History Sandbox / SonicTheHedgehogHeroes

** Taken UpToEleven in ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld''. Probably half of his lines are snarking at Sonic and/or Eggman.

* MarriedToTheJob: To the point where some fans turn it UpToEleven and literally [[CargoShip ship him with the Master Emerald]].

* AbsenteeActor: Not counting games before his debut, Tails has only been absent from ''VideoGame/SonicLabyrinth'', ''VideoGame/SegaSonicTheHedgehog'', ''VideoGame/SonicBlast'', and ''VideoGame/DrRobotniksMeanBeanMachine''.

* {{Kitsune}}: He doesn't have the magic powers associated with Kitsune, but he has the intelligence and multiple tails.

* MultipleTailedBeast: Being based on a {{Kitsune}}, it is to be expected.

* PantyShot: They're white in case you were wondering...or [[GoingCommando lack thereof]] in ''VideoGame/SonicTheFighters''.

* PantyShot: White.

** He found a new one in [[ClassyCatBurglar Rouge]], but its filled to the brim with FoeYay due to her crush on him.

* TheRival: Her relationship with Knuckles skits between this and FoeYay. She and Amy aren't on particularly good terms either.

* MulticoloredHair: Her fur is mostly a cream color, but she has orange markings on it.

* MulticoloredHair: Downplayed. His fur is two shades of purple, one darker and a bit more blue.

* NotSoDifferent: Although he and Sonic have contrasting lifestyles, the two share a sense of pride for certain things (Sonic with his speed while Knuckles with his guardianship and strength).

[[folder: Shadow the Hedgehog]]
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/shadowthehedgehog.png]]

-->''"If the world chooses to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have."''

!!!!!!Voiced by Creator/KojiYusa (Japanese), David Humphrey (English, 2001-2004), Creator/JasonGriffith (English, 2005-2010), Creator/KirkThornton (English, 2010-present)

-->An artificially created hedgehog made by the late professor Gerald Robotnik. 50 years before the start of the series, Gerald made a deal with an alien named Black Doom that he'd create the ultimate weapon for Doom in exchange for his immortal blood to cure his ailing granddaughter, Maria. G.U.N. caught wind of this and had the entire project shut down, and Shadow was sealed away until Dr. Eggman released him during the events of ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''. Over the course of the game, Shadow reveals he was carrying out Gerald's will and worked to destroy the planet as revenge for Maria's death. However, Amy manages to convince Shadow to help, and he remembers Maria's wish to protect humanity. He and Sonic team up to destroy his own prototype, and he apparently dies in the effort. He survives and eventually confronts Black Doom himself, and finally puts his past behind him and walks his own path.

-->Shadow is a very straightforward individual; he's aloof, taciturn, and ambitious. Because of his attitude, he is extremely hard to get along with and has a very independent nature, preferring to [[IWorkAlone work on his own]] more often than not. While he's not ruthless, he is extremely pragmatic and will handle any situation in his own way, regardless if anyone likes it or not.

