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{{SpoilerHeavy}}
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[[Image:Chell.png|right|250px|Chell as seen in Portal 2]]
[[File:Chell.png|thumb|right|150px|Chell as seen in ''Portal 2''.]]


{{Quotation|'''GLaDOS'''|You really are doing great... Chell.|sound=GLaDOS_sp_sphere_2nd_encounter_completion01.wav}}
{{Quotation|'''GLaDOS'''|You really are doing great... Chell.|sound=GLaDOS_sp_sphere_2nd_encounter_completion01.wav}}


'''Chell''', documented as '''Test Subject #1''' but previously as '''#1498''', was a test subject of the [[Aperture Science]] computer-aided Enrichment Center, and was involved in the testing of the Company's [[Handheld Portal Device]] (commonly known as the Portal Gun).
'''Chell''', documented as '''Test Subject #1''' but previously as '''#1498''',<ref>[[Portal 2: Lab Rat]], page 21. https://www.thinkwithportals.com/comic/#22</ref> was a test subject of the [[Aperture Science]] computer-aided Enrichment Center, and was involved in the testing of the Company's [[Handheld Portal Device]] (commonly known as the Portal Gun).


She is the silent protagonist of ''[[Portal]]'' and the single-player campaign in ''[[Portal 2]]''. Very little is known of her past, beyond {{spoiler|her possible abandonment at birth and}} her stubborn will to live.
She is the silent protagonist of ''[[Portal]]'' and the single-player campaign in ''[[Portal 2]]''. Very little is known of her past, beyond {{spoiler|her possible abandonment at birth}} and her stubborn will to live.


Throughout the series, Chell is antagonized by the AI and facility overseer [[GLaDOS]] during her testing courses. Wielding only the Handheld Portal Device, she eventually utilizes this device as a means of avoiding hazards and bypassing various sections of the Facility in order to escape.
Throughout the series, Chell is {{Spoiler|antagonized by the central core and facility overseer [[GLaDOS]]}} during her testing courses. Wielding only the Handheld Portal Device, she eventually utilizes this device as a means of avoiding hazards and {{Spoiler|bypassing various sections of the facility in order to escape.}}
 
According to one timeline, she likely has soulless clones made from her DNA.<ref>[[Portal 2: Lab Rat]], page 21. https://www.thinkwithportals.com/comic/#22</ref>


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
Most of Chell's past remains a mystery. {{Spoiler|During the final events of ''[[Portal]]'', [[GLaDOS]] mentions numerous times that Chell was abandoned at birth, and such references continue throughout ''[[Portal 2]]''. She later mentions in ''Portal 2'' that Chell was also adopted, although the credibility of GLaDOS' word is unclear.}} Many of GLaDOS' comments throughout ''Portal 2'' and the latter stages of ''Portal'' are in an effort to belittle, annoy or distract Chell from achieving her goal{{Spoiler|, and whether or not statements of her adoption and orphan status are true or not is up for debate}}.
Much of Chell's past remains a mystery. {{Spoiler|During the final events of ''[[Portal]]'', [[GLaDOS]] mentions numerous times that Chell was abandoned at birth, and also mentions that she was adopted, and such references continue throughout ''[[Portal 2]]'', although the credibility of GLaDOS' word is unclear. Many of GLaDOS' comments throughout ''Portal 2'' and the latter stages of ''Portal'' are in an effort to belittle, annoy or distract Chell from achieving her goal, and whether or not statements of her adoption and orphan status are true or not is up for debate}}.


Several times throughout Portal 2, GLaDOS and Wheatly make fun of Chell for being supposedly overweight or heavy. Even though Chell does not appear to be overweight, she is poked at many times for it through the course of the game. GLaDOS mocks this when the [[Aerial Faith Plate]] is first introduced saying that "the machine can not handle such a heavy load." GLaDOS also hints at Chell's weight in the Co-Op mode when [[P-Body]] and [[Atlas]] are being weighed, when GLaDOS tells them how to offend a human with weight statements. Wheatly ({{Spoiler|after taking over the facility}}) directly calls Chell a "fatty no-parents", mocking her weight and the fact that she is an orphan.
During the events of Portal 2, {{Spoiler|it is implied that Chell may be the daughter of a scientist who worked at Aperture Science, due to a science project in the [[Portal 2 Chapter 4 Test Chamber 21 (Escape)|pre-takeover escape sequence]].}}


