Representation

In this blog, I have chosen to analyze the video game, Life is strange, for the representation within it.

Life is Strange is a game that tells a powerful story about two high school girls, Max Caulfield and Chloe Price, and the challenges they face. The game is really good at showing how different people can be, and how our identities are shaped by our experiences. It does this by focusing on how Max and Chloe are represented, meaning how they’re shown to us as characters, and whether they fit into certain types of characters, called stereotypes. By looking closely at Max and Chloe, we can see how the game challenges some of these stereotypes but also sometimes reinforces them.

Max Caulfield is the main character in the game, and she’s represented as a quiet, thoughtful girl who doesn’t really fit into the typical high school crowd. She’s an artsy photography student who likes to stay out of the spotlight. But what makes Max really interesting is her ability to rewind time, which gives her a lot of power over what happens. This is a cool way for the game to show that even though Max might seem shy and unsure, she’s actually capable of making really important choices. Max’s character is a good example of how Life is Strange avoids making her just another "quiet girl" stereotype. The game takes time to show her emotions and struggles, which makes her feel like a real person who’s figuring out who she is.

Chloe Price, Max’s best friend, is a very different character. She’s loud, rebellious, and has a punk style with blue hair, tattoos, and piercings. At first, it might seem like Chloe fits the stereotype of the "bad girl," but as the game goes on, we learn there’s more to her. Chloe’s behavior is influenced by the fact that she’s gone through a lot of hard things, like her father dying and feeling like she’s been left behind by Max. The game shows Chloe’s pain and vulnerability in moments where she opens up, showing that she’s not just wild for the sake of being wild—she’s acting out because of the hurt she’s gone through. This makes Chloe’s character deeper than just a stereotype, helping players understand that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.

Even though the game does a great job representing Max and Chloe, there are some issues with how other characters are shown. Most of the important characters, like Max and Chloe, are white, and while there are a few characters from different backgrounds, they don’t get as much attention. Characters like Warren and Kate, who come from more diverse backgrounds, don’t have their stories explored as much, and they mostly just help out Max and Chloe. This is an example of something called othering, where people who are different don’t get as much focus in the story. The game could have done a better job at including more diverse characters and giving them important roles, but it still does a good job showing the complexities of Max and Chloe’s lives.

In conclusion, Life is Strange represents its characters in interesting ways, showing how people aren’t just their stereotypes. Max’s quiet nature and Chloe’s rebellious attitude are both explored deeply, giving players a chance to understand what makes them who they are. While the game could have done more to focus on different backgrounds and experiences, it still creates a touching story about identity, friendship, and tough choices.

Multimedia Representation:

This picture shows a peaceful moment between Max and Chloe, highlighting how different they are. Max looks calm and thoughtful, while Chloe looks more edgy and rebellious, showing their different personalities.