and Shadow the Hedgehog, [[Sonic Channel]]}}
In Shadow's own words, he is not interested in peace, nor does he care about what happens to others. In truth, he simply does not like it when foolish people do whatever they please. While this may make it seem like Shadow stands firmly in opposition to villainy, he is actually very indiscriminate about who he faces, as he chooses to stand against anyone who he condemns for being "foolish", be they villains like Dr. Eggman or heroes like Sonic. He similarly does not want thanks for the help he provides when he does something heroic, believing that showing gratitude is a waste of time.<ref name="SonicXShadow" /> However, the grim and uncaring disposition he puts on is not entirely accurate considering the lengths he goes to save others including even sacrificing his own life. In contrast to his words, Shadow acts in a way that ultimately protects others. Deep down he cares about those around him, only hiding his more caring side to keep himself shielded and distant. Despite his apathetic nature, he does feel sympathy for others, and since reforming himself at the end of the Space Colony ARK incident, he has fought for the greater good, most noticeably to prevent letting other people experience past tragedies, specially the ones that he has been through.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Central City (Sonic Battle)|Central City]] ([[Miles "Tails" Prower|Tails]]' Episode). "'''Shadow''': There's no need to repeat past tragedies! Nobody else ever needs to go through the things that I have!"</ref> Due to being given a "soul" identical to Maria's, he is afraid of his power and has never used it recklessly or to cause suffering.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Gimme Shelter]] (Shadow's Episode). "'''Shadow''': Why did Gerald give me a soul?! / '''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': He was not interested in researching weapons. He was researching a way to bring happiness and hope to all people. But, he was forced by the government and by the military to use his research for war. That's why he gave you [...] a soul identical to his beloved granddaughter, Maria. [...] His hope was that no matter how crazed and obsessed with destruction mankind might became, the weapons themselves would never fight. Shadow, you are afraid of your own power. It troubles you. But, you've never used your power recklessly. You've never used it selfishly. Gerald's wishes have come true."</ref> Once, he also saw himself as a weapon since he was created as one, thus causing him to believe that he and other weapons would eventually have to be destroyed to achieve world peace.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (27 February 2004). ''[[Sonic Battle]]''. [[Game Boy Advance]]. [[Sega]]. Area/level: [[Emerald City]] (Shadow's Episode). "'''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Maybe you've forgotten, but I seem to recall you saving humanity at some point. / '''Shadow''': ...That was for Maria. / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Exactly! If you have a heart, you would never use your power for the forces of evil! There's no way you could! Weapons aren't supposed to have 'hearts.' But, both you and Emerl do! You guys... You aren't just weapons! / '''Shadow''': Hmph! No, you are wrong. We were created as weapons. If the people of this world ever want peace, they must destroy us."</ref>

Shadow was often depressed about the loss of Maria, which is why he keeps to himself, but his relationship with her is obvious as he goes to great lengths to protect the planet and keep her dream of peace and prosperity alive. He also maintains a strong bond with his teammates, Rouge and [[E-123 Omega|Omega]], proving that while his attitude makes him seem like a careless person, he does have compassion, more than he otherwise lets on. Still, Shadow brushes off most kindness or sympathy that is sent his way; during the [[Neo Metal Sonic]] [[Sonic Heroes|incident]], when Rouge showed concern for Shadow when he saw a broken [[Shadow Android|android]] of himself, suspecting [[Team Dark]]'s Shadow might be an android too, Shadow curtly brushed her concern away. During the Black Arms incident, after Sonic suggested some "friendly competition", Shadow bluntly rejected his offer.<ref>{{Cite game|dev=[[Sega Studio USA]]|date=15 December 2005|fullgame=[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]|system=Nintendo GameCube|pub=[[Sega]]|cutscene=After [[Westopolis]] (Hero mission)|quote='''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Now that was sweet, Shadow! / '''Shadow''': Yeah... Well I'm not here to save you! / '''[[Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic]]''': Thought you might say something like that! How about a little friendly competition? / '''Shadow''': Don't waste my time.}}</ref> At times, however, Shadow is shown to appreciate genuine care; at the climax of the Space Colony ARK incident, after [[Amy Rose]] made him remember his promise to Maria, Shadow openly decided to keep his promise to protect the planet both to Maria and her. Another instance is during the aborted [[Solaris]] [[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)|incident]], when Rouge told him that she would always be by his side, he acknowledged her.[[File:Shadow fast friends bio.jpg|thumb|225px|Shadow's bio for [[Fast. Friends. Forever.]]]]Despite the fact that Shadow often fights for the greater good, he is considered an anti-hero for the most part due to his morality and means to his desired end goals. He does whatever is necessary to get what he wants or feels is right, though this enthusiasm causes him to take risks and jump into situations without fully thinking them through.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Pedigree Books|title=[[Sonic the Hedgehog Super Interactive Annual 2014]]|publisher=Pedigree Publishers|page=15|chapter=Eggman's IQ Math Test|date=August 2013|isbn=978-1908152077|quote=Fact: Shadow often launches into situations without fully thinking them through. That natural enthusiasm sees him take risks and dabble with danger as he tries to get what he wants, by any means necessary.