=== ''Portal'' ===
=== ''Portal'' ===
At some point in 2010, during the introductory sequence of ''[[Portal]]'', Chell is awakened in a [[Relaxation Vault]] after being unconsciously placed into it. Curious, she explores the Vault, and within only ten seconds of awakening, Chell is greeted by a robotic and seemingly automated female voice who informs her that she is a test subject. The AI, known as the Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System ([[GLaDOS]]), then states that Chell will be undergoing testing for the benefit of [[Aperture Science]]'s research programme.
{{Spoiler|Some time after GLaDOS' takeover of Aperture Science, Chell is awakened in a [[Relaxation Vault]] after being unconsciously placed into it. Curious, she explores the Vault, and within only ten seconds of awakening, Chell is greeted by a robotic and seemingly automated female voice who informs her that she is a test subject. A voice, (later to be revealed as GLaDOS) then states that Chell will be undergoing testing for the benefit of Aperture Science's research program.}}


GLaDOS then generates two oval-shaped teleportation fabrics ([[portals]]) on a solid flat surface, with an entrance portal in the Relaxation Vault and an exit just in front of the exterior of the Vault. Chell exits from the Vault, however she notices empty observation rooms which lack the staff that should be recording her performance. After completing her first test and acquiring an understanding the [[Cubes|cube]]-and-[[Heavy Duty Super-Colliding Super Button|button]] based mechanic, she is put through a series of tests to further explore and understand the use of portals.
GLaDOS then generates two oval-shaped teleportation fabrics ([[portals]]) on a solid flat surface, with an entrance portal in the Relaxation Vault and an exit just in front of the exterior of the Vault. Chell exits from the Vault, however {{Spoiler|she notices empty observation rooms which lack the staff that should be recording her performance.}} After completing her first test and acquiring an understanding the [[Cubes|cube]]-and-[[Heavy Duty Super-Colliding Super Button|button]] based mechanic, she is put through a series of tests to further explore and understand the use of portals.


[[File:Portal Chell.png|thumb|right|100px|Chell as seen in ''Portal''.]]
[[File:Portal Chell.png|thumb|right|100px|Chell as seen in ''Portal''.]]


Having completed two tests, Chellreaches a test chamber in which she acquires the [[Handheld Portal Device|Portal Gun]]. Later on during the testing course, she is put through a series of more dangerous tests including hazards such as [[Goo]] and [[High Energy Pellet]]s among others. Skilfully avoiding these hazards, Chell is assisted by the [[Companion Cube]] and by the Aperture Science [[Advanced Knee Replacement]] components applied to the back of her lower legs to her ankles, which allow Chell to avoid injury when falling at high velocities from high altitudes as a result of portals and momentum. She is also finally able to replace the single-portal variant of her Portal Gun with a two-portal variant. As an incentive to complete the tests, [[GLaDOS]] promises Chell that [[Cake]] will be served once all tests chambers have been completed.
{{Spoiler|Having completed two tests, Chell reaches a test chamber in which she acquires the [[Handheld Portal Device|Portal Gun]]. Later on during the testing course, she is put through a series of more dangerous tests including hazards such as [[Goo]] and [[High Energy Pellet]]s, among others. Skillfully avoiding these hazards, Chell is assisted by the [[Companion Cube]] and by the Aperture Science [[Advanced Knee Replacement]] components applied to the back of her lower legs to her ankles, which allow Chell to avoid injury when falling from great heights. Eventually, the single-portal variant of her Portal Gun is upgraded to create a set of linked portals. As an incentive to complete the tests, [[GLaDOS]] promises Chell that [[cake]] will be served once all tests chambers have been completed.}}


As the testing progresses, Chell stumbles across various areas with defunct [[Panels|wall panels]], and manages to sneak into them. As she enters these maintenance areas, she finds refuge areas commonly known as the [[Doug Rattmann|Rattmann]]'s Dens, previously used as as hiding placed by Aperture technician Doug Rattmann. The scribblings on the walls in these Dens appear to be warnings for Chell, telling her that "the cake is a lie" and that "she's watching you". Chell, now made more aware of her situation, is forced to continue testing and play along with GLaDOS' plans. The Rattman's warnings are eventually revealed to be correct, because GLaDOS finally decides to lower Chell into a fire pit upon completing the final test chamber, despite earlier promises of cake.
As the testing progresses, Chell {{Spoiler|stumbles across various areas with defunct [[Panels|wall panels]], and manages to sneak into them. As she enters these maintenance areas, she finds refuge areas commonly known as the [[Doug Rattmann|Rat Man]]'s Dens, previously used as hiding places by Aperture technician Doug Rattmann. The scribblings on the walls in these Dens appear to be warnings for Chell, telling her that "the cake is a lie" and that "she's watching you". Chell, now made more aware of her situation, is forced to continue testing and play along with GLaDOS' plans. The Rat Man's warnings are eventually revealed to be correct, as GLaDOS attempts to murder Chell upon her completion of the final test chamber, despite earlier promises of cake.}}