* TheAce: One of the prominently best examples in the series. Even outstripping Sonic in fighting versatility.
* AccidentalPervert: There are one too many moments in ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'' where Rouge is explaining something to Shadow and his gaze seemingly lowers at her bountiful bosom, which is often broken when Rouge is done talking and Shadow briefly shakes his head to focus. This may be more due to wonky eye or model animations than an intentional peek, however.
* AboveGoodAndEvil: When it comes to his goals, he will achieve them at all costs.
* TheAgeless: Most likely due to the genetic material contributed to Project Shadow by his biological "father," [[spoiler:Black Doom]]. The reason behind this was that Shadow's creator, Professor Gerald Robotnik, wanted to study immortality and use the fruits of his research to find a cure for his granddaughter (and Shadow's surrogate sister) Maria, as she was terminally ill and suffering from a fatal disease known as Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The only thing that shows ages are his shoes, with the soles' paint flaking off in most 3D artworks of Shadow.
* AllegedLookalikes: It's often stated he looks like Sonic, but he really doesn't,[[note]]his [[https://i.redd.it/iltr6motpraz.jpg older design]] when he was named "Terios" does look like Sonic[[/note]] at least not any more than any other hedgehog in the series (Amy or Silver) does.
* AloofAlly: He helps his teammates and even assists Sonic and his friends on occasion, but that doesn't exactly make him a big fan of team spirit.
* AlwaysSomeoneBetter:
** The main reason why Sonic considers him his rival. He was this to Sonic from his first appearance, seen getting the upper hand on Sonic the first time they fought. However, it is taken even further in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', where Shadow beats Sonic without much effort (though the endings where he fights Sonic are non-canon). In more recent games, though, it's Sonic who tends to win. It generally comes down to who the player is controlling at the time.
** He's this to Infinite as well. As "Episode Shadow" of ''Sonic Forces'' showed, Infinite considered himself the "ultimate mercenary," until Shadow whipped Infinite's butt with hardly any effort, even making Infinite shake in fear of Shadow. [[spoiler:Not only did this fuel Infinite's InferioritySuperiorityComplex, but he vowed he'd never lose again, especially not to Shadow.]]
* ArrogantKungFuGuy:
** He views himself as superior to everyone in battle. This is especially shown in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' and ''VideoGame/SonicRivals''.
** It shows in the Pure Hero-Dark Path of his [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog self-titled game]] as well, where he ended up challenging Sonic as earned to being his rival, than boasted highly about his own strength after he defeated him, and even laughing about it.
** [[spoiler:This comes to bite him [[UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom and the rest of the world]] in ''VideoGame/SonicForces''; his physical and verbal beatdown of a pre-empowerment [[AxCrazy Infinite]] inflamed the latter's InferioritySuperiorityComplex and [[CreateYourOwnVillain sent him over the edge into sociopathic villainy]].]]
* AmnesiacHero: His fall to Earth at the end of ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' caused him to lose his memory for a time.
* AntagonistInMourning: A rival variant, although he's a frenemy to Sonic and not an antagonist.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', as he watches the escape capsule Sonic was trapped in explode, he commented about how he isn't a "fake" hedgehog after all in a slightly disappointed tone.
-->'''Shadow''': I guess he was just a regular hedgehog after all.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', he closes his eyes in grief when Sonic [[spoiler:was killed by Mephiles in order to make Elise cry]].
* AntiAntichrist:
** Shadow was created by Black Doom so as to aid him in conquering Earth. However, Shadow eventually went against said destiny, destroyed Black Doom, and is now one of the chief defenders of the planet.
** This happens to Shadow a lot. Post-breakdown Professor Gerald reprogrammed Shadow's mind to carry out his plot to destroy Earth, but his [[TheLostLenore memories of Maria]] caused him to decide to save it instead. Later, Mephiles tried to convince Shadow to fill [[TheAntichrist the role of destroyer]] again, [[ShutUpHannibal but he'd finally learned his lesson and would have absolutely none of it.]]
* AntiHero: The most prolific example in the series. He is also known for achieving his goals by all means necessary, even it means playing the villain's game on occasions. But he does have moments of heroism, like [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificing himself to save the world]] and helping Silver realise that Mephiles has [[UnwittingPawn used him as a pawn]].
* AntiVillain: Shadow was driven by the loss of his surrogate sister in his debut appearance.
* ArchEnemy: To Black Doom in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', Mephiles the Dark in ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'' [[spoiler: and temporarily Infinite in ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', although Infinite eventually turned his attention to Sonic and the Avatar]].
* [[ArtificialHuman Artificial Hedgehog]]: Created by Dr. Gerald Robotnik on the Space Colony ARK from the cells of Black Doom.
%% Please, do not put Badass. It is no longer a trope.
* BadassAndChildDuo: Was the badass to Maria's child, before she died.
* BadassArmfold: His usual pose.
* BadassBaritone: With the exception of David Humphrey and Creator/KirkThornton, Shadow's voice tends to be very low and booming.
* BadassBiker: In ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', and ''[[VideoGame/SegaSuperstars Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing]]'', he can use the Dark Rider motorcycle.
* BadassBoast: He's very fond of these, to the point of being this Trope itself for the Sonic series:
** From ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'':
--->"My name is Shadow. I'm the world's Ultimate Life Form. There's no time for games, farewell!"
--->"Behold the true power I possess!"
--->"Before this is over, I'll show you the true power of ''Chaos Control''!"
** From ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'':
--->"Behold, the ultimate power!"
--->"Death to all who oppose me!"
--->"I am Shadow the Hedgehog. I and only I, know what is best! No one can tell me what to do. This is who I am!"
--->"I am Shadow the Hedgehog. And now... I am the most powerful hedgehog in the world! The power of these Emeralds make me invincible [[ChewingTheScenery I am the ultimate hedgehog! THIS IS WHO I AM!]]"
--->"I am Shadow the Hedgehog. I've left the past behind me. No one can tell me what to do now! I will destroy you, Black Doom!"
** From ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'':
--->"If the world chooses to become my enemy, I will fight like I always have."
* BadassDriver: The trailers for ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' emphasized him driving his motorcycle, sometimes to the exclusion of any of his other abilities.
* BashBrothers: Often with Sonic, when the two put aside their differences. Sonic has at least come to respect Shadow's capabilities, even if he still mocks Shadow's attitude.
* BerserkButton: There are a few things that set him off.
** Getting in the way of his goals.
** Hurting his friends, namely Rouge, Omega, or Maria.
* BigBad: He's this in his debut in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''. His manipulation of Eggman and his single-minded pursuit of helping to complete Gerald Robotnik's revenge drive the plot and result in an impending ColonyDrop. While he pulls a [[HeelFaceTurn Heel–Face Turn]] and helps clean up the mess, he's still the one who caused the whole thing to begin with.
* BigDamnHeroes: Has pulled this off on occasions.
** In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', he manages to teleport Rouge (and three of the Chaos emeralds, of course) off of Prison Island mere seconds before the whole island explodes.
** In ''Sonic 2006'', he was the second person to rescue Sonic from being killed by Silver (the first being Amy).
** In ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', [[spoiler:he rescues Sonic again, this time by defeating his clone who was going to charge into him.]]
* BreakoutCharacter: Got a StoryArc centered around him even though he was originally meant to die at the end of his debut appearance. He was even initially considered to have his own franchise.
* BrokenAce: He has skills and capabilities that rival Sonic's, and never has to worry about aging due to his immortality. All of this comes with deep-seated emotional scars as a result of his creation and subsequent loss of his surrogate family.
* BroodingBoyGentleGirl: Before she died, Shadow and Maria were a non-romantic version of this.
* BrutalHonesty: Has no problem breaking down the harsh truth.
* BullyingADragon:
** Often is the case towards anybody who tries to manipulate or persecute him. It never ends well for them.
** This happened to Infinite too, when he midly taunted Shadow and was very self assured that he could beat him, which resulted in Shadow beating him with no effort.
* ButForMeItWasTuesday: A perfect case happens in ''Sonic Forces: Episode Shadow''. For Shadow, it was just another day taking out Dr. Eggman's minions during an infiltration mission. [[spoiler: But for Infinite, it was his StartOfDarkness as Shadow killed the members of his mercenary group and gave him a CurbStompBattle that he took very personally. Afterwards, he was infused with the Phantom Ruby and became the tool necessary for Eggman to finally TakeOverTheWorld.]]
* ByronicHero: A family-friendly version, anyway. He's cynical, brooding, and spiteful, but he's also passionate, fiery, and does have a few close relationships, such as with Rouge and Omega.
* CanonImmigrant: The Inhibitor Rings (see PowerLimiter for more info), first seen in ''Anime/SonicX'', became canon as of ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006''.
* CarpetOfVirility: Well, he's a hedgehog, and covered in fur, but his coloration invokes this.
* {{Catchphrase}}: He does have a few of these.
** "I'm the ultimate life form!"
** "I don't have time for games."
** "No one tells me what to do."
** "This is who I am!" - After every ending of '''Shadow the Hedgehog'''.
* ChallengeSeeker: Shadow never turns down a chance to test his abilities against potentially strong opponents like super dimensional beings, dragons, and of course Sonic himself.
* CharacterDevelopment:
** Shadow originally only cared about avenging the loss of his old friend and didn't even care if his own memories were fabricated into doing so. About two games later, he has accepted Maria's death and wishes to protect the world that she loved in honor of her memory and live his own life unshackled by past transgressions.
** He forms a genuine bond with Rouge (who he wanted nothing to do with in his debut), and Omega, even calling them his friends.
* TheChessmaster: Was clearly making use of Eggman's world-dominating ambition throughout ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' in order to further his own goal (and Gerald's) in wiping out humanity in revenge for the murder of Maria Robotnik. The only reason he didn't succeed was that Amy convinced him to not go through with the plan. This also happened in the Pure Dark - Hero ending where he takes Black Doom's orders in order to get the chaos emeralds to remember his past, then later he ends up turning on him to take revenge against humanity on his own.
* TheCynic: Most notably in [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog his own game]]. Due to his past experiences, Shadow has a pretty pessimistic and dark worldview. He also has high disregard for Sonic's carefree nature, and is quite annoyed with his cheerful and unserious behaviour.
* CombatPragmatist: Despite his natural power, [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog his own game]] shows that he'll use guns, swords, or pretty much ANYTHING as a weapon if the situation calls for it.
* TheComicallySerious: His overly serious demeanor is sometimes played for laughs, particularly when juxtaposed with Sonic. Once in a while, he makes a few wits and one-liners.
* ConjoinedEyes: Like most ''Sonic'' characters.
* ContrivedCoincidence: His resemblance to Sonic is only a coincidence, seeing as he was created many years before Sonic was born.
* CoolBike: In ''[[VideoGame/SegaSuperstars Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]'', his vehicle, the Dark Rider, is a motorcycle.
* CoolShades; Wears some in the ''VideoGame/SonicRiders'' series.
* CreateYourOwnVillain: Did this (accidentally) with [[spoiler:Infinite.]]
* CuteLittleFangs: Has these, though they're very hard to see.
* CutscenePowerToTheMax: In his ''[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 first ever scene]]'', he's seen using his air shoes to fly. Not once in any game has he been able to replicate this feat, with the closest exception being his [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog titular game]], where he'll temporarily hold himself in the air while shooting a sub-machine gun or variations.
* DaddyIssues: With Black Doom. In the majority of his self-titled game, Doom attempts to take advantage of Shadow's memory loss and use him to destroy the planet. After he learns the truth about his past, though, Shadow rebels against Black Doom and destroys him for good.
* DarkAndTroubledPast: In ''Sonic Adventure 2''. Blames himself for what happened to the Robotnik family and other citizens of Space Colony ARK and swears brutal justice for them. However, later on, his story becomes so convoluted that it pretty much overshadows this piece of his past.
* DarkerAndEdgier: Designed as such from the start, invoked in his own game.
* DarkIsEvil: At first in ''Sonic Adventure 2'' and ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' depending on the player's choice.
* DarkIsNotEvil: At the end of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' and games beyond.
* TheDarkSide: In ''Shadow'', he can draw on the power of evil and unleash his Chaos Blast.
* ADayInTheLimelight:
** At the height of his popularity, [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog he got his own game]].
** He also had his own campaign in ''VideoGame/SonicForces'' titled ''Episode Shadow'', set before the events of the main game.
* DeadpanSnarker: Has his moments, particularly in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''. In general, though, he and Sonic snark at each other nearly every time they interact.
* DeathGlare:
** Gives off this a few times, such as [[https://68.media.tumblr.com/c5997e8bd1b50482cc107ed54b84e0cb/tumblr_inline_o4tb26XHgJ1r0rcm1_500.gif one]] in the intro of ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' and [[https://chiquitosilver.tumblr.com/post/163217652688/dont-look-at-me-like-that one]] in a fight against Sonic in ''VideoGame/SonicForces''. [[spoiler:The second example was given by a Phantom Ruby illusion rather than the real Shadow himself, however.]]
** He also gave one to Infinite when confronting him the first time, and again after beating him and telling him not to show himself around him again.
* DesperatelyLookingForAPurposeInLife: In ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' back on the ARK, struggling with finding out why he was created. And then again in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' and ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', due to his amnesia.
* {{Determinator}}: He will always fight on even if it's the world against him; also, in any goal he wants to carry out, he is near [[TheJuggernaut unstoppable.]]
* {{Deuteragonist}}: For a while after his debut, he had a major role in almost every main title alongside Sonic himself.
* DisproportionateRetribution: His initial appearance had him attempting to destroy the earth to avenge the murder of Maria Robotnik. He gets better.
* DivergentCharacterEvolution: In both ''Adventure 2'' and ''Heroes'', he's little more than a MovesetClone of Sonic. By ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', he finally gets to use his own Chaos abilities in-game, and eventually gets a completely different playstyle than anything Sonic has ever done in ''06''.
* TheDragon: To Black Doom in ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' Dark and Semi-Dark Story. Also this to Eggman, in ''Sonic Adventure 2'', the first ''Sonic Rivals'' game, and in ''VideoGame/SonicForces''.
* DragonWithAnAgenda: To Eggman in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', the agenda being annihilating the entire world as part of Professor Gerald's reprogramming before he was sealed.
* TheDreaded: Almost all media portrays Shadow like this, with him being possibly the most intimidating and fear-invoking character in the series. Sonic himself treats him more seriously than any rival and enemy he has fought and acknowledges him as a dangerous obstacle that he must take on without holding back.
* EnergyBall: He uses these in ''Sonic Battle'' and ''Sonic Riders''.
* EvilCounterpart: To Sonic, at first. Then CharacterDevelopment happened, and he became more of a [[AntiHero Neutral Counterpart]] to him; not evil, but not entirely good either.
* EvilLaugh: Does these in the Dark endings of his game.
* FakeMemories: Gerald altered Shadow's memories so that he could carry out Gerald's plan to take revenge on humanity. Fortunately, Shadow's actual memories of his promise to Maria shone through despite this.
* FantasticNuke: His Chaos Blast, which generates an explosion that destroys anything in the immediate vicinity.
* {{Flight}}: When using his [[CutscenePowerToTheMax air shoes]], Chaos Control, or if he's Super Shadow.
* FatalFlaw: Wrath. Shadow has a hard time letting go of his grudges, and his desire for vengeance often clouds his judgment. Also, he's far more cynical than Sonic, which leads to him taking more violent options, and also typically fights to the death, whereas Sonic would just disable his opponents.
* FireForgedFriends: Develops this with several characters.
** When Shadow first met Rouge, the two had quite a TeethClenchedTeamwork. Shadow was annoyed by Rouge's unserious and flirtatious personality and Rouge would often complain about Shadow's grumpy attitude and apathy. Over time, however, the two of them have grown more accepting of their differences and have become more caring about the well-being of one another.
** Was also this with Omega. They were hostile to each other when they first met; however, with time, they grew to care a lot about each others's well-being.
* {{Foil}}: He serves as one to Sonic. Whereas Sonic is the friendly, adventure-seeking hero, Shadow is the cold, deadly serious AntiHero. While they may be on the same side, often their methods of taking action can lead them to clash with one another.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble: Supine.
* ForgotAboutHisPowers: In ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' he doesn't assist Super Sonic in the final battle, despite having a [[SuperMode super form]] himself as the previous installment, ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', demonstrated. {{Justified|Trope}} as he had amnesia at the time, but it doesn't explain why everyone else doesn't remind him of it.
* FragileSpeedster: When [[CompetitiveBalance balanced]], he's usually some combination of this and GlassCannon, generally offered as an alternative to Sonic. Notably in ''VideoGame/SonicBattle'', where he's very strong and very fast, but has the absolute worst healing skills of all the playable characters.
* FriendlyRivalry: Develops one with Sonic in later games. Despite his annoyance with the blue hedgehog, Shadow still acknowledges and respects Sonic as a WorthyOpponent, which Sonic finds mutual. He even showed up at Sonic's birthday party in ''Sonic Generations'', after fighting him.
* GeniusBruiser: Though not at Tails's level and mostly downplayed, Shadow occasionally displays some degree of scientific and technological know-how. In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', Shadow was also seen to be capable of being good at creating a master plan. But the "Bruiser" part usually overshadows the "Genius" part.
* GoldenSuperMode: A different, lighter shade of gold than Sonic's, but still gold of some description.
* GoodIsNotNice: His heart is in the right place, but his attitude could definitely use some work. His aloof and somewhat apathetic nature makes him come off as cold and uncaring towards people and his ego and violent tendencies also make it hard to get along with him.
* GoodIsNotSoft: Has no compunctions against lethal force when against an evil foe. The Black Arms learned the hard way that this also means no compunctions against genocide when dealing with exceptional evil. And if the heroes get in the way of his current goals, they're as much of a target as the villains.
* GrumpyBear: Even if he's put his past behind him and moved on to better things, there's no way Shadow will ever cheer up. Even on a good day.
* HatesSmallTalk: Shadow notably gets annoyed with friendly conversations or the like easily, especially when he's focused on a mission.
** Although he is more easy-going with Rouge than with most people, in ''Sonic '06'' when after Rouge asks if he wants to know what the Scepter of Darkness is, he tells her that [[DispenseWithThePleasantries he's only here to rescue her from Eggman's base and nothing more.]] Rouge then lampshades the fact that Shadow is "always business". In ''Sonic Forces'', he also tells her to "cut the chatter" when continuing to talk to him while he's about to rescue Omega.
** In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', Sonic tries to converse with Shadow several times throughout the games. Shadow is not interested, unless it's about the mission, and believes he's wasting his time.
* HaughtyHmph: He's a frequent user of this trope. It's his way of expressing how arrogant and disapproving he is towards others.
* HeartbrokenBadass: Although it was familial love and he doesn't express it often, Maria's death hit him hard.
* TheHeavy: In ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', while he pretends to act as TheDragon to Eggman, it's his presence that drives the plot, and he is in fact manipulating Eggman for his own purposes.
* [[HeelFaceRevolvingDoor Heel–Face Revolving Door]]: According to his backstory, he was a face, then after a tragic incident, he became a heel. He later became a face for the ending of ''Sonic Adventure 2''. After his revival, he was neutral before settling on being a face.
* HeroicRROD: It's implied at the end of ''Sonic Adventure 2'' that he was overwhelmed by the power of his Chaos Emerald-induced SuperMode, which may be part of why he lost his power and fell into Earth's orbit during the HeroicSacrifice mentioned below.
* HeroicSacrifice: At the end of ''Sonic Adventure 2'', he helps save the world from the Final Hazard, but uses up all of his power before he falls from space towards the Earth. He was initially believed to have died, but ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' reveals that he survived, but amnesiac.
* HiddenHeartOfGold: He's a violent, egotistical {{Jerkass}} whose actions border on out and out villainy on occasion, but he's always on the side of justice and he genuinely cares about others, even if it's ''very'' hard to see.
* HumansAreTheRealMonsters: His initial attitude, regarding the humans as heartless due to the tragic incident on the ARK. Despite this, Shadow still put it aside to give them a chance as he promised to Maria.
* ItsAllMyFault: After realising the damage he caused by letting Black Doom manipulate him thinking it would help him get answers to his past, Shadow breaks down from guilt, and even loses hope of fully redeeming.
-->'''Shadow:''' "I am Shadow the Hedgehog. A research experiment gone deadly wrong... I caused so much destruction... I should have never have been created... This is who I am."
* ImageSong: He has more than any character in the series. [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 Throw It All Away]], [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 All Hail Shadow]], [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 Rhythm and Balance, The Supernatural, Supporting Me,]] {{I Am| Song}} [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog (All of Me)]], [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog Almost Dead, Waking Up, Chosen One]], [[GoldenEnding Never]] [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog Turn Back]], [[CutSong Who I]] [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog Am]].
* ImmortalImmaturity: He's technically over 50 years old, but is physically the same age as Sonic, and although he's clearly alot more mature and cautious than Sonic, he can act somewhat young in comparision to his psychical age. {{Justified|Trope}}, he's been in [[SealedBadassInACan suspended animation]] for most of those years, and didn't have very much time to mature as a consequence, though the question of whether he ''can'' mature is something of an open one.
* ImmortalityBeginsAtTwenty: Or at [[VagueAge somewhere in the teens,]] at any rate. He generally is portrayed is being of an age to Sonic (who is 15-[[VagueAge ish]]) but thanks to Gerald Robotnik's research, he is ageless and immune to disease. Despite being 50+ years old, however, he technically spent most of that time in stasis, so it's ambiguous if his body really has stopped aging.
* IneffectualLoner: He is used in being a lone wolf since he doesn't put a lot of value on teamwork and of the like when getting things done. It also doesn't help that he doesn't seem very fond of anyone's presence that much.
* InformedAbility: He tends to be {{fragile|Speedster}}, despite his {{Immortality}}. Considering the nature of Gerald's research, it's more of a "absolute immunity to age and illness".
* {{Irony}}:
** Shadow hated GUN for killing Maria Robotnik; he now works for them.
** In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', Shadow acknowledged Sonic as the ''real'' ultimate life form after seeing him use the fake chaos emerald. After he lost his memory, he went back to referring himself as the ultimate life form and viewing himself superior to Sonic.
** He is introduced as Sonic's imposter. Since then, he's had to deal with imposters on [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog three]] [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 separate]] [[VideoGame/SonicForces occasions]].
* IWasJustPassingThrough: Whenever Shadow helps or saves someone, he will state that it is linked to his personal goals.
** In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', he saves Rouge by using Chaos Control before Prison Island explodes, and then claims that he didn't come to save her, he came for the Chaos Emeralds.
** In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', after helping Sonic eliminate a number of Black Arms soldiers in Westopolis, he tells him that he didn't come to save him, although Sonic expected him to say that.
* {{Jerkass}}: Arrogant, egotistical, self-serious and violent. Sonic doesn't consider Shadow a "friend" as much as he considers Shadow a rival who might work with him if their goals happen to align.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Despite his aloof, arrogant, and violent tendencies, he's always at the front lines whenever a new threat arises and is capable of working with the heroes too when they're on the same page. He has also shown genuine care for several characters, such as his late surrogate sister, Maria, Professor Gerald, his friends/partners, Rouge and Omega, Amy (who he opened up to after making him remember his true promise to Maria, and helped her find Cream in ''Shadow the Hedgehog''), and even his arch-rival Sonic.
* TheJuggernaut: Simply put, once Shadow gets started on something, he is nigh-unstoppable. Barriers, walls, entire armies are nothing but doorstops to him. ''Nothing''[[note]]Besides a few individuals such as [[DoAnythingRobot E-123 Omega]] according to the BadFuture in ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006''[[/note]] is going to slow him down, much less stop him. Best seen in the ending to his story in ''06'', where after being swarmed with Mephiles clones, he removes his PowerLimiter rings, grabs his teammates, and runs through them all.
* KiManipulation: His ability to manipulate Chaos energy allows him to do these.
* KnightInSourArmor: He eventually becomes this after the events of ''Shadow the Hedgehog''. Pretty much his only reason for fighting for the world is because Maria told him to before she died. This was best demonstrated in ''Sonic 2006'' when Mephiles tries to bring Shadow over to his side by telling him that the word will turn on him one day, Shadow simply responds by saying [[ShutUpHannibal he'll fight like he used to.]]
* KnightOfCerebus: Was never a villain (even at his debut) but he is most certainly this for the ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' franchise. Almost anything concerning Shadow is grimly serious and a harsh turn away from the jovial attitude the main protagonist embodies.
* KnightTemplar: In some iterations in the franchise, he is this, and will use ''any means'' to ensure his own sense of justice is carried out, and will kill anyone to illustrate how far he will go.
* LonerTurnedFriend: Over time, he develops a genuine friendship with his partners, Rouge and Omega.
* TheLancer: Even though he's the most recognizable of Team Dark, he functions as this to Rouge, at least in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''.
* LargeHam: Mostly in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' and ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006''. He engages in some HamToHamCombat with Mephiles in the latter.
* {{Leitmotif}}: His original one is ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKS4duPqNyo Throw It All Away]]'' from ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''. Lately, however, it's been ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mYugbpYaco All Hail Shadow]]'' used as the hero ending theme in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', as his main theme in ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 '06]]'', and as his ThemeMusicPowerUp in ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations''.
* LightningBruiser: When he's not balanced, he's usually this. He's fast enough to keep up with Sonic thanks to his Hover Shoes. And his sheer natural power and skill alone is enough to make the option of fighting him virtually suicide.
* MeaningfulName:
** A Sonic Channel comic suggests that Maria thought up the name Shadow, with a meaning in mind.
-->'''Maria:''' Darkness can be anywhere you go, but a shadow represents the direction in which the light is shining!
** Other sources have suggested his name comes from the program that created him, "Project Shadow," which named as such because of how likely it was to succeed.
* MovesetClone: Plays identically to Sonic in ''Adventure 2'' and ''Heroes''.
* MulticoloredHair: He has black fur with red stripes.
* MysteriousPast: Was first presented as being a doppelganger of Sonic with a mysterious past involving the loss of a loved one. Ironically, this is subverted at the end of his own StoryArc; more about his past has been revealed than any other character in the series, including Sonic himself!
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: While he couldn't've known at the time, Shadow [[spoiler:beating Infinite up and calling him worthless]] sparks [[spoiler:Infinite giving himself the powers of the Phantom Ruby,]] and ''that'' leads to [[spoiler:Sonic being defeated and Eggman taking over the world]]. Cue ''VideoGame/SonicForces''. [[JustifiedTrope Even then, however,]] [[spoiler:[[KickTheSonOfABitch Infinite and his group of mercenaries were already working under Eggman anyway]]]].
* NiceMeanAndInBetween: In-Between. Usually pretty cynical, aggressive and dark overall. Underneath it all, however, he does have a caring side to him and remains on the side of justice.
* NinetiesAntiHero: He never fully played this trope, but he's always sort of leaned on it (his name and color scheme being pretty harsh and a vengeful personality). He shows more traits of this for his own game, though (guns, swearing, and motorcycle riding galore).
* NobleDemon: He's neutral by allignment, seems willing to achieve his goals at all costs and acts with a dark and cynical attitude, but he risks his life to save the world and cares deeply for his only friends.
* NominalHero: Subverted. In ''Shadow The Hedgehog'' where even after the player clears the hero missions, Shadow is [[NotInThisForYourRevolution mainly focused on regaining his memories.]] However, in the Pure Hero and Canon ending, Shadow puts that goal behind him to save the world as he promised Maria.
* NoNonsenseNemesis: Once a misguided nemesis to Sonic, who is now his serious and bitter arch-rival.
* NoSenseOfHumor: He has one, it just doesn't come up much due to the [[DarkerAndEdgier dark tone]] of his games and the situations he finds himself in.
* NotEvilJustMisunderstood: G.U.N accuses Shadow for being evil and blame him for Maria's death. In reality, Shadow tried to ''save'' Maria from ''them'', and strives to protect the planet despite their judgements and mistakes.
* NotSoAboveItAll:
** Although he's far more dark and serious than the other characters, he can sometimes embed the cockiness of Sonic, like when he called himself "the coolest".
** Despite being very distant and solitary, he does sometimes show up at events with the other heroes, such as the racing challenges, and even at Sonic's birthday party.
** Despite being just as [[TheComicallySerious Comically Serious]] as ever when he appears in the 2017 Twitter Takeover, he definitely has his moments:
*** When they get a question about Amy that makes Sonic uncomfortable, he joins Eggman in teasing Sonic over it.
*** He starts to think that they're stalking a fan when they start reading his profile, clearly not that familiar with how social media works.
*** When someone asks what Eggman would do if he wasn't an evil genius, he starts eagerly describing a scenario where Eggman starts knitting and becomes a CrazyCatLady.
*** When one question states that he and Eggman are technically cousins due to Gerald Robotnik contributing to Shadow's creation, he is quick to point out that genetics don't work that way.
*** He's clearly amused at the thought of a [[EvilKnockoff Metal Shadow]].
*** He starts taking notes when Sonic describes how to grow a personal brand... and is clearly taken aback when he mentions [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 making a game that gets slammed by reviewers]].
*** Finally, when all is said and done, he decides that the fans want a new game starring him... and Big the Cat.
* NotSoDifferent:
** Him and Sonic, particularly in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''. While Shadow is more focused and serious, him and Sonic share a lot of similarities, namely their SuperSpeed, [[LeeroyJenkins impatience]], [[SmugSuper an extremely high opinion of themselves]], are devoid of showing or talking about their own feelings, [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight and a strong sense of doing what they feel is right.]] In the aforementioned game, the two spend the entirety of it accusing the other of being the "faker".
** Also to Silver to a lesser extent. Although Shadow is way smarter than Silver and is far more comfortable with being alone, he shares a few similarities to him. They're both determined in doing what they believe is right and are ruthlessly focused, doing whatever it takes to get things done. They also both act as rivals to Sonic and are some of the few to beat him in battle, have white chest fur, and a DarkAndTroubledPast. Both also like to mock their opponents in combat.
* NotSoSimilar: He and Knuckles are often compared to each other due to their supposed similarities. Both are major foils to Sonic who started off as his enemy before eventually becoming his ally. However, Knuckles maintains a rather {{Friendly Rival|ry}} relationship with Sonic while Shadow plays the distant, dissenting rival. Their temperaments are pretty at odds too despite both being serious minded individuals, Knuckles is rather HotBlooded and easily angered while Shadow is far more calm and composed.
* NotSoStoic: He does show his vulnerable side at times.
* OneManArmy: Has decimated entire armies single handily. In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', depending on which ending a player gets, he could take out the highest members of G.U.N, Black Doom's army, and Eggman's forces, all by himself.
* OutOfFocus: In his heyday, he had more plot and character focus than Sonic himself. In later games, he made mainly cameo and boss appearances, up until ''VideoGame/SonicForces'' where he's one of the main enforcers in Eggman's army, and even has his own campaign taking place before the game starts.
* PerpetualFrowner: You'll only see him either frowning, indifferent, or smirking. That is, until ''[[VideoGame/MarioAndSonicAtTheOlympicGames Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'', where you can catch him smiling if he does well at an event. Also averted in ''[[VideoGame/SegaSuperstars Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed]]'', where he'll occasionally fist pump in excitement with a decidedly OutOfCharacter look on his face before starting a race.
* PersonOfMassDestruction: He's a walking mini nuke with the power (depending on the number of Chaos Emeralds he has) to devastate cities and fortresses.
* PetTheDog: He was in attendance for Sonic's birthday party in the end of ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' and instead of doing whatever he was doing, he decides to stick around.
* PintSizedPowerhouse: He's the same size as Sonic and can take out towering monsters and giant robots with nothing but the shoes on his feet.
* PoorCommunicationKills:
** A lot of Shadow's conflict with everyone else comes from his inability to just talk with them and accept their help instead of acting like a lone wolf.
** In ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', he apparently never thinks to ask any of his friends about his past, even though every single one of them both know him well as well as found out about his past in ''Adventure 2''.
* PowerIncontinence: The first time he used his SuperMode, he couldn't control it very well and was gradually losing energy. He was able to hold out long enough to help Sonic put the falling Ark back into orbit before ultimately succumbing and falling towards the planet.
* PowerLimiter: His Inhibitor Rings on his wrists and ankles. The rest of this article's description of his power is what he's like with them ''on''. When he takes them off, the increase is substantial enough to allow him to [[CurbStompBattle thrash]] bosses like they were the weakest of mooks. On the other hand, he cannot control such strength and causes massive unintentional destruction with it, so he's hesitant to take them off.
* PowerOfTheVoid: As shown in ''Sonic Battle'' (Chaos Nightmare), he is capable of distorting space-time around him to damage enemies.
* PragmaticHero: What sets him apart from the rest of the cast, Shadow will ShootTheDog as many times as he needs to if it means saving the world.
* {{Pride}}:
** He's confident in his abilities and title of being the UltimateLifeForm, and has no problem with voicing his superiority complex. This doesn't stop him from accepting responsibility and focusing on more important things, anyhow.
** This seems to me the reason he entered the race in ''Sonic Free Riders''. Rouge wanted the money, but Shadow just wanted to beat everyone.
* QuestForIdentity: His entire StoryArc from ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' to ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog''.
* TheQuietOne: He was never the type to talk much. Particularly in ''Heroes'' and ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2006).
* Really700YearsOld: Much due to being an immortal. Despite appearing to be the same age as Sonic, he was created 50 years ago.
* RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver: Though the "evil" part depends on the game.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: Both in his default state, and when he's in super form.
* RedOniBlueOni: Inverted when it comes to him and Sonic. Shadow has a partially red color scheme, but is [[TheStoic reserved and collected]] most of the time in contrast to the blue, but very extroverted Sonic.
* ReformedButNotTamed: Even if he's fighting along the side of good since ''Sonic Adventure 2'' and aside from having amnesia after his HeroicSacrifice, Shadow still remains stoic, deadly serious, and quite cold towards everyone around him and maintains his rivalry with Sonic.
* ReplacementFlatCharacter: Shadow had taken the role of the stoic and deadly-serious rival from Knuckles who was becoming more of an ally to Sonic over time.
* ReverseGrip: As Lancelot in ''Sonic And the Black Knight.''
* TheRival: He's not the first of Sonic's rivals, or even the last, but he's by far the most recognizable. He still retains this role even after his [[HeelFaceTurn Heel–Face Turn]]. He also had some bouts with Silver in ''Sonic '06'' and the ''Rivals'' series.
* RivalTurnedEvil: He becomes this in his own game if the player completes the last dark missions.
* RollerbladeGood: He moves using rocket skates.
* SealedEvilInACan: He was held in suspended animation in Prison Island after GUN raided the ARK. True to form, Eggman releases him.
* SealedGoodInACan:
** Happens after ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', but in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'', Rouge releases him.
** In the BadFuture of ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', but this time no one releases Future Shadow.
* SanitySlippage: In a few of the "evil" endings, he will go insane after learning more about what GUN put him through, either setting himself to destroy the world or conquer the universe, with an EvilLaughter to demonstrate.
* ShadowArchetype: Pun aside, Shadow is this to Sonic. He is what Sonic would be if he was willing to go through some extremes to get the job done.
* ShipTease: This happens surprisingly often with Rouge [[VideoGame/SonicBattle in]] [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 later]] [[VideoGame/SonicRivals games]].
* ShockAndAwe. His Chaos Blast, in which he either makes an [[SphereOfDestruction explosion of Chaos Energy]] from his body [[labelnote:* ]]As seen in ''VideoGame/SonicBattle'', ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', and ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]''[[/labelnote]], or shoots out a concentrated version through his hands [[labelnote:* ]]as seen in ''Sonic Battle''[[/labelnote]].
* ShutUpHannibal: He pulled this on both [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog Black Doom]] and [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Mephiles]], when they tried to get him to join their respective causes.
-->'''Black Doom:''' You still don't understand, do you? The future we offer is the only option for these humans.
-->'''Shadow:''' I've heard enough! You're boring me to death, Black Doom! '''You're going down!'''
* SignatureMove: Chaos Control. It's not exclusive to him, but he's the most proficient user, and even has several other Chaos attacks exclusive to him. Its uses include: TeleportersAndTransporters, TimeMaster (although actual time travel requires two users), and FlashStep.
* ASinisterClue: His left-handedness can be seen as an indicator of his AntiHero nature.
* SirSwearsALot: Only in [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog his own game]] and even then, it's considerably mild in comparison to most examples. That said, he does curse with nearly every sentence he speaks.
* SmarterThanYouLook: This is only really noticeable in Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and it shows how dangerous Shadow can be. He was the only person in the entire game who was aware of what was really going on and sought to put a stop to it. He even convinced Silver that he was being deceived by Mephiles. Unfortunately, Shadow's plan was only 99% effective as one fragment that escaped caused the Last Story.
* SmugSuper: Despite frequently admitting how impressed he is with the combat abilities of his foes and rivals, he remains assured of his superiority in the end. Sonic also rivals him in terms of sheer arrogance.
* SmugSmiler: He sometimes smirks out of smugness or confidence.
* SpiritedCompetitor: Shows this with Sonic recently. It was even mode apparent that even god like beings like Solaris excite him.
* SpotlightStealingSquad: A rather infamous example of this. From his debut to ''2006'', he had just as much, if not more focus on his character arc than Sonic himself. A lot of people easily forget that it's ''Rouge'', not Shadow, who led the team in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''.
* StockShonenRival: One of the most archetypal examples of this trope, and almost as known as [[Characters/DragonBallVegeta one of the trope codifiers]]. Contrasting Sonic's upbeat and carefree attitude, Shadow is dour and soft-spoken and tends to prefer solitude than socializing with people. Notably, it wasn't being defeated by Sonic that triggered his [[HeelFaceTurn Heel–Face Turn]], but coming to terms with his past transgressions and learning to move forward with his life.
* TheStoic: He very rarely emotes, but he does let it slip at times, which leads to times when he is NotSoStoic.
* StoryBreakerPower: He can stop time using Chaos Control with no known limits, and this comes with his ability to teleport. Needless to say, he never seems to use this ability to its fullest potential.
* SugarAndIcePersonality: Eventually develops into this over the course of his character arc, forming a strong bond with his teammates and even mellowed down his rivalry with Sonic to an extent.
* SuperheroPackingHeat: Unlike Sonic, he has no qualms using any firearms he could get his hands on.
* SuperMode: Super Shadow.
* SuperpowerLottery: Considering he was made to be the perfect weapon, this is hardly surprising.
* SuperSpeed: Enough to rival Sonic's. Although unlike Sonic, he relies on his Hover Shoes to propel himself at fast speeds.
* SuperStrength: In his [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog self-titled game]], he can overturn buses and giant slabs of concrete that fell off highways with one hand, as well as punch through solid steel and concrete.
* {{Tsundere}}:
** After his return, Shadow still acts somewhat cold towards pretty much everyone, and borders on a destructive nature. Despite this, he's shown to care about others deep down, also developing a bond with his partners, Rouge and Omega.
** Although Sonic is still his rival, he does respect him to a degree and always shows up to help him when he needs it the most. Lampshaded in ''VideoGame/SonicColors''.
-->'''Shadow:''' Looks like I don't need to be worried.\\
'''Sonic:''' What was that?\\
'''Tails:''' Were you worried if we would get hurt, trying to save the wisps?\\
'''Shadow:''' Hmph!\\
'''Sonic:''' I'll take that as a compliment.
* ATasteOfTheirOwnMedicine: Eggman, who Shadow duped into activating Gerald's scheme in ''Adventure 2'', attempts to inflict this in ''Shadow'', exploiting Shadow's amnesia to trick him into thinking he is an android created by him.
* TheLeader: Of Team Dark, it was Rouge but later Sonic games put Shadow in the front seat of the teams ultimate objectives and tasks, he's pretty much the leader to Rouge and Omega in loyalty and active team based demolition.
* TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou: [[IWasJustPassingThrough He seemingly pulls this]] off by intervening in a fight between [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Sonic and Silver]] saving Sonic from a potentially fatal blow, offhandedly making sure he's okay, then fighting Silver in his place. That time, he had a very good reason besides this trope to save Sonic, as he deduced that Mephiles is intending to eliminate the past. Later on in the same game, he expresses silent remorse at [[spoiler:Sonic's death]], but once he finds out that the Chaos Emeralds can undo this, immediately takes on the toughest challenges in order to retrieve the gems.
%%* Troubled, but Cute
* ThenLetMeBeEvil: In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', the commander accuses Shadow for being responsible for the murder on the ARK, and is judged to be evil by GUN and most of humanity. In the "evil" endings, after learning only the gruesome parts of his past, Shadow goes to revenge against humanity, believing that HumansAreTheRealMonsters.
* TimeMaster: While he's not the only character in the series capable of warping time and space with Chaos energy, he is the most proficient in its usage.
* TookALevelInJerkass: Appears to take a step in ''Sonic Free Riders'', where he seemed to have no problem with helping Rouge steal the cash price from the World Gram Prix, and regarded E-10000B as JustAMachine which is pretty different from the bond he has with Omega, as seen in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2006''.
* TrashTalk: He can't resist to boast about himself before a fight. He especially does it when fighting Sonic.
-->'''Shadow:''' You're comparing yourself to me? Ha! You're not even good enough to be my fake.
* TsurimeEyes: Compared to Sonic's style of eyes.
* UltimateLifeForm: TropeNamer. He is ageless and has a perfect immune system. If he's never killed by outside forces, he will live forever. And that never happens either, since he's basically able to beat ''anyone''.
* UndyingLoyalty:
** To Maria, keeping his promise to her at all cost, even if it means protecting the humans he despises. He also develops this to his partners, Rouge and Omega.
** Depending on which path you take, Shadow can also have this to Eggman.
--->'''Shadow:''' I cannot betray the doctor.
* TheUnfettered: The key difference between him and Sonic. The latter wears his heart on his sleeve and always acts on how he feels, Shadow on the other-hand will not let his personal feelings get in the way of getting the job done.
* UniversalDriversLicence: He can pilot hang gliders, humvees, motorcycles, and alien hovercraft. He doesn't even own any of this himself, he just finds them lying around!
* UnscrupulousHero: Shadow does what he can to protect the Earth and his people. His intentions are good, but at the same time, he doesn't care what he has to do in order to achieve his goals, which leads to aggressive, and often destructive acts. He also doesn't care what others think of it, which is what separates him from Sonic and his friends.
* UnwittingPawn: In ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', he this to both Doom ''and'', to a lesser extent, Eggman.
* VitriolicBestBuds:
** He and Rouge tend to snark at each other on occasion.
** He also displays this with Sonic as evident in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' where he is irritated of the blue hedgehog's friendly attitude and adventurous nature.
* VocalEvolution: Creator/KirkThornton's take on Shadow in ''Generations'' and the ''Boom'' sub-franchise was rather deep and gruff, and almost sounded villainous (which fits the latter, as Shadow is [[AdaptationalVillainy much more evil]] in his ''Boom'' appearances). By the time he voices Shadow in ''Forces'' and the 2017 Twitter Takeover, he's hit a voice that's more similar to David Humphrey or Jason Griffith's take on the character, downplaying the deepness in his voice.
* TheVoiceless: In ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', [[spoiler:the Shadow virtual constructs never talk or even vocalize a sound during the main campaign. Considering the Zavoks can do both, it makes the Shadows' lack of speech odd]].
* WithFriendsLikeThese:
** He and Sonic's rivalry seemed to have become slightly more friendly over time, but he's still annoyed of the blue hedgehog's unserious attitude, and their rivalry is still rather intense and agressive when not putting it aside.
** Shadow and Rouge to a lesser extent. They are pretty good friends, but Shadow is rather shown to try to avoid talking to her when they're on a mission, and Rouge doesn't seem to be able to fully accept it, remarking him several times in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2006''. They also have no problem with fighting each other if they are in the way of each other's goals, as shown in ''Sonic Rivals 2''. Despite that, though, they get along.
* WithUsOrAgainstUs: He doesn't fully play with this trope, but if he feels that you're hindering him from reaching his objectives, he will assume that you're against him and will stop at nothing to attack you. He states this in his game after clearing a mission.
-->'''Shadow:''' Anyone who's against me is my enemy.
* WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds: In ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', his initial goal was to end humanity after G.U.N killed off his family, Maria and Gerald. In general, those experiences are the reason why Shadow is so isolated and reserved. And depending on which path you take in the ''Shadow the Hedgehog'' game, he can also be this. Both in the ''evil'' ending where after learning his DarkAndTroubledPast, goes back to his revenge quest in his debut, or in the ''Slightly Hero'' ending where he feels so guilty about letting Black Doom use him to destroy the humans that he feels like he should never have been created.
* WorthyOpponent:
** To Sonic, but also considers Sonic this. In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', he seemed pretty upset when it looked like [[spoiler:Sonic died in Eggman's trap]] and was impressed when not only [[spoiler:he survived]], but managed to use Chaos Control with a ''fake'' Chaos Emerald. It was at this point Shadow acknowledged Sonic as his equal and how dangerous he is. From then on, Shadow seems to enjoy the occasional bouts he and Sonic have.
** One of the endings to ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' invokes this as well. The route makes Shadow pretty much a complete hero, but if you chose to do the dark mission right before the FinalBoss, you'll be fighting Sonic (and a mech powered by the GUN Commander) and he asks why Shadow is siding with the Black Arms. Shadow claims he doesn't really care about the Black Arms and just wanted a chance to fight Sonic, and winning has him boasting about being the "Ultimate Hedgehog".
* WouldHurtAChild: Simply put, there's no one he won't beat up. [[WouldHitAGirl Gender]] or [[WouldHarmAChild age]] is no deterrent. If you're the target or a hindrance to his goals, then you're just as eligible for a beatdown as the villains.
[[/folder]]

