Source: TV series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Sexuality: Lesbian
Gender Identity: Cisgender woman
Pronouns: She or her
Relationship Status: In a romantic relationship with Catra
Affiliation: The Rebellion, Princess Alliance
Former Affiliation: The Horde
Hero Identity: She-Ra

Overview
Adora is the lead character in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a former Horde soldier who becomes the magical warrior She-Ra. Her story explores personal identity, liberation, queer love, and healing from trauma. Adora’s evolution from a loyal enforcer to a protector of Etheria is deeply intertwined with her emotional growth and the relationships she builds, especially her connection with Catra.

History

Childhood and the Horde
Adora was raised inside the Horde by Shadow Weaver, trained to become one of its most elite soldiers. Alongside her closest companion, Catra, she believed she was helping bring order to Etheria. She excelled in combat and tactics and was viewed as a model cadet.

Discovery and Defection
Her life changes when she finds the Sword of Protection and meets Glimmer and Bow. For the first time, she sees the world outside the Horde’s lies. Horrified by what she learns, Adora defects and joins the Rebellion.

Becoming She-Ra
With the sword, Adora transforms into She-Ra, a legendary protector of Etheria. Initially overwhelmed, she struggles with the weight of the role and the expectations others place on her. Over time, she makes the role her own, reshaping what it means to be She-Ra on her terms.

End of the War and Finding Love
Adora’s emotional journey culminates in her reconciliation and romantic confession to Catra. Their bond becomes central to the final battle, where their love quite literally helps save the universe. They begin a committed relationship after the war.

Personality

Adora is brave, loyal, and deeply compassionate. She often takes on the burdens of others and struggles to prioritize herself. While serious and responsible on the battlefield, she is socially awkward, goofy, and a bit of a dork with friends. She has trouble asking for help and frequently sacrifices her own well-being for the good of others.

Core traits
Loyal and determined
Protective and selfless
Often emotionally reserved
Struggles with imposter syndrome
Grows into self-confidence through love and support

Flaws
Tendency to self-sacrifice
Carries guilt easily
Resistant to leaning on others
Fear of failure or not living up to expectations

Growth
Across the series, Adora becomes more emotionally open, recognizes her own worth beyond being She-Ra, and learns that she deserves love and joy. Her relationship with Catra helps her embrace vulnerability and step into her true self.

Identities

Sexuality
Adora is canonically a lesbian. Her romantic love for Catra is explicitly portrayed and resolved with a joyful and healthy relationship.

Gender
Cis woman

Cultural role
Adora is one of the first explicitly lesbian lead characters in an all-ages Western animated series. Her story is often cited as a milestone for LGBTQ plus representation in animation.

Relationships

Catra
Adora’s closest companion since childhood and eventual romantic partner. Their relationship is filled with tension, betrayal, longing, and redemption. The love between them is deep, complicated, and ultimately healing. Their kiss and love confession in the final season are considered a landmark moment in queer animation.

Glimmer and Bow
Her two best friends and trusted allies in the Rebellion. Bow offers grounded emotional support and encouragement, while Glimmer often challenges Adora to push beyond her limitations. Together, the trio becomes a powerful force for change on Etheria.

Shadow Weaver
Adora’s abusive former mentor and mother figure in the Horde. Their relationship is fraught with manipulation and trauma. Even after leaving the Horde, Adora struggles with the long-lasting impact of Shadow Weaver’s control and emotional conditioning.

Symbolism and Representation

Adora’s transformation into She-Ra reflects more than magical power. It symbolizes finding strength through self-acceptance and redefining chosen destiny. Her story highlights themes of leaving behind systems of control, claiming agency, and embracing queer identity without shame. Her relationship with Catra portrays a nuanced and affirming depiction of lesbian love in a heroic narrative.

Notable Quotes

“I am She-Ra, and I won’t let you harm my friends”
“I didn’t want to leave. I had to”
“You love me. You are the one who’s always been there. I love you too”

Trivia

Adora is voiced by Aimee Carrero
The showrunner Noelle Stevenson confirmed Adora as a lesbian
She and Catra were intended to be endgame from early in the series
Her design changes slightly throughout the series to reflect her emotional growth and physical transformation