Chell successfully escapes the dramatically slow death trap, and is informed by GLaDOS that pretending to kill Chell is simply part of the test. Dubious as to the veracity of this claim, Chell escapes the testing course, and travels through the Aperture Science Facility in an attempt to reach the surface and escape. Eventually however, Chell realizes there there is no chance of escape as long as GLaDOS is in control of the Facility, and is forced to confront GLaDOS in the Central AI Chamber.
{{Spoiler|Chell successfully escapes the dramatically slow death trap, and is informed by GLaDOS that pretending to kill Chell is simply part of the test. Dubious as to the veracity of this claim, Chell escapes the testing course, and travels through the Aperture Science Facility in an attempt to reach the surface and escape. Eventually however, Chell realizes there there is no chance of escape as long as GLaDOS is in control of the Facility, and is forced to confront GLaDOS in the [[Central AI Chamber]].}}


As she prepares to face GLaDOS, Chell is greeted by the passive-aggressive rogue AI. GLaDOS claims that she will provide Chell with a surprise, however a [[Cores#Morality Core|Morality Core]] unexpectedly detaches from GLaDOS' chassis. Chell destroys it using a nearby [[Emergency Intelligence Incinerator]], however the Core is revealed to be a safeguard designed to inhibit GLaDOS' homicidal tendencies. With the Core destroyed, GLaDOS releases [[Neurotoxin]] into the chamber in order to kill Chell. At the same time, a [[Turrets#Rocket Turret|Rocket Turret]] emerges from a core hatch beside GLaDOS and begins to target Chell. Using the Portal Gun, Chell redirects the projectiles through linked portals, causing the rockets to strike GLaDOS, each of which detaches more Personality Cores from the chassis. Although inflicting damage, the loss of the Cores merely increases GLaDOS's desire to kill Chell. After destroying each detached Core one-by-one, Chell destroys the final Core (the [[Cores#Anger Core|Anger Core]]), and GLaDOS is sent literally spiralling into her demise, as the destruction of her generators triggers a gravitational vortex, which deposits Chell on the surface.
{{Spoiler|Upon entry to the chamber, Chell is greeted by the passive-aggressive rogue AI. GLaDOS claims that she will provide Chell with a surprise, however a [[Cores#Morality Core|Morality Core]] unexpectedly detaches from GLaDOS' chassis. Chell destroys it using a nearby [[Emergency Intelligence Incinerator]], however the Core is revealed to be a safeguard designed to inhibit GLaDOS' homicidal tendencies. With the Core destroyed, GLaDOS releases [[neurotoxin]] into the chamber in an attempt to kill Chell. At the same time, a [[Turrets#Rocket Turret|Rocket Turret]] emerges from a core hatch beside GLaDOS and begins to target Chell. Using the Portal Gun, Chell redirects the projectiles through linked portals, causing the rockets to strike GLaDOS, each of which detaches more Personality Cores from the chassis. Although inflicting damage, the loss of the Cores merely increases GLaDOS's desire to kill Chell. After destroying each detached Core one-by-one, Chell destroys the final Core (the [[Cores#Anger Core|Anger Core]]), and GLaDOS is sent literally spiraling into her demise, as the destruction of her generators triggers a gravitational vortex, which deposits Chell on the surface.}}


Chell slowly regains consciousness in the parking lot of the Enrichment Center, with with a lifeless GLaDOS beside her. As Chell's vision clears, the [[Party Escort Bot]] thanks her for "assuming the party escort submission position", and begins dragging her back into the now-ruined Aperture Science Facility. As Chell is dragged away, it is revealed that the destruction of the Central Core (GLaDOS) resulted in the automatic activation of other Personality Cores, tasked with the management of the Enrichment Center while GLaDOS is offline. The final scene depicts the Companion Cube and a cake deep within the bowels Facility, waiting for Chell to claim them.
{{Spoiler|Chell slowly regains consciousness in the parking lot of the Enrichment Center, with with a lifeless GLaDOS beside her. As Chell's vision clears, the [[Party Escort Bot]] thanks her for "assuming the party escort submission position", and begins dragging her back into the now-ruined Aperture Science Facility. As Chell is dragged away, it is revealed that the destruction of the Central Core (GLaDOS) resulted in the automatic activation of other Personality Cores, tasked with the management of the Enrichment Center while GLaDOS is offline. The final scene depicts the Companion Cube and a cake deep within the bowels Facility, waiting for Chell to claim them.}}
 