[[folder: Rouge the Bat]]
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rougethebat.png]]

-->''"I despise anyone who takes jewels from me... all the world's gems are mine to keep!"''

->'''Debut''': ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''

[[folder:Sonic the Hedgehog]]
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sonicthehedgehog.png]]
[[caption-width-right:250:[[labelnote:''Click here to see Sonic's classic design.'']][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/classic_sonic.png]][[/labelnote]]]]

-->''"What you see is what you get, just a guy that loves adventure. I'm Sonic the Hedgehog!"''

-> '''First Appearance''': ''Rad Mobile'' (cameo)
-> '''Debut in-series''': ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog''
-> '''Voiced by''': Creator/TakeshiKusao (Japanese, 1993), Creator/ToshioFurukawa (Japanese ads), Creator/JunichiKanemaru (Japanese, 1998-present), Creator/TomokazuSeki (Werehog form, Japanese, ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed''), Keiko Utoku, (''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehogCD''), Meg Inglima (English, ''VideoGame/SonicsSchoolhouse''), Ryan Drummond (English, 1999-2004), Creator/JasonGriffith (English, 2005-2010), Creator/RogerCraigSmith (English, 2010-present)

The main character of the franchise. A blue anthropomorphic hedgehog with attitude and plenty of personality who lives up to his name by being able to run at superhuman speeds. [[MysteriousPast Not much is known about Sonic's past]] aside from that he was born on Christmas Island. One day on South Island, he noticed all of his animal buddies began disappearing and the culprit was none other than Dr. Eggman. After foiling the doc's plans, Sonic would then make it his business to do in whatever EvilPlan the doc cooked up, establishing their long rivalry. Over time, Sonic has faced bigger and larger threats alike while making a whole slew of allies along the way.

Sonic is described as the wind; unpredictable, and always moving from place to place and never settling down for long. Laid-back, carefree, and armed with a wit as sharp as his quills with an ego to match. He also has a compassionate side and deep down, a heart of gold that always wishes the best for others.

