Farewell Chapter

Lore & Background

The Farewell Chapter was released as downloadable content for Celeste, expanding on the story after the main game's conclusion. During this chapter's development, creator Maddy Thorson began to form a hunch about Madeline's identity. The chapter shows details in Madeline's bedroom including a trans flag, a childhood photo of her with very short hair, and a prescription bottle. These details led to significant discussion among players about whether Madeline might be transgender. Prior to official confirmation, people in the LGBTQ community were enthused by her potential status as a trans woman due to Celeste's popularity and 'a sense of marginalization in both society and mass media.' The discussion also became the subject of controversy for some people politically and religiously, with hateful messages aimed at the game and character. Ali Jones of PCGamesN cited Madeline's body dysmorphia, her estrangement from family members, and her struggling with a 'shadow version of herself' as reasons for why she might be transgender. Kat Bailey of USGamer suggested the game may be suggesting Madeline to be transgender while noting it is only one part of her identity.

In Their Own Story

The Farewell Chapter continues Madeline's journey after the events of the main game. It shows her bedroom containing a trans flag, a childhood photo with very short hair, and a prescription bottle. These details led to widespread discussion about Madeline's identity. Maddy Thorson later confirmed that during Celeste's development, she did not know that Madeline or herself were trans. During the Farewell DLC's development, she began to form a hunch. Post-development, she stated: 'I now know that we both are.' The chapter represents the culmination of Madeline's journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Reader's Guide

The Farewell Chapter is a downloadable content expansion pack for Celeste that was released after the main game. It features Madeline as the protagonist and continues her story. The chapter received significant media coverage due to its implications about Madeline's identity. Players explore Madeline's bedroom, which contains a trans flag, a childhood photo of her with very short hair, and a prescription bottle. These elements sparked discussion about whether Madeline is transgender. The chapter was released before Maddy Thorson's 2020 confirmation that Madeline is canonically a trans woman. The expansion builds on the game's themes of self-discovery and acceptance, continuing Madeline's journey of dealing with anxiety and personal struggles.

Did You Know?

• The Farewell Chapter shows Madeline's bedroom containing a trans flag, a childhood photo with very short hair, and a prescription bottle.
• Maddy Thorson confirmed Madeline is a trans woman in 2020, after the release of the Farewell Chapter.
• Thorson stated that during Celeste's development, she did not know that Madeline or herself were trans, but during the Farewell DLC's development she began to form a hunch.
• The discussion about Madeline's identity helped Thorson both figure out Madeline's gender identity and be public with her own.
• Ali Jones of PCGamesN cited Madeline's body dysmorphia, estrangement from family, and struggling with a 'shadow version of herself' as reasons for why she might be transgender.