Challenging Aging Tropes in Resident Evil
Resident Evil’s pattern of keeping female characters perpetually young, while their male counterparts age, has become a noticeable trend. This practice not only perpetuates age-related tropes but also overlooks the potential for diverse representation. Capcom’s choice to explain away the agelessness of female leads through virus infections falls short in addressing the broader issue of representation.
The Need for Change in Resident Evil 9
As Resident Evil 9 looms on the horizon, there’s an opportunity for Capcom to break from tradition and introduce older female leads. This change would not only reflect a more realistic portrayal of characters but also align with the evolving expectations of representation in gaming.
Potential Candidates for Aging Female Leads
While classic characters like Claire Redfield or Jill Valentine are likely choices for returning leads, an intriguing option lies in Rose Winters, Ethan’s daughter from Resident Evil: Village.
Her storyline, already exploring the effects of the mold infection, could be expanded to include the aspect of aging, offering a fresh narrative twist and addressing the series’ aging trope.
Moving Forward with Realistic Portrayals
Capcom has the opportunity with Resident Evil 9 to showcase older female characters naturally, without resorting to accelerated aging tropes. By doing so, they would be embracing a more inclusive approach to character development, resonating with a broader audience and enriching the game’s narrative depth.