* AbsenteeActor: There are exactly three games in the entire franchise where he does not appear at all, not even as a cameo; ''VideoGame/DrRobotniksMeanBeanMachine'', ''VideoGame/TailsSkypatrol'' and ''VideoGame/TailsAndTheMusicMaker''. He is also absent from ''VideoGame/TailsAdventure'', but his likeness makes a very small cameo as an item for Tails to use.
* AcePilot: Technically, the original Tornado airplane belonged to him. He can fly it just as well as Tails does; he just prefers to let Tails fly because it's more fun for him that way.
* AgelessBirthdayEpisode: Despite it being his birthday in ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'', he's still 15 years old (or at least, Sega of Japan never bothered to update his character page).
* AllLovingHero: As far as the games go, no matter what happens, Sonic never holds grudges and easily makes friends out of former enemies. If it's to save the world, he won't even hesitate to work alongside Eggman without a second thought, although he wouldn't exactly be happy about it.
* AlwaysAccurateAttack: His signature Homing Attack that he has had since ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'', which is usually shared with other "Speed"-type characters. Sometimes, it's shared with all of the characters.
* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: To Metal Sonic.
* AmbiguousDisorder: Some fans have picked up on some of Sonic's mannerisms as being symptomatic of ADHD. Examples include his impulsive behaviour (to a fault, as in ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld''), his tendency to be jitterish, his dislike of standing still (demonstrated in both Classic and Modern era games, wherein Sonic will tap his foot and impatiently glare at the player, or glance up at the timer. He also has a habit of stretching consistently while waiting for the player), as well as his excessive activity (constantly looking for adventure).
* AntiHero:
** Played with. While Sonic has his faults, they don't get in the way of his heroism. However, as his own theme song (see ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'') states, he doesn't like to follow others' values or beliefs and lives by his own morals and codes, and always makes his choices based on what comes naturally to him by his own feelings. He also has a propensity for a ''lot'' of vandalism in his heroic acts. Still, deep down, he will always come out as the hero who saves everyone at the end of the day. Usually, though, his rare unheroic acts are ultimately still for the greater good.
** While he ultimately comes out as the hero, ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' includes him destroying countless military robots (before even having any idea that Eggman was up to something), resisting arrest by escaping from GUN, breaking out of Prison Island, and ''hijacking the president's car''.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'' (and arguably ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations''), he causes what must be millions in non-Eggman property damage during his daytime runs.
** ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' starts with him deliberately vandalizing Eggman's park despite not (yet) having any evidence of Eggman's wrongdoing.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheBlackKnight'', he even willingly attempts to become the story's villain by killing King Arthur to save Camelot from his tyranny. He even lampshades it. But to be fair, King Arthur was the real villain at the time.
-->'''Sonic''': I told you, I don't mind playing the bad guy once in a while.
* TheAntiNihilist:
** In ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheBlackKnight'', he expresses such a view to Merlina. As he points out, ''every'' world will eventually end; the only thing you can do is live your life to the fullest in the time you have.
** This exact outlook of his, unknowingly to some, was established all the way back in the very first game in the form of a {{Tagline}} [[AllThereInTheManual on the Japanese box art]]:
--> ''"Don't just sit there and waste your precious time. When you want to do something, do it right away. Do it when you can. It's the only way to live a life without regrets."''
* ArchEnemy: To Eggman and Metal Sonic.
* ArtEvolution: Sonic has gone through a ''lot'' of redesigns in the series, most drastically his design overhaul from ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'' and onward. The only other character that exceeds him in redesigns is his own opponent, Dr. Eggman.
* TheArtifact: While his spinning moves have always been a hallmark of the character's abilities, some aspects of them eventually became obsolete in the context of later entries. For instance:
** Sonic's Spin Dash move, a staple ability since ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'' that was meant to make it easier for Sonic to gain momentum and attack (plus making it easier to go up slopes), was largely downgraded in power as an ability and basically made obsolete around the later 3D and ''VideoGame/{{Sonic Rush|Series}}'' games, due to the new boost ability essentially serving the same purpose as it and its sister move, the Super Peelout, but without the idle charge-up time needed. Later games such as ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'' eventually dropped the ability to use the move altogether, although it still makes appearances in side-scrolling titles such as ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog4'' and ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld''.
** Likewise, the Spin Attack, Sonic's basic method of simply ramming into enemies while spinning in air, was made obsolete in the 3D games as of ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'', due to the introduction of the Homing Attack (which made an early bird appearance as a shield in ''[[VideoGame/Sonic3DFlickiesIsland Sonic 3D Blast]]''). While his Spin Attack is still a main move in the side-scrollers, the homing attack still accompanies it as a backup move now.
** Sonic's initial purpose as a character became this over time. Sonic was originally conceived by Sega not only as their mascot, but as a direct competitor and the antithesis of the ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' video game series. Once Sega dropped out of the hardware business and started publishing games on Nintendo consoles, and when Sonic and the plumber had a few crossover games together, that aspect of Sonic was simply made obsolete and was dropped altogether in favor of solely being Sega's flagship franchise, and a friendly competitor to the ''Mario'' franchise instead.
* BadassAdorable: Even Sonic has his moments where he just looks cute, mostly pre-''Adventure''.
* BadassArmfold: He does this sometimes, often when he's bored.
* BadassBoast: He's let out a few over the years, and he backs each one up in spectacular fashion:
** "[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 You can't stop me this time! There's only one REAL Sonic!]]"
** "[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 What you see is what you get, just a guy that loves adventure. I'm Sonic the Hedgehog!]]"
** "[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries I'm Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog! I have no master except the wind that blows free!]]"
** "[[VideoGame/SonicColors Eggman! I AM going to save this planet, and I AM going to free these aliens! No copyright law in the universe is going to stop me! We can save ourselves a lot of time and broken robots if you just quit now!]]"
** "[[VideoGame/SonicLostWorld The only thing that's gonna get conquered is your face, Eggman!]]"
* BadassBookworm: No genius, but he is a fan of literature such as the Arabian Nights; not only did he go into that world, he does occasionally mention reading up on a few things.
* BadassCape: [[http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100608163236/sonic/images/7/7c/Excalibur_Sonic_art.jpg As Excalibur Sonic]].
* BadassInDistress:
** In ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', where he escapes from GUN once, but is captured again (partly due to Shadow). He gets rescued by Tails and Amy. Averted in the original Japanese version, whose script makes it clear that he intentionally let himself get caught.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', [[spoiler:he was taken down by Infinite and is held captive in the Death Egg]].
* {{Badbutt}}: One of the poster children of this trope. Which makes sense, considering how fitting the archetypical badass into a kid-friendly environment has been a primary hallmark of the series since its inception.
* BashBrothers: Has been this with [[HeterosexualLifePartners Tails]] since ''Sonic 2''. He also plays this with [[VitriolicBestBuds Knuckles]] when the two put aside their differences, which is also the case with [[AntiHero Shadow]]. He even does this with his past self in ''Sonic Generations''.
* BerserkButton:
** At least three: don't mess with his friends, threaten the peace, freedom, and[=/=]or well-being of others, or call him a rat. He won't take it well. [[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Erazor Djinn]] managed to press ''all of those buttons in the same game!'' To say [[AndIMustScream it didn't end well for him]] would be putting it mildly.
** If you hurt Tails, Sonic will stop at ''nothing'' to '''''destroy'' you'''.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: He's probably the nicest and character next to Tails, Amy, Big, and Cream, but push his buttons and... well... Erazor Djinn [[note]]and Eggman sometimes[[/note]] learned the hard way. This trait is even mentioned in some of his official Japanese profiles, which state that he's good at keeping his cool even under pressure, but on the rare occasions he get angry, he shows a really mean side of him that surprises those who know him.
* BigBrotherMentor: He's this to Tails in most of the games and adaptations. He also acts like this to the Avatar in ''Forces''.
* BigBrotherInstinct: Sonic tends to be pretty laid-back and easygoing, but the second Tails is in any sort of trouble, he shapes up extremely quickly.
* BigDamnHeroes: Expect this trope to happen [[OnceAnEpisode once a game]].
* ABirthdayNotABreak: The entire conflict with the Time Eater in ''Sonic Generations'' takes place during his birthday; in fact, the creature crashes Sonic's birthday party.
* BlackHoleBelly: He literally becomes one in the DS version of ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' when he transforms into the Violet Void form. He will even consume the entirety of the Frigate Skullian, provided its HP meter is depleted enough.
* BloodKnight: Downplayed. While he doesn't go out of his way to seek a conflict or hurt people, there is no doubt that Sonic loves a good fight with anyone that can challenge him. The thrill of the adventure is what he lives for. Just look at his [[https://78.media.tumblr.com/a898564d02e0d41bde35a7d6dda98ff4/tumblr_pc0qwfzxeb1r01jsno2_400.gif reaction]] to fighting a [[spoiler: Chaos Emerald powered up Metal Sonic]] from [[VideoGame/SonicMania Sonic Mania Adventures]]. As he himself once said:
--> '''Sonic:''' "An adventure's no fun if it's too easy."
* BlowYouAway: Ever since ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', he could use wind-based attacks, some of which use his great speed, some of which don't, although the games never elaborate much on this.
* BlueIsHeroic: Arguably the poster child of this trope in video games. His blueness represents freedom and clear blue skies, as well as his generally easygoing nature. This is put in contrast with [[BigBad Eggman]]'s [[RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver redness]] as well as [[TheLancer Knuckles]]'s [[RedOniBlueOni intense red]] and [[TheRival Shadow]]'s [[DarkIsNotEvil red accents]].
* BoisterousBruiser: Generally very excitable post-''Adventure'' and willing to take down anyone threatening the world.
* BookDumb: Downplayed. Sonic is often shown to be highly resourceful and even has plausible showings of wisdom. He's also been shown as being capable of operating the Tornado with equal proficiency to Tails, and clearly values literature. However, he isn't the most educated guy around, usually requiring [[TheSmartGuy more intellectual teammates]] such as Tails to explain the science of it all.
* BoldExplorer: Adventurer-type example: he's always in the mood to see his world and what it has to offer, which ties in with how the series changes settings now and again.
* BreakingTheFourthWall:
** The character most likely to do so, as seen in ''VideoGame/SonicColors''.
** Even in his first appearance, he would stare at the screen and tap his foot impatiently if left idle, and in ''CD'', [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere he would outright leave and cause]] [[GameOver a game over]] if left in that state for long enough.
* BrilliantButLazy: He's one of the fiercest and most influential people on the planet, but he spends much of his time roaming the world or relaxing and only saves the heroics for when it's appropriate.
* BroughtDownToNormal:
** In ''Sonic 3'', Knuckles cancels out his otherwise very powerful Super Sonic form with a single punch, and this also knocks the Emeralds out of him.
** In the opening of ''Sonic Unleashed'', Eggman uses a machine to force Sonic out of his super form and rip the Chaos Emeralds from him, which in turn causes Sonic to gain the new Werehog form from Dark Gaia's energy.
** Occurs in ''Videogame/SonicLabyrinth'' when Eggman takes his speed and ability to jump by replacing his shoes with slow-down versions of his own creation. However, he can still Spin Dash just fine.
* ButForMeItWasTuesday: Amazing feats and adventures come naturally to Sonic, which is part of where his cocky attitude comes from. While this aspect of his personality has been played up occasionally since the beginning, his tweaked characterization starting from Colors put more emphasis into just how routine these things have become for him.
--> '''Sonic:''' No seriously, we beat (Eggman) every time. It's like our job or something.
* CallingYourAttacks: ''"Sonic Wind!"'' ''"Chaos Control!"'' ''"Speed Break!"'' ''"Time Break!"''
* CatchPhrase: "I'm Sonic! Sonic the Hedgehog!"
* CharacterDevelopment: If ''Generations'' is any indication, Sonic became less quiet and more extroverted as time went on.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: The degree of his personality tends to vary from game to game, especially in the 3D era. He had a fairly neutral personality in the likes of the ''Adventure'' duology of games, ''Unleashed'', and the ''Storybook'' games; being fairly confident in his abilities, but knowing when to get serious when a real threat presented itself, and equal parts of quirk and kindheartedness. In ''[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Sonic '06]]'', the quirky parts of his personality were written out and he became sort of a straight-laced hero. Then, beginning with ''VideoGame/SonicColors'', probably to circumvent that problem and as the result of a new writing team, they take his personality in the ''opposite'' direction and make his quirks much more prominent, a cocky jock who almost rarely stops going on about how awesome he is and very rarely takes a threat seriously. ''Lost World'' seems to downplay this slightly by [[NiceJobBreakingItHero having his cockiness screw him (and the world) over]], showing a [[InferioritySuperiorityComplex more insecure side]] to this personality.
* CelibateHero: While he's aware of Amy's infatuation for him, [[NoGuyWantsToBeChased he prefers to keep away from her when she acts on it]]. He's not interested in Rouge's flirting, either. He shows a surprising tender side when interacting with Blaze, but that's more because [[DefrostingIceQueen he's trying to get her to open up]] and he's one of her few true friends rather than anything romantic.
* ChekhovsSkill: [[spoiler:He saves himself from one of Eggman's {{death trap}}s in ''Adventure 2'' by performing Chaos Control with a fake Chaos Emerald. He learned it by watching Shadow perform it.]]
* ChickMagnet: Downplayed. He ends up lampshading this in ''VideoGame/SonicBattle'': "Got enough girls chasing me as it is."
* ChronicHeroSyndrome: Most bios state that he can never leave troubled people alone due to his sense of heroism and great kindness.
* ClothesMakeTheLegend: Sonic's shoes are the most iconic part of his design, to the point that Sega [[http://www.shacknews.com/article/71640/how-mario-and-sonic-get-outfitted-for-the-olympics has a rule]] that he cannot be shown without them or taking them off.
* ClothesMakeTheSuperman: [[AvertedTrope Averted]]: both the US manual and tie-in comic for the original game suggested that the source of Sonic's speed is his shoes, but this was '''never''' taken as canon, not even in other Sonic continuities from the early days -- even the early [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogPromoComic Promo Comic]] dismissed that idea, and the game it was promoting said otherwise in the same manual! [[note]]It's possible, though, that it was meant to refer to the speed-up Item Box.[[/note]] However, it is commonly accepted that Sonic's shoes are instead designed to protect his feet from the friction and heat gained from going as fast as he does.
* CommitmentIssues: One interpretation of Sonic's [[CelibateHero aversion to romance]] is him being scared of settling down and giving up his free and adventurous lifestyle.
* CompetitionFreak: Sonic hates losing races, as shown in ''VideoGame/SonicRiders'', but especially if someone cheats at it.
* ConjoinedEyes: The standard design for himself and some of his friends.
* ContinueYourMissionDammit: His impatience and snarky attitude towards the player for hold-ups shows in some of his {{idle animation}}s. [[NonStandardGameOver He'll even give you a Game Over if he's kept waiting too long in Sonic CD.]]
* CoolBigBro: To Tails. Cream also views him this way, and he could be considered one to Blaze as well, despite only being a year older than her.
* CoolCar: Some supplementary material back in the day stated Sonic didn't like cars because he doesn't need them and would only drive one to keep things fair in racing competitions. However, Tails' original designer Yasushi Yamaguchi [[https://twitter.com/Tracker_TD/status/950076160389591041 has stated]] that the reason he gave Tails a favorite car was that Sonic actually ''was'' associated with one even back then: the Lamborghini Countach, which is one of the cars the Cyclone in ''Sonic Drift'' was modeled after.
* CoolPlane: The Tornado. Which belonged to him at first, not Tails, contrary to popular belief.
* CoolShades: Wears some in the ''VideoGame/SonicRiders'' series.
* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: DependingOnTheWriter, he can be somewhat bumbling and a bit exuberant in personality at times. His bouts of skill and heroism, however, are usually no less pronounced.
* CuteBruiser: Even in his Modern form, Sonic is only 3ft tall. The latest games, such as Colors, Generations, Lost World, and Forces, appear to have made him even shorter (the Avatar is noted to be taller than him regardless of what species they are). Sonic also displays some other adorable characteristics, but this doesn't mean he should be underestimated.
* CuteLittleFangs: Was intended to have these from the very beginning until Sega of America had their final say on his design. However, if you look close enough at a few models, Sonic does have fangs (especially noticeable in ''Sonic '06''). Sonic's Werehog form has prominent fangs as well.
* DanceBattler: Many of his moves are based off of techniques seen in the likes of Break Dancing and Capoeira.
* DangerousSixteenthBirthday: The entirety of ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'', where your present from your favorite villain is having your friends ''[[AndIMustScream petrified]]'' in this side of White Space.
* DarkIsNotEvil:
** The [[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed Werehog]], [[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Darkspine]], [[VideoGame/SonicColors Violet Void, Purple Frenzy]], and [[VideoGame/SonicLostWorld Black Bomb]] forms certainly ''look'' evil. However, they do not act evil, nor do these forms carry out evil actions. Quite the contrary, actually. Some of them, however, do make Sonic much more aggressive.
** This is even touched upon a bit in ''Sonic Unleashed''. [[HeroicWillpower Sonic is just too heroic and kind-hearted to give in to Dark Gaia's evil, even while in his Werehog form]].
---> '''Sonic''': Even at night, when I'm like this, I'm still myself. Not like all the other people we've seen. You must have been protecting me this whole time.
---> '''Chip''': I haven't done anything, Sonic. You're the reason you haven't changed at all. You're too strong to lose yourself.
* DeadpanSnarker: Played straight in the video games and most adaptations, with ''VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries'', ''VideoGame/SonicColors'', and ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'' being some prime examples. Other portrayals remove the "deadpan" part.
* DecompositeCharacter: Since the "Classic Era" Sonic and "Modern Era" Sonic are officially considered separate characters now as of ''VideoGame/SonicForces'' [[RetCon retconning]] them into separate dimensions, there are minor, but noticeable divergences in certain traits of each eras Sonic now. For starters, Classic Sonic is [[TheVoiceless completely mute now]] (whereas he had the rare speaking appearance in a few classic era games and media) whereas Modern Sonic is much more of a chatterbox, and both characters have distinct movesets and gameplay styles from each other. Classic Sonic is also more impetuous, less jaded, and a bit more serious than his modern day counterpart.
* DeconstructedCharacterArchetype: ''Lost World'' deconstructs Sonic's LeeroyJenkins. As if to parallel his bullet-like speed, Sonic kind of has a one-track, arrogant mind, and when he sets his mind on a goal, he will not rest until it is carried out, and this can make him do some very impulsive, foolhardy stuff. ''Lost World'' shows just how this type of mindset can backfire. Sonic impulsively kicking away Eggman's Cacophonic Conch allows the Deadly Six to rebel against Eggman, leading to them using Eggman's Extractor machine to drain the world of its energy, nearly killing Amy and Knuckles. [[spoiler:It happens again later in the game where Sonic's recklessness causes Tails to be captured and nearly turned into a robot.]]
* DefeatMeansFriendship: With the exceptions of Amy, who was a FanGirl, and Tails, [[DependingOnTheWriter who either idolized him or was orphaned and bullied]], almost all of his friends and allies had to be "befriended" before they joined up with him.
* DemotedToExtra: There are a handful of games where he only makes brief appearances.
** ''VideoGame/KnucklesChaotix'' only had him appear in the Good Ending. He was originally planned to be the star of the game, as proven by the ''Sonic Crackers'' prototype, but Sega of Japan was worried that the series' brand image would've been hurt if Sonic headlined a game for the 32X add-on, which even they realized would be a flop, so they made Knuckles the game's star instead, and had Mighty the Armadillo [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute fill in for Sonic during the gameplay]].
** He only makes an indirect cameo appearance via an item in ''VideoGame/TailsAdventure''.
** In ''VideoGame/TailsAndTheMusicMaker'', he only gets what amounts to a glorified cameo, as the focus is on Tails.
* DependingOnTheWriter: Generally speaking, Sonic's personality is of the fun-loving and kindhearted guy who loves adventure, with [[SmugSuper something of an arrogant streak]]. The degree to which he leans in depends entirely on the continuity and adaptation. See CharacterizationMarchesOn above.
* DestructiveSavior: In ''Unleashed'' and parts of ''Generations'', he causes a lot of property damage in his runs through the stages.
* {{Deuteragonist}}: Classic him is this in ''Generations'', and plays {{Tritagonist}} in ''Forces'', being one of the playable characters, with exclusive stages meant to emulate the old 2D games.
* {{Determinator}}: Nothing slows him down for long.
* DeterminedExpression: His in-game sprites in the classic era depict him this way.
* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu:
** He has defeated, among others, a [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure fully powered-up water god]], a [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 time god]], a [[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed dark earth spirit]], and [[spoiler:[[VideoGame/SonicGenerations a mechanized Eldritch Abomination]]]]. He did defeat all of them in super form (aside from when he defeated said water god [[TookALevelInBadass without the need of his super form]] a second time), but it's still impressive.
* DidntThinkThisThrough: Sonic's unerringly stubborn towards following any ways outside his own and loves to charge in with reckless abandon. It's not really a matter of arrogance, so much as he simply believes in himself and his ability to succeed just that much. Unfortunately, when the go-to tactic is "bull in a china shop", Sonic has found his approach causing him to get in over his head ''quite'' frequently, on average needing Tails or another member of his circle of allies to get him out of danger, assuming they're not the ones ''in'' danger because of his devil-may-care actions.