=== ''[[Portal 2: Lab Rat|Lab Rat]]'' ===
During the course of the comic, we are introduced to former Aperture scientist, Doug Rattman. {{Spoiler|He witnesses the apparent destruction of GLaDOS, and later, {{Spoiler| after escaping from the facility himself,}} witnesses the recapturing of Chell by the Party Escort Robot. Following the robot, he finds that Chell has been placed into an [[Aperture Science Extended Relaxation Center| Extended Relaxation Vault]]. However, as a result of the explosion {{Spoiler|at the conclusion of Portal}}, all of the relaxation vaults' life support systems are offline. Doug patches Chell's vault onto a reserve grid (as he was unable to open the vault), allowing Chell to survive the years prior to her reawakening in Portal 2.}}


=== ''Portal 2'' ===
=== ''Portal 2'' ===
Many years after the events of the original games, where [[GLaDOS]] has been defeted, Chell is awakened by [[Wheatley]], a Personality Core which is believed to be attached to GLaDOS in the first game, convinces Chell to escape with him through the ruined facility. {{Spoiler|The pair accidentally find themselves in the remains of GLaDOS' chamber. Wheatley awakes GLaDOS, which becomes angry at Chell, because she got defeted in the first game.}}
{{Spoiler|Many years after the events of the original games, Chell is revived by [[Wheatley]], a [[Personality Core]]. After a brief introduction, he convinces Chell to escape with him from the ruined facility. The pair eventually find themselves in the remains of GLaDOS' chamber. Wheatley then inadvertently reawakens GLaDOS, who immediately recognizes Chell. Discarding Wheatley, GLaDOS plunges Chell back into the depths of Aperture, to resume testing.}}


{{Spoiler|Chell finds herself testing in the ruined facility with GLaDOS, but after a few chambers, Wheatley takes Chell to help him destroy GLaDOS' defenses. They cut off her [[turret]] production and [[Neurotoxin]] supply. GLaDOS eventually manages to trap Chell and bring her into her lair. Eventally a core transfer between GLaDOS and Wheatley is present. Shortly after, GLaDOS' head is detached and Wheatley is now incharge of Aperture. The power he got from the transfer starts to control him, making him become a power-sick moron. Wheatley snaps, makes GLaDOS a potato and throw Chell from the escape lift to the underground area of Aperture, which is a 1960-1980 part of the facility.}}
{{Spoiler|Chell finds herself testing in the ruined facility with GLaDOS, but after several chambers, Wheatley rescues Chell to help him sabotage GLaDOS' weaponry, allowing for a coup to take place later. GLaDOS eventually manages to trap Chell and bring her into her lair. After finding that her preferred methods of murder are unusable, Chell and GLaDOS find themselves at a standstill. Wheatley reappears, and after Chell initiates a core transfer, replaces GLaDOS as the Central AI of Aperture. However, he goes mad with power, dismantles the remains of GLaDOS' head and reconfigures it into a potato battery, and accidentally sends both GLaDOS and Chell to the decomposing underbelly of the facility, "Old Aperture," which had been sealed off for many decades.}}


{{Spoiler|In "old-aperture", Chell meets [[Cave Johnson]], the dead founder and CEO of Aperture and his assistant [[Caroline]]. Thoughout the tests, Chell finds and re-activates the [[Repulsion Gel]], [[Propulsion Gel]] and [[Conversion Gel]]. She eventually finds the Potato GLaDOS and reunits with her to get GLaDOS back in charge. GLaDOS finds her that Caroline, Cave's assistant, is actually her. They find their way up back to the present facility, which looks clean and tidy, and start to face Wheatley.}}
{{Spoiler|In Old Aperture, Chell is introduced to [[Cave Johnson]], the now-deceased founder and CEO of Aperture and his assistant [[Caroline]]. Throughout the tests, Chell finds and re-activates the [[Repulsion Gel|Repulsion]], [[Propulsion Gel|Propulsion]] and [[Conversion Gel|Conversion Gels]]. She is reunited with GLaDOS during her travel through Old Aperture, and the two forge a plot to overthrow Wheatley in exchange for Chell's freedom.}}


