Shadow the Hedgehog is an artificial life form created by Professor Gerald Robotnik as part of Project: Shadow, meant to be a cure for his granddaughter Maria’s illness. He’s initially portrayed as a lone, stoic anti-hero, driven by a sense of vengeance after Maria’s death. Over time, Shadow grows, revealing a more complex personality, torn between his mission for justice and his quest for self-discovery. His strength, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to Maria define his character.