* DoesNotLikeSpam: It is strongly implied in ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'' that he does not like seafood, going by the extremely low EXP gainage after he is fed it.
* DoesntLikeGuns: He openly admits in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' that he "wouldn't be caught dead" utilizing guns and other firearms. He doesn't mind other people using them, though, so it's less of a dislike for them, and more a matter of him simply preferring to use his speed to fight. He has no problem using skeet guns in the Olympic game series for events, though.
* DontCallMeSir: He clearly dislikes being referred to as "Master" by Shahra in ''Sonic and the Secret Rings'' and insists on being called by his name. He also dislikes being called "Mr. Sonic", as Cream and Elise find out.
* DropTheHammer: Gets his own version of Amy's Piko Piko Hammer if he is partnered with her in ''VideoGame/SonicAdvance3''.
* DualBoss: As one of the potential final bosses of ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'', he fights you alongside the GUN Diablon mech.
* {{Eagleland}}: Type 1. Take his snarky attitude, like of extreme/fun activities, and add in a "free spirit" cowboy personality, and you have Sonic in a nutshell. The fact that his main colors are red, white, and blue helps.
* EarlyBirdCameo: Sonic's first game appearance, predating his full-fledged debut, actually was as a knick-knack hanging inside the player's car in the Sega arcade game ''Rad Mobile''.
* EasilyCondemned: Clearly his reputation as the hero of Earth didn't stand for much in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', considering GUN and the police were after him for a crime he obviously didn't commit, but that was due to them wanting to cover up the existence of Shadow, and Sonic made a perfect patsy for his crimes.
* EstablishingCharacterMoment:
** ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehogCD'' conveys who he is fairly well, showing his great acrobatics, difficulty traversing water, and running into Eggman's next plan with no idea what's in store for him. All without ''talking''.
** The intro to the original ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' simply has him do his signature finger wag to establish him as '''''THE''''' MascotWithAttitude.
** ''Videogame/SonicRiders'' does this in its opening cutscene, quickly showing us how Sonic's ChronicHeroSyndrome, interest in extreme sports, and [[CompetitionFreak love of competition]] come together when he's given a new skill to master and a new rival to beat.
* EvenTheGuysWantHim: Louie Montaine in ''Sonic Unleashed'' loves to go on about how hot he finds Sonic and lusts after his body after every successfully cleared mission he offers.
* ExperiencedProtagonist: The origins of his rivalry with Dr. Eggman have never fully been touched on, so by the time the first game starts, he's already mixed it up with the doctor before.
* ExpressiveEars: They'll flick frequently when he's irritated with waiting (''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog4's'' ''IdleAnimation'') and lie forward or sideways when he's asleep, disappointed, or feeling sick.
* {{Expy}}: Collect all seven Chaos Emeralds and at least 50 rings, and jump into the air. Sonic will turn into Super Sonic! His fur will turn gold, his eyes will turn green (or red) and... [[Anime/DragonBallZ wait, is that you, Goku!?]]
* ExtremeOmnivore: Eats anything, even moldy/rancid food (if ''Unleashed'' is anything to go by). Taken to the extreme in ''Sonic Colors'' when he absorbs Purple or Violet Wisps and morphs into a Purple / Violet monstrosity that chomps down on anything, ''even robots and other metallic objects.''
* ExtremityExtremist: In battle, Sonic uses his feet more than his fists, combining this with DanceBattler.
* EyeColorChange: Sonic's eyes are normally green, but when he goes Super Sonic, they turn [[RedEyesTakeWarning red]].
* TheFace: He's easily the most social of the three, and usually does all of the talking.
* FacePalm: Does this fairly frequently.
* FastestThingAlive: Sonic can reach speeds up to mach 1 on his own foot power. In most instruction booklets and official bios, he is referred to as "[[http://info.sonicretro.org/images/3/36/US_X360_S2K6_Manual_Page_02.jpg the fastest hedgehog]]" or "[[http://info.sonicretro.org/File:Heroes_gc_us_manual_08_09.jpg the fastest supersonic hedgehog]]" in the world. On at least one occasion in ''VideoGame/SonicRiders'', Jet says Sonic has a reputation for being "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZcJITz7yco the fastest thing alive]]". His only rival on foot is Shadow, who keeps up with him using hover skates.
* FatalFlaw: Sonic can get rather cocky and reckless in the face of danger, something that can often be exploited by his foes or lead to him making rather dangerous mistakes. How prominent this is varies from media to media, though it has cost him dearly at least once in just about every interpretation. This is taken to the highest degree in ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', when [[spoiler:his recklessness causes the Zeti to break free from Eggman's control and become a larger threat than Eggman himself was, and later when his recklessness causes Tails to get kidnapped]].
* FinalBoss: He is the final opponent in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' and ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'''s Dark stories.
* FireForgedFriends: Just about a number of characters started off as Sonic's enemies or opponents at one point or another, but they're now all invaluable friends/allies to him. The prolific examples include [[VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles Knuckles]], [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 Shadow]], [[VideoGame/SonicRushSeries Blaze]], and [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Silver]].
* {{Flight}}: But only when he's Super Sonic.
* FlyingBrick: As Super Sonic.
* {{Foil}}: He has quite a few. Notable examples include:
** [[BigBad Dr. Eggman]], being a scientist who wishes to rule through technology and totalitarian rule to Sonic's nature-loving idealism.
** Back when they were still adversaries, [[TheBigGuy Knuckles]]. [[RedOniBlueOni Red Oni to Sonic's Blue]], his strength to Sonic's speed, and his stationary lifestyle to Sonic's nomadic one.
** [[TheRival Shadow]]. They're on very different ends of the [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism Idealism vs. Cynicism scale]] and often come to blows because of it, and this is ''after'' Shadow's HeelFaceTurn in his [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog own game]]. ''Before'' said HeelFaceTurn, practically ''every'' meeting between the two got rather... violent.
** [[DefrostingIceQueen Blaze]]. Her introversion to his extroversion, her insecurity to his confidence, her fire to his wind. Though their relationship is much friendlier than the other examples, as Sonic tries to look out for her, and they mutually and openly respect one another.
* FourTemperamentEnsemble: Choleric and sanguine.
* FriendlyRivalry: With Knuckles, as the two are now on good terms. This was a one-sided case with Shadow, who isn't interested in "friendly competition" as Sonic puts it in ''Shadow the Hedgehog''. In the ''VideoGame/MarioAndSonicAtTheOlympicGames'' series, he also has a friendly rivalry with {{Creator/Nintendo}}'s mascot Mario.
* TheGadfly: He loves getting a rise out of his enemies, which is why he taunts them with such irreverence. This is proven in ''spades'' during his second encounter with [[TheDarkChick Zeena]] in ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld''.
* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Sonic's current voice actor Creator/RogerCraigSmith was once asked to say a parody of Vic Mignogna's infamous "dead sexy in a miniskirt" line but apply it to Eggman, in Sonic's voice. It's not like it was included in an actual Sonic game, but Sonic The Hedgehog has still said the word "sexy".
* GetBackHereBoss: He's the final Dark Side story boss of ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' and insists on constantly running away from you, only stopping to fire off his signature move when there's enough space between Shadow and him.
* GivingSomeoneThePointerFinger: His trademark pose.
* GoldenSuperMode: Super Sonic, perhaps the second most famous variant after the [[Anime/DragonBallZ Super Saiyans]].
* GoodIsNotSoft:
** Back in the very first game, you had the choice to either let Dr. Eggman flee or destroy the Egg Mobile and watch him plummet to his apparent doom (not that Sonic ''wants'' Eggman to die). His ass-kickings of the doctor in the early mangas show that the second option was probably the canon one.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'', when Sonic is captured by G.U.N and being transported to prison via helicopter, he busts out and takes out everyone aboard but the pilot.
-->Sigma-Alpha 2: "The hedgehog is gone, he's taken out everyone aboard and..."
** His mocking of the despairing Metal Sonic in the end of ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' could come off as downright cruel and cocky, if it weren't for how [[OmnicidalManiac monstrous]] [[OneWingedAngel Metal]] has been beforehand.
** His sealing away of Erazor during the ending of ''Secret Rings'' comes off as this [[note]]particularly compared to how he treated Chaos, who had a similarly tragic past, in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure''[[/note]], and would have been disproportionate if Erazor hadn't established himself as a truly irredeemable villain beforehand.
** In ''[[VideoGame/SonicStoryBookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]'', Sonic defeats King Arthur by killing him.
* GratuitousEnglish: He started getting this when later games started to play up his 'tude more, as well as a nod to his international popularity; exclusive to the Japanese version, of course. And even before the games started giving him and the other characters dialogue, official Japanese material advertised him with English phrases like "His name is Sonic" or "The most famous hedgehog in the world".
* GrindBoots: While everyone gains this ability by the time of ''Heroes'', ''Sonic Adventure 2'' has Sonic sporting a pair of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_shoes Soap shoes]] (in their trademark red-and-white color scheme), [[ProductPlacement due to a deal between Sega and the Soap brand]].
* GutturalGrowler:
** In ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', he has a gruff voice in his Werehog form.
** As [[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Darkspine Sonic]], he has a very sinister angry growl of a voice.
* HealThyself: In ''VideoGame/SonicBattle'', his "Sonic Heal" ability is described as him using his supersonic speed to heal damage.
* TheHero: In both senses. He's the main character of the series and the leader of "Team Sonic".
* HeroicSafeMode: In most modern incarnations, his response to most tragedies is to simply keep going.
* HeroicWillpower: Present to a truly ludicrous degree. He can shrug off a mind-controlling corruption without even being ''aware'' of it. Curiously, this didn't work in ''Sonic Rivals 2''. The Ifrit gains control of his mind (if you're playing as Tails) with ease.
* HeroOnHiatus: [[spoiler:When he temporarily dies in ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', he's out of commission and it's up to the other characters to retrieve the Chaos Emeralds to bring him back.]]
* HiddenDepths: Assuming the tidbits revealed within are canon, the Twitter Takeovers reveal some surprising aspects of his character.
** His favorite musical genre, as opposed to everyone assuming it's Rock, is actually [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rmo3fKeveo Mongolian Throat Singing]].
** The version of him acting as an AnimatedActor in the Takeovers is a ShellShockedVeteran who, understandably, considers ''Sonic '06'' a traumatic OldShame (particularly the game's infamous SignatureScene, Princess Elise kissing him).
* HoldingBackThePhlebotinum: He never uses Chaos Control unless he absolutely has to.
* HomingProjectile: He can turn himself into one using the Homing Attack.
* HopeBringer: Is established as such in ''Forces''. After [[spoiler:his defeat and apparent death at Infinite's hands in [[DownerBeginning the beginning]], Vector even notes that with Sonic gone, people all over are falling into despair. During the FinalBoss, Tails outright declares Sonic their "shining hope."]]
* HotBlooded: He's fairly passionate about saving the world from Eggman through-and-through.
* HurricaneKick: An R-Trigger trick in the ''Advance'' series.
* IAmNotWeasel: He's... ahem... ''[[BerserkButton rather temperamental]]'' about being called a rat rather than a hedgehog throughout ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Secret Rings]]''.
* IAmSong: They call him Sonic. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmOF9Ubhxa0 'Cause he's faster than sound, he keeps on jumping around.]]
* IGotBigger: ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' confirms that "Modern" Sonic is the older version of pre-''Sonic Adventure'' "Classic" Sonic.
* IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight: Throughout the whole series, he pulls this against [[spoiler:Perfect Chaos]] in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'', and he tried this against [[spoiler:Emerl the Gizoid]] in ''Sonic Battle''. [[spoiler:In Emerl's case, it only partially worked, and [[FreakOut the result]]? [[TearJerker A sad ending]].]]
* ImageSong: "[[VideoGame/SonicAdventure It Doesn't Matter]]" and "[[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 His World]]". "[[VideoGame/SonicUnleashed Endless Possibilities]]" for his relationship to his Werehog form and Chip.
* ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice: [[spoiler:Mephiles stabs him to death just to get an emotional response out of Elise and therefore unseal Iblis out of its person-shaped can. Thank goodness the Chaos Emeralds are capable of resurrecting the dead...]]
* ImprovisedParachute: He can actually use his cranial quills and hands to catch air like a makeshift parachute in order to make his descents through air slower in ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'' and ''VideoGame/SonicColors''.
* InexplicablyIdenticalIndividuals: Him, Shadow, and Silver all share the exact same height and weight of 3 feet and 3 inches, and 77 lbs.
* InformedAttribute: Some of the game manuals describe him as being hot-tempered. This contrasts with the actual games, where he's simply cool and confident. Certain games such as ''Adventure 2'' and ''Lost World'' show him losing his cool, albeit in a [[TranquilFury rather controlled]] and heavily provoked manner, leaning it more into BewareTheNiceOnes than a defining attribute to the character. Certain alternate interpretations are more aggressive, though.
* InformedFlaw: WordOfGod has stated that not having a full eight hours of sleep can severely affect Sonic's ability to function and also has a large impact on his running. This is never actually seen in the games, however.
* InSeriesNickname: Rouge calls him "Big Blue".
* IntergenerationalFriendship: He's almost ''twice'' the age of Tails.
* InvisibleAnatomy: Along with the other anthros, he does not appear to have toes when depicted barefoot.
* InvincibleHero: Sonic ''never'' loses against Eggman, or any other villain for that matter. At worst, they'll just temporarily incapacitate him. [[spoiler:Even ''killing'' him, which Mephiles the Dark succeeded in doing in ''Sonic 2006'', was a short-term setback for Sonic thanks to the Chaos Emeralds.]]
* InvoluntaryShapeshifter: In ''Unleashed''. He can't stop his Werehog transformation from occurring at night or, in the case of the Wii version, in darkness within the Gaia Gates. He can temporarily revert back into normal form when in light or when exposed to light, but once he steps back into darkness, it's only a matter of time before he'll transform back into Werehog form. However, contrary to popular belief, Sonic did ''not'' consider the Werehog form a bad thing, and even enjoyed it in spite of it obviously handicapping his latent speed abilities, [[SuperStrength while giving him]] [[RubberMan some new ones]] in turn.
* JackOfAllStats: Most of the cast is capable of using his signature moves (Spin Dash and Spin Jump) along with other abilities, but Sonic tends to be the most well-rounded in using his signature abilities.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Downplayed. He's not without his follies, but for the most part, the Heart of Gold part mainly overshadows the Jerk part; in this case, since his jerkish tendencies only show towards his enemies and he is generally nice towards everyone else.
* KickTheSonOfABitch: Pulls this off in ''Sonic and the Secret Rings'', inflicting painful and humiliating wishes onto the Erazor Djinn before [[AndIMustScream sealing him in his lamp forever]] and tossing it into a lava pit. In any other context, this would be shockingly cruel for Sonic, but Erazor has been shown to be a [[HateSink thoroughly despicable and irredeemable character]] throughout the game and openly [[KickTheDog mocked Shahra's death, calling her weak]], so there's no denying he deserved his fate.
* KidHero: He is only 15 years old in the present games, and was likewise this in the original games, until it was retconned to make him much younger during the Genesis years.
* KnightInShiningArmor: What [[ThinksLikeARomanceNovel Amy]] sees him as. She's not too far off the mark, though, as Sonic is pretty selfless and some of his dislikes includes seeing people cry and any form of oppression upon others. He's also a bit of a ChickMagnet due to his kindness.
* LargeHam: His personality is very boisterous and magnetic. When he makes the scene, he will be sure to let everyone there know (subtlety is not a prominent trait of Sonic). He also likes to [[TalkingIsAFreeAction quip and taunt when he's in the middle of a skirmish]], probably rivalling [[ComicBook/SpiderMan Peter Parker]] in terms of how much snark he dishes out.
* LastSecondShowoff: All the time, almost as often as when he's a LeeroyJenkins.
* TheLeader: Headstrong type for all of Team Sonic and Charismatic type for the cast of heroes as a whole.
* LeeroyJenkins: Varies depending on the story.
** Even at his mildest, Sonic has no patience for waiting around or discussing tactics. Other than the [[labelnote:''Sonic Storybook Series'']]Sonic And The Secret Rings and Sonic And The Black Knight, specifically[[/labelnote]], he rarely, if ever, gets called out on this even if it's invoked.
** This is played straight in ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', however, when, despite Tails' warnings, Sonic kicks Eggman's conch away. Said conch was the only thing keeping the Deadly Six under his control, and they promptly attack everyone in sight, which prompts a retreat. Tails and Eggman do, in fact, call him out on it.
* {{Leitmotif}}: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6XqN2jBXdQ Sonic The Hedgehog Title Theme]] overall and for Classic Sonic, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9zZus_1_ag Live & Learn]] for Modern Sonic are the most recurring. He also gets a new theme song every other game (see ImageSong above for examples).
* LeParkour: Mostly shown off as {{Scripted Event}}s or as cutscenes in most 3D games, it becomes a full-fledged game mechanic in ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', which gives him the ability to run and jump along walls and ceilings, complete with SpeedEchoes.
* LimitedWardrobe: Is virtually ''never'' seen wearing anything save WhiteGloves and his pointy buckled shoes in every Sonic continuity. The only exception was his Soap Shoes in ''Adventure 2'', after which he went back to his traditional "outfit". Sega also has a rule that Sonic is [[http://www.shacknews.com/article/71640/how-mario-and-sonic-get-outfitted-for-the-olympics not allowed to take off his shoes.]]
* LoveableRogue: Downplayed: while generally having a strong sense of justice, he is willing to go against the law, especially if [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 they are after him]].
* MagicPants: Applies to both the Werehog and Darkspine forms. Werehog loses his gloves, then gains them back upon transforming back into normal form, whilst Darkspine loses his shoes, socks, and gloves and gains them back within a split second of turning back into normal form.
* MagneticHero: Very easily makes friends and allies, [[DefeatMeansFriendship even from former enemies.]] There are times when he doesn't try to make friends with anyone, he just does.
* MascotWithAttitude: The TropeMaker.
* MasterSwordsman: In ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. Despite probably never using a sword before in his life, he manages to slay a dragon with just a training sword. And when he picks up Caliburn, he goes on to defeat the three Knights of the Round Table and King Arthur himself. Granted, a big part of his swordsmanship is [[SuperSpeed him using his speed to utterly blitz the enemy]].
* TheMcCoy: He definitely fits this to a "T" among Team Sonic in the games.
* MeaningfulAppearance: Acquired green eyes when he's in his [[SuperMode Super form]] in ''Sonic 3 & Knuckles'', acquired these in his regular form from ''Adventure'' onwards.
* MeaningfulName: He is called ''Sonic'' for a reason.
* MellowFellow: Certain interpretations convey him as thoroughly easygoing and hard to break, rarely holding grudges against even antagonistic characters. Other interpretations are subverted as he can be more HotBlooded.
* MightyGlacier: In his Werehog form, he loses most of his trademark SuperSpeed in exchange for SuperStrength and [[RubberMan stretchy arms]].
* MirrorBoss: Acts like this against Shadow in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' during the first boss fight against him. He does it again in the final Dark Side boss, with the exception of him having access to his Sonic Wind move whilst Shadow doesn't have his Chaos Spear.
* MiscarriageOfJustice: He was sent to prison in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' so that GUN could use him as a patsy for the crimes of [[CriminalDoppelganger Shadow]], whose existence they wanted to keep covered up.
* MonochromaticEyes: His Darkspine form has them.
* MorphicResonance: All of Sonic's forms share common design aspects to the 'normal' form. The Wisp forms also share yellow, pupiless eyes, ears, and spiky protusions (except for Violet Void form, which has only the eyes and mouth, and Blue Cube form, which only has the eyes and inner ears). All of these design aspects resemble the normal form's eyes, ears, and quills to a great extent.
* MrViceGuy: Some versions of him are ''very'' {{pride}}ful. He sometimes prioritizes his beauty-sleep a little too highly, as well but as noted, he's still a good person.
* MultipleChoicePast: Outside of a brief mention of his birthplace being Christmas Island, he's never really been given an official backstory in the games. [[AllThereInTheManual Supplementary material]] either had Sonic has a magical hero who sprung to life after the death of a kind-hearted pilot who had him as a mascot or a normal hedgehog who gained superpowers in the same freak accident that turned "Dr. Kintobor" evil.
* MysteriousPast: The only things ever revealed about Sonic's past is that his rivalry with Dr. Eggman predated VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog1 and that he was born on Christmas Island.
* TheNameIsBondJamesBond: Inverted somewhat in his CatchPhrase "I'm Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog!" Interestingly, in Japan, he likes to spice it up with his tendency for GratuitousEnglish. For instance, a Japanese ''Sonic Adventure'' advert has him introducing himself with "My name is Sonic! Sonikku za Hejihoggu da!", and later ending with "Ore wa Sonic! Tsk tsk tsk tsk! Sonic the Hedgehog!"
* NatureLover: Stated to have an appreciation for the beauty of nature.
* NervesOfSteel: For the most part, at least in the games.
* NiceGuy: Probably the best example in the series, as Sonic is often noted for his compassion and selflessness.
* NiceJobBreakingItHero: There are a few examples of Sonic unintentionally causing a lot of mistakes.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', his arrogance and fixation with belittling Eggman instead of paying attention to what he was doing was ultimately the catalyst of the game's plot and his Werehog transformations.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicColors'', [[spoiler:when he destroyed Rotatatron/Globatron, an arm got lodged into a nearby structure, which turned out to be part of the mind control cannon. When Eggman tried to fire it, the cannon backfired. The resulting energy created two things: a Nega Hyper-Go-On black hole that consumed the amusement park and, if evidence is correct, [[VideoGame/SonicGenerations the primordial essence known as the Time Eater.]] Basically, Sonic caused ''Sonic Generations'' to occur by destroying the first boss of Colors.]]