{{Spoiler|Wheatley, which is in charge of the facility, using his limited mind, has build a new "cube" called "FrankenTurret", which combines a Turret with a Weighted Storage Cube. Wheatley runs Chell through a series of tests, until a chase begins, and Wheatley tries his best to stop GLaDOS and Chell, but fails, and GLaDOS and Chell face Wheatley by attaching cores to his body. Eventualy, Wheatley is thrown to space and GLaDOS comes back to her body. There, she speaks a monolauge with herself about Caroline and brings Chell out of Aperture.}}
{{Spoiler|After departing from Old Aperture, the duo locate a test chamber that Wheatley is overseeing and attempt to disable him via a logical paradox. This fails, however, and they quickly find themselves solving Wheatley's own cobbled-together tests. Much like in the first game, Wheatley tries to kill Chell and GLaDOS, saying that he had found the [[Cooperative Testing Initiative| perfect replacements]] for Chell. After a lengthy chase through the upper facility, Chell and GLaDOS are again in the Central AI Chamber with Wheatley. Chell furthers Wheatley's "corruption" by attaching corrupted cores to his frame, allowing for a second core transfer. Before Chell can do this, however, Wheatley detonates bombs that he had "booby-trapped the stalemate button" with in a last ditch effort to maintain control. However, Chell fires one last set of portals above and below Wheatley. These portals link together the Moon and the Central AI Chamber, and both Chell and Wheatley are sucked through into outer space. Seconds afterward, GLaDOS regains control of her chassis, rescues Chell, and closes the portals, leaving Wheatley to be lost in space. After a monologue, GLaDOS (supposedly) makes good on her promise, and delivers Chell, via high-speed elevator, to the surface above Aperture Science. As the elevator ascends, it enters an ampitheatre-like space, where a [[Turret Opera|choir of turrets]] sing [[Cara Mia|a farewell song]] to Chell. Chell's elevator emerges in a shed in a large field of wheat. Chell's [[Weighted Companion Cube|Companion Cube]] is also sent up moments afterword, presumably as a token of "thank you" from GLaDOS. After expelling the Companion Cube, the elevator door slams violently, probably to indicate that GLaDOS does not want Chell to return to the Enrichment Center again.}}


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 47: Line 52:
|height=150
|height=150
|width=150
|width=150
|File:Chell first person.png|alt1=Chell|Chell holding the Portal Gun, first-person view in ''Portal 2''.
|File:Portal 2 Potato Viewmodel.png|alt1=Alternate viewmodel|{{Spoiler|Chell first-person view in ''Portal 2'' with [[GLaDOS]] as a potato attached to it.}}|spoiler2=yes
|File:Portal Chell.png|alt2=Chell in ''Portal''.|Chell as she was seen in ''[[Portal]]''.
|File:Alésia Glidewell Chell reference pose.jpg|alt3=[[wikipedia:Alésia Glidewell|:Alésia Glidewell]] posing for a Chell reference shot.|[[wikipedia::Alésia Glidewell|Alésia Glidewell]] posing for a Chell reference shot.
|File:Alésia Glidewell Chell reference pose.jpg|alt3=[[wikipedia:Alésia Glidewell|:Alésia Glidewell]] posing for a Chell reference shot.|[[wikipedia::Alésia Glidewell|Alésia Glidewell]] posing for a Chell reference shot.
|File:Chell_from_Personality_Test.jpg|alt4=Chell image from the official Aperture Science Collaborative Disposition Test.|Chell image from the [http://www.thinkwithportals.com/coop_survey.php official Aperture Science Collaborative Disposition Test].
|File:Chell_from_Personality_Test.jpg|alt4=Chell image from the official Aperture Science Collaborative Disposition Test.|Chell image from the [http://www.thinkwithportals.com/coop_survey.php official Aperture Science Collaborative Disposition Test].
Line 65: Line 67:
|File:GLaDOS Lithograph Aperture's Requiem.png|alt16=Chell and GLaDOS on the "Aperture's Requiem" lithograph.|Chell and [[GLaDOS]] on the "Aperture's Requiem" lithograph.
|File:GLaDOS Lithograph Aperture's Requiem.png|alt16=Chell and GLaDOS on the "Aperture's Requiem" lithograph.|Chell and [[GLaDOS]] on the "Aperture's Requiem" lithograph.
|File:Red-Nosed P02.jpg|alt17=Chell in the "Randolph the Red-Nosed Turret" comic.|Chell in the "[[Randolph the Red-Nosed Turret]]" comic.
|File:Red-Nosed P02.jpg|alt17=Chell in the "Randolph the Red-Nosed Turret" comic.|Chell in the "[[Randolph the Red-Nosed Turret]]" comic.
|File:LEGO Minifig Chell.jpg|alt18=LEGO Chell minifig|LEGO Chell minifig.
|File:LEGO Dimensions Chell.png|alt19=Chell in LEGO Dimensions|Chell in [[LEGO Dimensions]].
}}
}}


