Laura Roslin

Laura Roslin is a fictional character in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series. Played by Mary McDonnell, she is the President of the colonies and a key character throughout the series. The character is noted in part for a realistic moral complexity and nuance. Character analysis and reception Geoff Ryman praises both the writing and performance. He highlights many aspects of the character including the moral complexity her decisions exemplify in the show, which "is commenting on modern issues in a way that does not take sides". Karen Walsh calls the character realistic and nuanced, explaining that Roslin is defined by both strength and weakness, hubris and a belief in the greater good. She notes that "Laura Roslin's willingness to accept consequences and admit mistakes offers a model proving the importance of multifaceted characters.... Her flaws empower her." Roz Kaveney says, "Roslin is a schoolteacher turned politician turned prophet – she is almost by definition extraordinary." Daniel Milsky describes Roslin's character evolution through the show. To start "she appears to be a nonsectarian voice of reason... simply a victim of circumstance." Later in the series, perhaps due to the "chamalla" she uses to fight her cancer, she begins having visions, eventually coming to believe she "is fulfilling a 1,600-year old prophecy and has been fated to lead the colonists to their salvation".