** In ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', he's pretty much responsible for the Deadly Six betraying Eggman and attempting to conquer the world for themselves by [[ATragedyOfImpulsiveness disposing of the Cacophonic Conch Eggman was using to control them without even bothering to find out what it was]]. Then he does it again, this time, [[spoiler:causing Tails to be trapped inside a capsule and turned into a robot.]]
* NoGuyWantsToBeChased: Towards Amy when she's frustrated.
* NotTheFallThatKillsYou: He ends up walking away from those falls with no injuries at all. This makes sense, as he can survive collisions at supersonic speeds, far faster than his terminal velocity would be.
* OneHitPointWonder: A notable handicap of his--if it weren't for the rings protecting him, he'd have been roadkill years ago. This can be chalked up to GameplayAndStorySegregation however; Sonic has often been shown to be able to take a reasonable amount of punishment before going down, and sometimes the attacks he goes through are reasonably powerful enough (or relevant to the plot) that it mandates him taking lethal damage, even if he had a ring or his Super Sonic form on hand--such as two occasions in ''Sonic 3'' [[note]] Knuckles literally [[BroughtDownToNormal cancels out Sonic's super form]] with a single punch in the opening, and the final boss of the first half of ''Sonic 3'' can cancel out Sonic's super form by grabbing him and slamming him into the ground).[[/note]] and one point in ''Sonic 2006''.
* OneManArmy: Technically, he's a "One ''Hedgehog'' Army". Wherever he runs, expect lots of trashed robots in his wake. Don't believe it? Watch the prologue to ''Unleashed''.
* OneTrueLove: According to the "Test of Love" in ''Sonic '06'', his soulmate choices for life are narrowed down between [[ManicPixieDreamGirl Amy]] and [[InterspeciesRomance Elise]].
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: [[spoiler:After Mephiles kills him in '''06'', his ghost/spirit appears in the form of a gust of ethereal blue wind that only Princess Elise can detect.]]
* OurWerebeastsAreDifferent: [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/chara_werehog_6055.gif Sonic the Werehog]] in ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed''. Even the "werehog" term was originally coined by the fans, and Sega just shrugged and went, "[[AscendedFanon eh, why not?]]"
* OutOfFocus: This actually happened to him in a certain period of time in the series, despite the series named after him. In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', Shadow was the character with more plot focus, backstory, and CharacterDevelopment in that game. This continued through ''Sonic Heroes'' and into ''Shadow the Hedgehog'', where Shadow actually displaced Sonic as the main character as well as ''Sonic '06'', where both Shadow and the new character Silver displaced Sonic.
* PapaWolf:
** Threatening any harm to Tails, the closest thing to a little brother he has, will show you even something as silly looking as a blue hedgehog will make you cry.
** He serves as one to Emerl in ''Battle''. Earlier on, he was more of a BigBrotherMentor to Emerl, but as time progressed... [[spoiler:He nearly has a FreakOut when Emerl is on his death throes.]]
* ParentalAbandonment: In most incarnations, his parents (or lack thereof) are not referenced even once.
* PersonalityPowers: He is one free-spirited wanderer with SuperSpeed powers. He also has some level of aerokinesis, which again, reflects his carefree nature and inability to stayin one place for long.
* PinballProtagonist: He was afflicted with this ''horribly'' in ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', in which the most influential roles are delegated to Shadow and Silver and he barely gets anything of noteworthiness done in the grand scheme of the story.
* PintSizedPowerhouse: 3'3'' tall, 77.2lbs in weight, and yet he can defeat monstrosities like [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1IIQXOuaaI this]] with only the shoes on his feet.
* PowerOfTheVoid: He becomes a living, moving void in Violet Void form that consumes nearly anything he comes across and becomes bigger in the process.
* PowerStrainBlackout: Overuse of his Super form can cause this due to the amount of energy required to sustain it.
* PragmaticHero: Very much this in ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. [[spoiler:He was fully willing to allow The Grand Kingdom to come to an end rather than allow Merlina to use her magic to make it eternal, though it should be noted her attempt at making it eternal would have drowned the world in dark magic.]]
* PretenderDiss: Done in ''VideoGame/SonicRivals'' towards Metal Sonic.
-->'''Sonic''': A copy is still just a copy! It'll never be able to top the original!
* PrimaryColorChampion: He has blue fur and wears red sneakers with yellow buckles on the straps.
* ProtagonistWithoutAPast: Aside from his birthplace being Christmas Island, nothing is known about his past.
* {{Pride}}: He's fully aware of his SuperSpeed, and he's proud of it.
* PromotionToParent: Most (if not all) incarnations where Tails isn't living independently has Sonic being the one who takes Tails under his wing.
* PunnyName: His Super Sonic form.
* RazorWind: His Sonic Wind attack, as depicted in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2''.
* RealMenWearPink: One of his hobbies includes admiring flowers.
* RebelliousSpirit: Downplayed example. Although he tends to live by his own moral code and disregard authority, he never intentionally breaks the law, and he doesn't seem to have a problem with society in general. Even if he can be a DestructiveSavior at times, it's almost always unintentional collateral damage, and the law doesn't hold it against him.
* RedIsHeroic: While primarily [[BlueIsHeroic blue]], his red sneakers are one of his most iconic items.
* RedOniBlueOni: In addition to the aforementioned above, he's also got this dynamic with likes of Shadow, Blaze, and Dr. Eggman (Red to the former two, Blue to the latter).
* RidiculouslyCuteCritter: Especially Classic Sonic.
* TheRival: Sonic has many of them. The current primary ones are Shadow and Jet. Knuckles once served this role, but he has since grown out of it.
* RivalsTeamUp: With [[VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles Knuckles]], then [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 Shadow]], then [[VideoGame/SonicRushSeries Blaze]], and then [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Silver]].
* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething: At least, as far the games' version of the Blue Blur is concerned; according to ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]'', he's [[spoiler:the genuine KingArthur]].
* RudeHeroNiceSidekick: While he's nowhere near as rude, Sonic is the cocky and snarky hero in contrast to Tails' level-headed and mild-mannered personality.
* RunningGag: He tends to fall flat on his face when falling from great heights from ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'' onwards.
* ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight: Oh so much in ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. He'll willingly become a king slayer to do what is right.
* ScrewThisImOuttaHere: If he is left still for three minutes in Sonic CD without doing anything, he'll say "I'm outta here" and leave, resulting in a [[GameOver game over]].
* SeenItAll: By ''Generations'', he's been through so much and seen so many crazy things that the situation with the Time Eater and being trapped in the White Space gets little reaction from him.
-->'''Tails''': Totally strange.\\
'''Sonic''': No stranger than [[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries rescuing genies in magic books]], or [[VideoGame/SonicColors saving aliens in an interstellar amusement park]].
* ShipTease: Has a lot of these.
** He gets this with Amy. In ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', Sonic feels depressed after Amy didn't recognize him as a werehog, thinking she mistook him for someone else again and in a one-off dialogue sequence the player can either accept or decline Amy's offer to a date; ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' seems to have went with the former option being canon.
** Shares one with Blaze in the end of ''VideoGame/SonicRush''. He and Blaze have a [[HeldGaze long stare]] at each other and are trying to hold on to each other as long as possible before they get separated — Sonic's holding on with both hands. It's as if they're both reluctant to part ways.
* ShowyInvincibleHero: ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' and ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' are very good examples. There is no question Sonic will win, the only matter is how will he win, how cool he looks when he wins, and how much fun the player will have when he wins.
* ShutUpHannibal: Besides snarking at his opponents, he can deliver these on occasions:
** In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', he gave one to Shadow, saying that he will make him take back those words about him "not being good enough to be his fake".
** There are several of these in ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' when Sonic confronts Merlina, who explains that the only way to save Camelot from its tragic fate is to use the power of Excalibur's Scabbard and the Underworld to make it eternal, only to have Sonic reply "What good is a world that goes on forever!?" The conversation even ends with this great exchange between the two characters:
-->'''Merlina''': My sorrow at its ruin runs deeper than the depths of the underworld... do you not understand?\\
'''Sonic''': No! And I don't want to!
* SignatureMove: The RollingAttack in its many forms such as the Spin Dash, the Homing Attack and the Hurricane and Rapid Strikes from the old mangas, even though most of the other characters can roll around, too. In ''Sonic Adventure 2'', Sonic Wind was his special attack.
** The [[NitroBoost Sonic Boost]] has become his signature move as of the Modern era games, where he even lacks the ability to do his old Spin Dash.
* SigilSpam: Sonic makes a ''lot'' of [[http://sonic.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_cameos_and_references cameo appearances]] in other Creator/{{Sega}} games. He even appears in the Sega CD and Sega Channel boot up. He is their mascot, and they want you to know it.
** InUniverse, you'll see Sonic's mug frequently pop up on objects like the 1-Up monitors and the Sonic Item from VideoGame/TailsAdventure, to mugshots on casino slot machines. VideoGame/SonicTheFighters even has a Sphinx with his face carved onto it!
* SimpleYetAwesome: His key gimmick is simply [[SuperSpeed running really, really fast]]. It looks cool, it's fun to do in-game, and it's how he saves the world time and again.
* SleepyHead: He appears to have a habit of momentarily dozing-off in [[IdleAnimation idle animations]].
* SlideAttack: Occasionally used as one of his rare non-spinning means of melee.
* SmallTownBoredom: One official source states that Sonic only began exploring because he was bored with his birthplace, Christmas Island.
* SmarterThanYouLook: Especially considering some of his [[IdiotHero earlier portrayals]]. He is ''far'' from stupid.
* SmugSuper: While how much one may vary between different media, one thing that's constant is Sonic's ego.
* SpectacularSpinning: His primary method of attack, the Spin Attack, and its variations such as the Spin Dash and Homing Attack.
* SpiritedCompetitor: Being the cocky guy he is, he loves to race others in order to prove the he is faster than them.
* SprintShoes: The first European/North American game manual mentioned that Sonic's speed comes from his power sneakers, although this bit of info is never taken as canon. However, video monitors in the classic games award Sonic with power-up shoes that allow him to go even faster than normal.
* StaticCharacter: Despite being the main character, his characterization has actually evolved the least out of everyone else in the entire series. This is justified by the fact that he's a mascot, and most of the CharacterDevelopment of most of the cast generally plays off of him, such as Tails going from overly dependent on him to being an independent hero in his own right, or Blaze making friends with him. In terms of actual depth, he's just as much of a RoundedCharacter as most anyone in the series.
* StockShonenHero: He's got the equivalent of spiky hair, a strong sense of justice, is fueled by the PowerOfFriendship, and (particularly in spin-offs) loves to compete with other speedsters to see who comes out on top. Even when a giant alligator [[VideoGame/SonicHeroes chases down the team in a jungle level]], his only response is "Interesting, let's see who's faster." Unsurprising since the series has several ''Manga/DragonBall'' {{Shout Out}}s, including 7 {{Cosmic Keystone}}s and a GoldenSuperMode that makes his hair stand on end.
* StrongAsTheyNeedToBe: Depending on the game or the situation, Sonic can go from outrunning planes, missiles and a ''black hole'' to be being unable to catch Eggman, an overweight human, when the latter is running on foot.
* SuperDrowningSkills: In most of the 3D games. He instead has WalkDontSwim in 2D.
* SuperMode:
** [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/chara_ssonic_3138.gif Super Sonic]], which makes him [[PowerGlows glow]], [[PowerFloats fly]], and takes his already established SuperSpeed ''UpToEleven''. Yuji Naka [[WordOfGod said it himself]] that this form was inspired by [[Anime/DragonBallZ Super Saiyans]]. It shows well.
** There's also [[VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles Hyper Sonic]], [[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Darkspine Sonic, and Excalibur Sonic]].
* SuperSpeed: He's called "[[MeaningfulName Sonic]]" for a reason, It's basically his trademark. (His top speed has never been canonically established, though he's shown to be capable of breaking the Sound-Barrier whenever he kicks into high gear).
* SuperStrength: Though it arguably draws from his speed more than anything, he can ram through cars, robots, and rock walls and not slow down. The Sonic Boost especially shows this.
* SuperToughness: Zigzagged. When spinning or boosting or with a ring on hand, he can handle smashing through legions of robots or dense objects at supersonic speeds, which would basically turn any real life thing into roadkill in seconds. When he's ''not'' doing these or doesn't have a ring on hand? [[GlassCannon He's as fragile as a newborn]] and can die from even ''colliding'' with another hostile object.
* SwissArmyHero: And then some! Especially in ''VideoGame/SonicColors''. He can turn into a [[ReflectingLaser laser]], [[GroundPound cube]], [[PowerOfTheVoid black hole]], [[{{Flight}} rocket]], [[HavingABlast explosion-generator]], organic HoverTank, [[WallCrawl ball of spikes]], [[FastTunnelling drill]], and [[ExtremeOmnivore a purple monstrosity that eats and grows in size with each eaten object]].
* ATasteOfDefeat: Naturally, no villain has stopped him from saving the world, but he has had his ass handed to him on rare occasions.
** Eggman managed to outwit him in his ''super form'' at the start of ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed''.
** Silver just plain ''humiliated'' him in ''Sonic '06''.
** In more petty competition, Jet canonically beat Sonic in the World Grand Prix finals in the first ''VideoGame/SonicRiders'' (albeit by cheating). This also marks one of the few times Sonic is genuinely enraged.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheBlackKnight'', [[spoiler:Merlina]] beats him silly and [[WreckedWeapon breaks Caliburn]] while he can't even touch his enemy. It takes getting his newest SuperMode to turn the tables.
** In ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', Infinite serves his ass on a silver platter. Oh, and [[TheBadGuyWins Eggman conquers the world]].
* TaughtByExperience: In ''Generations'', he's able to defeat Perfect Chaos in his normal form, when he previously needed to become Super Sonic to do so. He even states this as a strength in ''Forces'', where he's able to put up a decent fight against Infinite, whose EstablishingCharacterMoment was [[CurbStompBattle curb-stomping and nearly killing him]].
-->'''Infinite''': [[ThisCannotBe Impossible!]] Your abilities exceed your previous data!\\
'''Sonic''': Unlike [[MechaMooks mechs]], ''I'' can grow. I get more powerful every second!
* TeleportersAndTransporters: Has the ability to teleport by using Chaos Control in-tandem with a Chaos Emerald, whether it's fake or real.
* TeleportSpam: He loves doing this in the last Dark Side Story boss in [=SA2=] if you get too far ahead of him.
* ThrillSeeker: His love for adventure and excitement is a large part of the reason he fights Eggman and other Big Bads.
* ThrownOutTheAirlock: Eggman tries to murder him by doing this. Fortunately, he learned how to use Chaos Control just in time.
* TimeMaster: Using Chaos energy, he can warp time and space, but is not as proficient as Shadow, nor does he use these abilities very frequently.
* TookALevelInBadass: He defeats Perfect Chaos in ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' in normal form without resorting to transforming into Super Sonic. On top of that, in the teaser for ''VideoGame/SonicForces'', it's shown that Classic Sonic has perfected the Sonic Boost.
* TornadoMove: In ''VideoGame/SonicRush'', in the boss fight against him as Blaze, one of his attacks is him spinning around while airborne, which creates a massive vortex that sucks her in. The Blue Tornado in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' does the same thing, but on a much smaller scale.
* TotallyRadical: He dips into this at times in his modern depiction, though this is actually averted in ''Colors'', where he actually gets to use relatively modern slang like "epic".
* TouchedByVorlons: He gains the ability to shapeshift into various forms by fusing with Wisps temporarily.
* TrademarkFavoriteFood: Chili dogs in most adaptations, and later, [[CanonImmigrant including the games]].
* ATragedyOfImpulsiveness: In ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', he disposes of the [[RestrainingBolt Cacophonic Conch]] Eggman was using to control the Deadly Six without even bothering to find out what it was or what it did, which enables the Deadly Six to turn on Eggman and usurp his plans and operations, making them a bigger threat than before.
* TransformationTrinket: Chaos Emeralds, Super Emeralds, World Rings, Sacred Swords, and Wisps. All of them are catalysts for his transformations.
* {{Troll}}: Sonic loves to get a rise out of his enemies.
* TsurimeEyes: As Super Sonic and in his Werehog form.
* TurnTheOtherCheek: Going hand-in-hand with FireForgedFriends and MagneticHero, Sonic's kindness and compassion are matched only by his capacity for forgiveness. Many of the friends he made, such as Silver and Shadow, once tried to kill him, but he never holds it against them.
* {{Ubermensch}}: Sonic stated in ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' that he'll fight for what he believes in and he doesn't care whether that means he's the hero or the villain. Similarly, his ImageSong It Doesn't Matter states that he doesn't care who's right and who's wrong, and he just lives by his own feelings. He and others also describe him as being "free like the wind", and he makes it clear that he both dislikes being restrained and dislikes it when others are oppressed, too.
* UnableToCry: In the majority of media Sonic has been featured in, he's remarkably stoic and does not show sadness, loss, and/or disappointment in the form of tears.
* TheUnfettered: A mild version; he wouldn't hesitate to put his life on the line for a friend, but he also wouldn't want to endanger his friends and is very protective of them.
* UnstoppableRage: Darkspine Sonic in ''Sonic and the Secret Rings'' doesn't stop expressing his hatred, rage, and sadness until Alf Layla Wa Layla ''goes down''.
* UnwittingPawn: Has a tendency to accidentally further Eggman's plots.
* VitriolicBestBuds: In addition to Knuckles, he kind of has this with Shadow to some extent.
* TheVoiceless: His younger self is this in ''[[VideoGame/SonicGenerations Generations]]''.
* VoluntaryShapeshifting: Upon absorbing a Wisp, he can choose to make use of its Hyper Go-On power in order to change form.
* WalkDontSwim:
** Sonic's major weakness is that he can't swim, so when he gets in water, he merely floats down or runs and jumps ''very'' slowly in it. Often, falling into a large body of water will also result in him [[SuperDrowningSkills immediately sinking to his death.]] Apparently, the reason Sonic has this weakness in the first place is because Yuji Naka, at the time the first game was made, erroneously assumed that hedgehogs were incapable of swimming, so he incorporated this into the gameplay.
** In the swimming event of ''Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games'', he manages to work around this weakness by wearing a lifejacket.
* WalkingTheEarth: When not saving the world, he's always running from place to place, but he'll immediately rush to the scene if someone is up to no good. [[WordOfGod Takashi IIzuka said in a 2017 interview]] that Sonic does not have a house. He's just constantly on the move and enjoying wherever life takes him.
* WallJump: First appeared in an unconventional form in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'', where it's used to cross chasms with walls on either side. Starting in ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', he has a more conventional ''[[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Mario]]''-style WallJump.
* WeaksauceWeakness: [[WalkDontSwim He can't]] [[SuperDrowningSkills swim.]]
* TheWorfEffect: Though he's pretty much an InvincibleHero, there are some occasions where he gets beaten by more powerful characters.
** He gets punched out of his ''super form'' by Knuckles with one punch, in his debut!
** Sonic and his friends all had trouble defeating Chaos, as the first villain ever.
** Also against Shadow in his solo game, if the player chooses to go against him.
** He also gets beaten by Silver twice, much to the point where he had to be saved by Shadow the second time, and to run away in the meantime.
** [[spoiler:Gets ''killed'' by Mephiles but fortunately for Sonic, it didn't stick.]]
** Several times by Eggman when inside of some giant robot.
** Merlina as the Dark Queen beats him and Caliburn black and blue before they go [[SuperMode Excalibur Sonic]] with the Sacred Swords.
** He gets kicked around like a ball by Infinite in one battle.
* WhoWantsToLiveForever: Not him, as ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]'' proves. Sonic is apparently inclined to live life to the fullest in the time he has and stresses to others that they should do the same.
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: He occasionally mentions that he doesn't like water in games such as ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheSecretRings'' and ''[[VideoGame/SonicColors Sonic Colors DS]]'', as well as the various comics and animated series he features in. Considering that the drowning music so often heard in underwater stages is considered to be the most frightening thing in the entire franchise, this is entirely justified.
* WillfullyWeak: It's implied through CutscenePowerToTheMax and certain scripted events that Sonic holds back his full speed. Whether it's to challenge himself or if it tires himself out to use his full speed is uncertain.
* WithFriendsLikeThese: Often with Knuckles in the earlier games. Also with Shadow to some extent, and let's not get started with Jet.
* WouldHitAGirl: He's fully willing to engage in a fight against Blaze in ''VideoGame/SonicRush'' when Blaze picks one with him and also fought Amy, Cream, and Rouge in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''. He also had no compunctions about attacking Merlina when she revealed her plans as the Dark Queen in ''[[VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries Sonic and the Black Knight]]''. In all cases, of course, it applied as self-defense.
* WrongGenreSavvy: In ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'', he disposes of Eggman's Cacophonic Conch, telling the doctor outright that it's never a mistake to "throw his toys away". Unfortunately, in this case, it ''was'' a mistake: the conch was a RestrainingBolt that Eggman was using to control the Deadly Six, who waste no time in usurping Eggman's Badniks and turning on him.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Miles "Tails" Prower]]
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/milestailsprower.png]]
[[caption-width-right:250:[[labelnote:''Click here to see Tails' classic design.'']][[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/classic_tails.png]][[/labelnote]]]]