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
* {{Spoiler|One of the ''Bring Your Daughter to Work Day'' science-fair entries within ''Portal 2'' is signed, "by Chell"; indicating Chell was the daughter of an Aperture Science employee. The entry seemingly began as a potato, interacting with "an element from daddys work" and has now grown massively out of control and taken up roots in the structure.}}
* {{Spoiler|One of the ''Bring Your Daughter to Work Day'' science-fair entries within ''Portal 2'' is signed, "by Chell"; indicating Chell was the daughter of an Aperture Science employee. The entry seemingly began as a potato, interacting with "an element from daddy's work" and has now grown massively out of control and taken up roots in the structure. This is also hinted at by GLaDOS at the end of the third test chamber of the first Portal where she says "Well done, remember, the Aperture Science Bring Your Daughter to Work Day is the perfect time to have her tested." and in the sixth chamber in which she states "Unbelievable. You, SUBJECT NAME HERE must be the pride of SUBJECT HOMETOWN HERE."}}
* {{Spoiler|The [[turret]] opera at the end of ''Portal 2'' mentions Chell by name, calling her "cara mia" {{N}} "my dear" in Italian. This implies a deeper connection between Chell and GLaDOS than was previously let on.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtAXSyFCWXY</ref>}}
* Chell is modeled after actress {{W|Alésia Glidewell}}, and appears to be of mixed-race white European and East or Southeast Asian background, with dark hair and blue eyes.
* Chell is modeled after actress {{W|Alésia Glidewell}}.
* In ''[[Portal]]'', Chell may sometimes emit small screams when hurt. However, these voice clips are simply archive recordings from [[Half-Life 2]]'s female citizens, who were voiced by Mary Kae Irvin. This was then one of many things that received a retroactive continuity in ''[[Portal 2]]'', as Chell no longer emits any pain groans whatsoever.
* In ''[[Portal]]'', Chell may sometimes emit small screams when hurt. However, these voice clips are simply archive recordings from [[Half-Life 2]]'s female citizens, who were voiced by Mary Kae Irvin. This was then one of many things that received a retroactive continuity in ''[[Portal 2]]'', as Chell no longer emits any pain groans whatsoever.
 
* Chell used to be the second partner seen in Co-Op. She was replaced by [[P-Body]] early in development.
* In the original ending sequence, {{Spoiler|the Stalemate Resolution Button was to be destroyed by Wheatley, in which the Announcer would say the stalemate would be resolved if the Stalemate Resolution Associate would say "Yes." This led to a blackout in which, upon pressing a button, Chell would say "Yes." This was cut due to playtesters finding it hard to find out who was actually saying yes. <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vboI7UUziHk</ref>}}
* Chell appears alongside several other ''Portal 2'' characters in the ''Portal 2 Level Pack'' for [[LEGO Dimensions]].
* GLaDOS states to Chell {{Spoiler|that she had found two test subjects in cryogenic storage with her last name, implying that her parents may have worked at Aperture, and were not killed upon the Bring Your Daughter to Work Day disaster.}}
* Though she is who the player is playing as her name is almost never said in [[Portal]] or in [[Portal 2]], presumably to allow the player to feel as it is them.
== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Portal 2: Lab Rat]]
* [[Portal 2: Lab Rat]]

Latest revision as of 03:36, 14 February 2024

Chell as seen in Portal 2.
You really are doing great... Chell.
GLaDOS

Chell, documented as Test Subject #1 but previously as #1498,[1] was a test subject of the Aperture Science computer-aided Enrichment Center, and was involved in the testing of the Company's Handheld Portal Device (commonly known as the Portal Gun).

She is the silent protagonist of Portal and the single-player campaign in Portal 2. Very little is known of her past, beyond her possible abandonment at birth and her stubborn will to live.

Throughout the series, Chell is antagonized by the central core and facility overseer GLaDOS during her testing courses. Wielding only the Handheld Portal Device, she eventually utilizes this device as a means of avoiding hazards and bypassing various sections of the facility in order to escape.

According to one timeline, she likely has soulless clones made from her DNA.[2]

Overview

Much of Chell's past remains a mystery. During the final events of Portal, GLaDOS mentions numerous times that Chell was abandoned at birth, and also mentions that she was adopted, and such references continue throughout Portal 2, although the credibility of GLaDOS' word is unclear. Many of GLaDOS' comments throughout Portal 2 and the latter stages of Portal are in an effort to belittle, annoy or distract Chell from achieving her goal, and whether or not statements of her adoption and orphan status are true or not is up for debate.

During the events of Portal 2, it is implied that Chell may be the daughter of a scientist who worked at Aperture Science, due to a science project in the pre-takeover escape sequence.

Portal

Some time after GLaDOS' takeover of Aperture Science, Chell is awakened in a Relaxation Vault after being unconsciously placed into it. Curious, she explores the Vault, and within only ten seconds of awakening, Chell is greeted by a robotic and seemingly automated female voice who informs her that she is a test subject. A voice, (later to be revealed as GLaDOS) then states that Chell will be undergoing testing for the benefit of Aperture Science's research program.

