Badeline

A shadow born of doubt that forces the climber to face her deepest fears.

Badeline is the physical manifestation of Madeline's depression and anxiety within the video game Celeste. Known in-game as "Part of Me," this character serves as a dark reflection of the protagonist, embodying her internal struggles rather than acting as an external monster. Created by Maddy Thorson based on their own experiences with mental health, Badeline initially appears to deter Madeline from climbing Mount Celeste. The dynamic between them is central to the game's narrative, representing the process of learning to function with anxiety rather than fighting it. Over time, this relationship evolves from conflict to cooperation, mirroring Thorson's personal journey toward managing their own anxiety.

Quick Facts

Affiliation: The Mountain (Internal Conflict)

Lore & Background

Badeline was conceived by creator Maddy Thorson as a direct representation of Madeline's depression and anxiety. Thorson noted that the premise of taking care of one's self, exemplified by Madeline's interaction with Mr. Oshiro where she sacrifices self-care for others, informed this character design. The story arc was framed around Thorson understanding how to manage their own anxiety: Madeline initially tries to fight Badeline, but over time learns to function with her presence. Thorson explicitly wanted players aware that Madeline was still grappling with internal conflict at the end of the story, emphasizing that acceptance is a process. This evolution reflects Thorson's realization that they did not know how to frame the scene until they better managed their own anxiety.

Reader's Guide

Badeline acts as the central antagonist who mimics Madeline's movements to sabotage her climb, representing the voice of self-doubt. She forces emotional confrontations alongside physical platforming challenges. The guide to overcoming Badeline is not victory through combat but integration through acceptance. Players must navigate levels where Badeline interferes, eventually leading to the realization that she cannot be defeated in a traditional sense. The defining moment occurs when Madeline stops fighting and accepts this part of herself. This shift transforms Badeline from a paralyzing force into a companion, allowing them to ascend together. The game emphasizes that this is an ongoing process where the character continues to grapple with internal conflict even after the main story concludes.

Did You Know?

After making up, Madeline and Badeline work together to reach the summit of Mount Celeste.
Madeline makes a pie using collectable strawberries for other characters after returning from the mountain.

What players say: Player verdict on Celeste — Rotten Tweets