-->''"I've changed a lot since I started hanging out with Sonic, but I can't depend on him forever. I know I can do this by myself!"''

-> '''Debut''': ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2'' [[note]] His canon debut is attributed to the 16-bit Sonic The Hedgehog 2, but his first chronological appearance was in the 8-bit Sonic the Hedgehog 2, [[OlderThanTheyThink which predated the release of the Genesis Sonic 2 by a month]][[/note]]
-> '''Voiced by''': Kazuki Hayashi (Japanese, 1998), Atsuki Murata (Japanese, 2000-2002), Creator/RyoHirohashi (Japanese, 2003-present), Creator/TakutoYoshinaga (Japanese, Classic Tails), Corey Bringas (English, 1999-2001), Connor Bringas (English, 2001-2002), William Corkery (English, 2003-2004), Amy Palant (English, 2005-2010), Creator/KateHiggins (English, 2010-2013), Creator/ColleenOShaughnessey (English, 2014-present)
\\
Sonic's young sidekick: a small fox who can use his unique twin tails to fly. Despite his young age, he's a reliable and dependable ally to Sonic. In later games, he's come into his own as a genius inventor that even rivals Eggman. His real name is ''Miles Prower'', and he grew up as an orphan, [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer ostracized because of his twin tails.]] One day, he noticed Sonic's running by and was so awed by his speed, he tried to catch up using his tails. Sonic didn't pay the young fox any attention, but witnessing how he nearly caught up with him impressed him enough to take him under his wing and give him his well known nickname. Together, they foiled Eggman's latest scheme on Westside Island and the two became nearly inseparable.