}}</ref> While not necessarily evil, Shadow's cold-hearted, determined personality has sometimes entailed the dangerous purity of turning himself into an enemy of Sonic.<ref name="SonicXShadow" /> Alongside Rouge, he has also taken prize money and jewels upon winning in the [[Sonic Free Riders|second]] EX [[World Grand Prix]], and the two disregarded the opening and closing ceremonies for the event, showing up late without a third teammate and, at the end of the EX World Grand Prix, walking off right away with what turned out to be dummy versions of the prize money and gems.<ref>[[Sonic Team]] (4 November 2010). ''[[Sonic Free Riders]]''. [[Xbox 360]]. [[Sega]]. Cutscene: Cutscene 1 ([[Team Dark]]). "'''[[Omochao]]''': Huh? By my count we're one team short! What could possibly have come up to keep them from the ceremony?! Ah ah! There they are! Shadow and Rouge... Which means the missing racers were Team Dark! / '''[[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]]''': Would you pipe down? We just came here to collect the cash prize. Until the first race starts we're off the clock, darling. / '''Omochao''': What are you talking about?! The opening ceremony started over fifteen minutes ago! / '''Shadow''': I've no interest in these formalities. / '''Omochao''': I guess not everybody here is as excited as me... Now I feel kind of self-conscious for getting all excited before. / '''Shadow''': Pageantry aside, we're here to win. You can be sure of that. /'''Omochao''': But there's only two of you. If you're here, where's your third teammate? / '''Rouge''': Don't worry about us. The two of us can handle this just fine."</ref> Regardless, Shadow does have his moments of selflessness and heroism; he nearly sacrificed his life at the end of the Space Colony ARK to save the [[earth]], and helped [[Silver the Hedgehog|Silver]] uncover the truth of the [[Solaris Project]] after saving Sonic from him in an aborted timeline.
In spite of Shadow's serious and no-nonsense attitude he is occasionally willing to spend time doing leisurely activities or social events like celebrating [[The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog|Amy's birthday]] at a murder mystery party on the [[Mirage Express]]. He even got Amy a present along with participating in the murder mystery event. Shadow has also competed in a variety of racing and sports competitions, having a strong competitive spirit.[[File:ShadowsOwnReasons.jpg|thumb|252x252px|left|Shadow talking with [[Rouge the Bat|Rouge]], from [[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 9|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #9]].]]
Best described as a grim anti-hero, Shadow has a strong sense of purpose and pursues his goals by any means necessary. He possesses a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve these goals once he has set his sights on them, including using lethal force. This natural vehemence, however, tends  to blind him with anger and make him prone to reckless decisions.<ref name="StH102">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 10|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #10]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 2"</ref><ref name="StH5">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 5|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #5]], "The Fate of Dr. Eggman, Part 1"</ref> It can also cause him to hold grudges, to the point where, if the object of his grudge is in sight, he is blinded to everything else; after being bested by [[Doctor Starline|Starline]] at the [[White Park Grand Chateau]], Shadow decided to chase after him while ignoring not only Rouge and Tails being captured, but also an avalanche that would have injured or even killed everyone else. However, Shadow ultimately worked with Sonic to try to stop the avalanche.<ref name="StH36">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 36|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #36]], "Chao Races and Badnik Bases, Part 4"</ref>  He also does not tend to take others into consideration, and sometimes his desire for revenge overwhelms his own sense of safety. Being an anti-social lone wolf, Shadow is generally not in favor of team-ups either; although he may occasionally cooperate with others, it is typically for his own reasons and does not guarantee that he is willing to follow orders.<ref name="StH102" /><ref name="StH9">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 9|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #9]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 1"</ref> He also often leaves without saying goodbye or thanks.<ref name="StH62">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 6|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #6]], "The Fate of Dr. Eggman, Part 2"</ref><ref name="StH11">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 11|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #11]], "The Battle for Angel Island, Part 3"</ref>

Shadow is sharp-witted, brooding, arrogant, and always seems to be on edge. He usually acts with a cool and business-like indifference, preferring to stay quiet and only speak when it is necessary to achieving his goals without opening up to anyone while staying focused on his intended target. When push comes to shove, however, Shadow can quickly become enormously aggressive and extensively ruthless. He also does not tend to hold back against anyone, especially against those who get in his way.<ref name="StH5" /> Additionally, he is stubborn and prideful to the point of foolhardiness and never runs away from a fight; while he and Sonic were defending [[Sunset City]] from a horde of [[Zombot]]s, Sonic ran off to burn his [[Metal Virus]] infection into remission while advising Shadow to do the same should he get infected, only for Shadow, who considered running to be a coward's tactic (and believed himself to be wholly immune to the Metal Virus), to continue fighting, which sealed his fate upon being infected by the virus.<ref name="StH192">[[IDW Sonic the Hedgehog Issue 19|''Sonic the Hedgehog'' #19]], "Crisis City, Part 1"</ref>