GLaDOS then generates two oval-shaped teleportation fabrics (portals) on a solid flat surface, with an entrance portal in the Relaxation Vault and an exit just in front of the exterior of the Vault. Chell exits from the Vault, however she notices empty observation rooms which lack the staff that should be recording her performance. After completing her first test and acquiring an understanding the cube-and-button based mechanic, she is put through a series of tests to further explore and understand the use of portals.

Chell as seen in Portal.

Having completed two tests, Chell reaches a test chamber in which she acquires the Portal Gun. Later on during the testing course, she is put through a series of more dangerous tests including hazards such as Goo and High Energy Pellets, among others. Skillfully avoiding these hazards, Chell is assisted by the Companion Cube and by the Aperture Science Advanced Knee Replacement components applied to the back of her lower legs to her ankles, which allow Chell to avoid injury when falling from great heights. Eventually, the single-portal variant of her Portal Gun is upgraded to create a set of linked portals. As an incentive to complete the tests, GLaDOS promises Chell that cake will be served once all tests chambers have been completed.

As the testing progresses, Chell stumbles across various areas with defunct wall panels, and manages to sneak into them. As she enters these maintenance areas, she finds refuge areas commonly known as the Rat Man's Dens, previously used as hiding places by Aperture technician Doug Rattmann. The scribblings on the walls in these Dens appear to be warnings for Chell, telling her that "the cake is a lie" and that "she's watching you". Chell, now made more aware of her situation, is forced to continue testing and play along with GLaDOS' plans. The Rat Man's warnings are eventually revealed to be correct, as GLaDOS attempts to murder Chell upon her completion of the final test chamber, despite earlier promises of cake.

Chell successfully escapes the dramatically slow death trap, and is informed by GLaDOS that pretending to kill Chell is simply part of the test. Dubious as to the veracity of this claim, Chell escapes the testing course, and travels through the Aperture Science Facility in an attempt to reach the surface and escape. Eventually however, Chell realizes there there is no chance of escape as long as GLaDOS is in control of the Facility, and is forced to confront GLaDOS in the Central AI Chamber.

Upon entry to the chamber, Chell is greeted by the passive-aggressive rogue AI. GLaDOS claims that she will provide Chell with a surprise, however a Morality Core unexpectedly detaches from GLaDOS' chassis. Chell destroys it using a nearby Emergency Intelligence Incinerator, however the Core is revealed to be a safeguard designed to inhibit GLaDOS' homicidal tendencies. With the Core destroyed, GLaDOS releases neurotoxin into the chamber in an attempt to kill Chell. At the same time, a Rocket Turret emerges from a core hatch beside GLaDOS and begins to target Chell. Using the Portal Gun, Chell redirects the projectiles through linked portals, causing the rockets to strike GLaDOS, each of which detaches more Personality Cores from the chassis. Although inflicting damage, the loss of the Cores merely increases GLaDOS's desire to kill Chell. After destroying each detached Core one-by-one, Chell destroys the final Core (the Anger Core), and GLaDOS is sent literally spiraling into her demise, as the destruction of her generators triggers a gravitational vortex, which deposits Chell on the surface.

Chell slowly regains consciousness in the parking lot of the Enrichment Center, with with a lifeless GLaDOS beside her. As Chell's vision clears, the Party Escort Bot thanks her for "assuming the party escort submission position", and begins dragging her back into the now-ruined Aperture Science Facility. As Chell is dragged away, it is revealed that the destruction of the Central Core (GLaDOS) resulted in the automatic activation of other Personality Cores, tasked with the management of the Enrichment Center while GLaDOS is offline. The final scene depicts the Companion Cube and a cake deep within the bowels Facility, waiting for Chell to claim them.

Lab Rat

During the course of the comic, we are introduced to former Aperture scientist, Doug Rattman. He witnesses the apparent destruction of GLaDOS, and later, after escaping from the facility himself, witnesses the recapturing of Chell by the Party Escort Robot. Following the robot, he finds that Chell has been placed into an Extended Relaxation Vault. However, as a result of the explosion at the conclusion of Portal, all of the relaxation vaults' life support systems are offline. Doug patches Chell's vault onto a reserve grid (as he was unable to open the vault), allowing Chell to survive the years prior to her reawakening in Portal 2.

Portal 2

Many years after the events of the original games, Chell is revived by Wheatley, a Personality Core. After a brief introduction, he convinces Chell to escape with him from the ruined facility. The pair eventually find themselves in the remains of GLaDOS' chamber. Wheatley then inadvertently reawakens GLaDOS, who immediately recognizes Chell. Discarding Wheatley, GLaDOS plunges Chell back into the depths of Aperture, to resume testing.