Ever since their first meeting, Tails has tried his hardest to be the best person he can for Sonic's sake, often times by mimicking him. Humble, docile, and good-natured with mechanical prowess that can potentially rival Eggman's, but he never thought it was much of a big deal.
----

* RedOniBlueOni: In addition to the aforementioned above, its also played straight with his other FriendlyRival Rouge.

* {{Sidekick}}: To Sonic. He acts as a more humble and reasonable foil to the cocky, impulsive Sonic. But looks up to Sonic as an older brother figure, and doesn't have the FriendlyRival characteristics of TheLancer.

* DependingOnTheWriter: Probably one of the more notable cases, Knuckles's personality and relationships change more widely than others. The series can't seem to decide if he's a reluctant ally of Sonic's and prefers to be alone, or a FriendlyRival who wants to one-up Sonic and tries to tagalong in his adventures. Even how seriously he takes his guardian duties are subject to change; he either takes them completely serious and refuses to leave his post unless he's needed or constantly shirks his duties to go [[VideoGame/SonicRiders hoverboarding]], [[VideoGame/SonicGenerations birthday parties]], etc. etc. It's really hard to get a pin on him, the only consistent thing is his stoic and honorable nature, and his FriendlyRivalry with Sonic.

* ReverseMole: In ''Adventure 2''.

* TheSouthpaw: He holds his weapons in the left-handed manner in ''VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog'' and if you know what to look for, you'll see he ''still'' leads with his left in his body-language in a great deal of official art. Not so true in ''Sonic and the Black Knight'', though, as he uses his right hand for his sword.

* HairDecorations: Always seen wearing a hairband.

* KiAttacks: His ability to manipulate Chaos energy allows him to do these.

* JerkassFacade: He cares about the well-being of others, but he usually acts cold and distant (even to his own friends) because he doesn't want anyone to get close to him, so he doesn't lose them like he lost Maria.

* CrushKillDestroy: Particularly in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''. He spouts off the below lines when delivering his basic three-attack combo:
-->Annihilation! Charge! Fire!

* HeroicComedicSociopath: He's usually on the good guys' side (even if his [[{{Revenge}} motives]] aren't that heroic), but he enjoys violence a bit ''too'' much and his dialogue can be [[CrushKillDestroy rather disturbing a]]t times.

* NiceMeanAndInBetween: Mean. A KillerRobot who's on the team for the sake CrushKillDestroy.

* PurpleEyes: They used to be black. Also, it fits Knuckles as a skilled guardian of the Master Emerald who knows a lot of secrets of Angel Island and the echidna heritage.

* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: His primary method of attack, the Spin Attack, and its variations such as the Spin Dash and Homing Attack.

* EverythingsBetterWithSpinning: his entire body rotates while his legs stay still. In ''Heroes'', the third hit of his combo involves spinning around to shoot at pretty much everything in sight. He also does this for Team Dark's [[LimitBreak Team Blast]].

* WaveMotionGun: Combines this with EverythingsBetterWithSpinning during Team Dark's [[LimitBreak Team Blast]] in ''[[VideoGame/SonicHeroes Heroes]]''.

* WallJump: First appeared in an unconventional form in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'', where it's used to cross chasms with walls on either side. Starting in ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'', he has a more conventional ''[[SuperMarioBros Mario]]''-style WallJump.

* LethalJokeCharacter: Amy generally has a rather unique moveset from other characters in many titles, making her harder to master, but with special abilities that can be exploited effectively. Her platforming roles such as the ''VideoGame/SonicAdvanceTrilogy'', as well as many spin off titles like ''VideoGame/SonicR'' or her PvP role in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' are good examples.

* NonStandardCharacterDesign: Her design eschews the RubberHoseLimbs of the rest of the cast and gives her [[PettingZooPeople actual anatomy, namely human like breasts and hips.]]

* FragileFlower: She's usually a CheerfulChild, but she's highly sensitive and prone to tears.

* GreenEyes: Acquired these when he's in his [[SuperMode Super form]] in ''Sonic 3 & Knuckles'', acquired these in his regular form from ''Adventure'' onwards.

* GreenEyes: Being a slightly darker shade than Sonic's.

* [[JerkassFacade Jerkass Façade]]: He cares about the well-being of others, but he usually acts cold and distant (even to his own friends) because he doesn't want anyone to get close to him, so he doesn't lose them like he lost Maria.

-->'''Big:''' [[HeartwarmingMoments Don't worry, I'll be right by you]].

* WaveMotionGun: Combines this with EverythingsBetterWithSpinning during Team Dark's [[LimitBreak Team Blast]] in ''[[VideoGame/SonicHeroes Heroes]]''.