Is there a “Canonical” Commander Shepherd?

Question

The Mass Effect Series is based on players taking control of Commander Shepherd, and, like most RPGs, the player is given choices and customization options.

In Mass Effect (the first game), players get to pick the commander's first name, gender, pre-service history (Spacer, Colonist, Earthborn), and psych profile (Ruthless, Sole Survivor, War Hero).

Clearly, Shepherd can be many things, but I'm wondering what the canonical Shepherd is. For instance, we know that in the Canon of Mass Effect 2, if you don't import a save file, the Council was not saved.

Does Commander Shepherd likewise have a "Canonical" origin, or are these two options always under direct control of the player - i.e., without a default?

Asked by Raven Dreamer

Answer

In each game, there's an option to use a premade default Shepard. This Shepard is a Soldier, Earthborn Sole Survivor. If male, his name is 'John', if female 'Jane'.

Since this didn't change between games, I think we can assume it's as close to canon as anything (and certainly is in the same vein of the didn't-import-a-save options).

Answered by Shinrai

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