Chell finds herself testing in the ruined facility with GLaDOS, but after several chambers, Wheatley rescues Chell to help him sabotage GLaDOS' weaponry, allowing for a coup to take place later. GLaDOS eventually manages to trap Chell and bring her into her lair. After finding that her preferred methods of murder are unusable, Chell and GLaDOS find themselves at a standstill. Wheatley reappears, and after Chell initiates a core transfer, replaces GLaDOS as the Central AI of Aperture. However, he goes mad with power, dismantles the remains of GLaDOS' head and reconfigures it into a potato battery, and accidentally sends both GLaDOS and Chell to the decomposing underbelly of the facility, "Old Aperture," which had been sealed off for many decades.

In Old Aperture, Chell is introduced to Cave Johnson, the now-deceased founder and CEO of Aperture and his assistant Caroline. Throughout the tests, Chell finds and re-activates the Repulsion, Propulsion and Conversion Gels. She is reunited with GLaDOS during her travel through Old Aperture, and the two forge a plot to overthrow Wheatley in exchange for Chell's freedom.

After departing from Old Aperture, the duo locate a test chamber that Wheatley is overseeing and attempt to disable him via a logical paradox. This fails, however, and they quickly find themselves solving Wheatley's own cobbled-together tests. Much like in the first game, Wheatley tries to kill Chell and GLaDOS, saying that he had found the perfect replacements for Chell. After a lengthy chase through the upper facility, Chell and GLaDOS are again in the Central AI Chamber with Wheatley. Chell furthers Wheatley's "corruption" by attaching corrupted cores to his frame, allowing for a second core transfer. Before Chell can do this, however, Wheatley detonates bombs that he had "booby-trapped the stalemate button" with in a last ditch effort to maintain control. However, Chell fires one last set of portals above and below Wheatley. These portals link together the Moon and the Central AI Chamber, and both Chell and Wheatley are sucked through into outer space. Seconds afterward, GLaDOS regains control of her chassis, rescues Chell, and closes the portals, leaving Wheatley to be lost in space. After a monologue, GLaDOS (supposedly) makes good on her promise, and delivers Chell, via high-speed elevator, to the surface above Aperture Science. As the elevator ascends, it enters an ampitheatre-like space, where a choir of turrets sing a farewell song to Chell. Chell's elevator emerges in a shed in a large field of wheat. Chell's Companion Cube is also sent up moments afterword, presumably as a token of "thank you" from GLaDOS. After expelling the Companion Cube, the elevator door slams violently, probably to indicate that GLaDOS does not want Chell to return to the Enrichment Center again.

Gallery

Trivia

  • One of the Bring Your Daughter to Work Day science-fair entries within Portal 2 is signed, "by Chell"; indicating Chell was the daughter of an Aperture Science employee. The entry seemingly began as a potato, interacting with "an element from daddy's work" and has now grown massively out of control and taken up roots in the structure. This is also hinted at by GLaDOS at the end of the third test chamber of the first Portal where she says "Well done, remember, the Aperture Science Bring Your Daughter to Work Day is the perfect time to have her tested." and in the sixth chamber in which she states "Unbelievable. You, SUBJECT NAME HERE must be the pride of SUBJECT HOMETOWN HERE."
  • Chell is modeled after actress Alésia Glidewell, and appears to be of mixed-race white European and East or Southeast Asian background, with dark hair and blue eyes.
  • In Portal, Chell may sometimes emit small screams when hurt. However, these voice clips are simply archive recordings from Half-Life 2's female citizens, who were voiced by Mary Kae Irvin. This was then one of many things that received a retroactive continuity in Portal 2, as Chell no longer emits any pain groans whatsoever.
  • Chell used to be the second partner seen in Co-Op. She was replaced by P-Body early in development.
  • In the original ending sequence, the Stalemate Resolution Button was to be destroyed by Wheatley, in which the Announcer would say the stalemate would be resolved if the Stalemate Resolution Associate would say "Yes." This led to a blackout in which, upon pressing a button, Chell would say "Yes." This was cut due to playtesters finding it hard to find out who was actually saying yes. [4]
  • Chell appears alongside several other Portal 2 characters in the Portal 2 Level Pack for LEGO Dimensions.
  • GLaDOS states to Chell that she had found two test subjects in cryogenic storage with her last name, implying that her parents may have worked at Aperture, and were not killed upon the Bring Your Daughter to Work Day disaster.
  • Though she is who the player is playing as her name is almost never said in Portal or in Portal 2, presumably to allow the player to feel as it is them.

See Also

References