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'''Laura Roslin''' is a woman with some 20 years of political experience. She serves as Secretary of Education for the Colonial [[Government]] at the time of the Cylon attack, later becoming president of the Twelve Colonies after the Cylon attack.
'''Laura Roslin''' is the last surviving government official of the original [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]], becoming its new President after the Colonies' destruction.
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== Background ==
== Background ==
Roslin, a former teacher, worked with [[Richard Adar]] when he was a mayor. Over the years, she herself has risen in political rank to the office of Secretary of Education. Adar and Roslin are in a sexual affair<ref name="marital2>According to a December 2005 [http://www.galacticastation.com/Galactica%20Station/Archives/dec05.html interview] with Mary McDonnell in TV Guide, President Adar, a married man, was having an affair with Roslin in the twilight of his term.</ref> during the events of a teachers strike that she is trying to mediate, to Adar's objection. Roslin learns earily that she, as did her mother, has breast cancer. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is grim, as the cancer has already spread.
Roslin, a former teacher with some twenty years experience, worked with then-mayor [[Richard Adar]]. Over the years, she had risen to the office of Secretary of Education.


She attends as the government representative for the decommissioning ceremonies on battlestar ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. On her return on ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'', the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] begins, leaving billions dead and thousands of lives stranded in space and in need of a leader.
Adar and Roslin are in a sexual affair<ref name="marital2>According to a December 2005 [http://www.galacticastation.com/Galactica%20Station/Archives/dec05.html interview] with Mary McDonnell in TV Guide, President Adar, a married man, was having an affair with Roslin in the twilight of his term.</ref> during the events of a teachers strike that she successfully mediates, to Adar's objection. Roslin learns that she, as did her mother, has breast cancer, and the diagnosis is grim.


Despite [[Case Orange|being thrust into the role of President]] in highly unusual and stressful circumstances, Laura Roslin initially proves herself both tough and capable within the role. Initially in awe of Commander Adama, and worrying that he didn't hold her in high regard, she quickly overcomes her doubts and fears to be able to make the required decisions at the right time, and also stand up to Adama himself ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]). She is always prepared to put the safety and destiny of the Fleet first, no matter what the cost of her actions ("[[Flesh and Bone]]," "[[Home, Part I]]," "[[Home, Part II]]," "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]") while remembering her limitations and fears.
She attends the decommissioning ceremonies on battlestar ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' as the government's representative. On her return on ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]'', the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] begins, leaving billions dead and thousands of lives stranded in space.
 
Despite [[Case Orange|being thrust into the role of President]] in highly unusual and stressful circumstances, Laura Roslin initially proves herself both tough and capable within the role. Initially in awe of Commander Adama, and worrying about his opinion of her, she quickly overcomes her doubts and fears to make the tough decisions. She is always prepared to put the [[Resurrection Ship, Part II|safety]] and [[Home, Part II|destiny]] of [[The Fleet (RDM)|the Fleet]] first, no matter what the cost of her own reputation.


==Character History at a Glance==
==Character History at a Glance==


As her first duties as the new president, Roslin undertakes a rescue mission to round-up any vessels in Caprican space that escaped destruction. Later on ''Galactica'', Roslin successfully persuades ''Galactica'' commander [[William Adama]] away from his original intention of mounting a counter-attack against the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]], and towards helping the new civilian fleet escape from the Cylons.  
As her first duties as the new president, Roslin undertakes a rescue mission to round-up stranded vessels in [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprican]] space. Roslin successfully persuades ''[[Galactica]]'' commander [[William Adama]] from his intention of mounting a hopeless counter-attack against the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] to protecting the last of humanity from annihilation.


Since the exodus, Roslin establishes a fledgling civilian [[government]] within the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]], agrees to abide by civil law regarding her interim term of office, and reestabishes a new [[Quorum of Twelve]]. Roslin and Commander Adama begin their leadership together under an uneasy understanding. Where she is responsible for all civil leadership issues among the surviving Colonials, Adama is responsible for all military decisions ([[Miniseries]]). However, the dividing line is not always clear between the two leaders, initially.
Roslin establishes a fledgling civilian government within the new Fleet and reestablishes a new [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|legislative Quorum]]. Roslin and Commander Adama initial leadership begins uneasy and awkward. With Roslin responsible for all civil leadership matters and Adama for all military decisions ([[Miniseries]]), the dividing line of their duties is often [[You Can't Go Home Again|blurred]] in the first months of their exodus.


While using [[chamalla]] extract as an alternative to [[diloxin]] for cancer treatment, Roslin experiences visions of [[Kobol]] and recalls them to priest [[Elosha]], who recognizes them as those prophesized by [[Pythia]], where a dying leader will find the path to [[Earth]]. After research, she determines that she may be able to substantiate Commander Adama's fictitious knowledge of the location of [[Earth]] with a true bearing to the world using ancient Colonial history.
While using [[chamalla]] over [[diloxin]] for cancer treatment, Roslin experiences prescient visions related to the surprise discovery of [[Kobol]]. Priest [[Elosha]] believes that Roslin may the "dying leader" of the [[Pythia|Pythian prophesy]]. Roslin plans to substantiate Commander Adama's [[Miniseries, Night 2|fictitious knowledge]] of [[Earth|Earth's location]] with an actual bearing from ancient Kobol.


Roslin's actions to retrieve [[Arrow of Apollo|an ancient artifact]] leads Commander Adama to stage a coup. Complicating her arrest, Adama is [[Sharon Valerii|shot by a Cylon agent]]. During her incarceration, Roslin eventually gets support in her quest from the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]] and underground civilian support. After [[Resistance (episode)|escaping ''Galactica's'' brig]], she escapes with a large group of civilian ships that [[Laura Roslin faction|join her in the search for the Tomb of Athena]].
Roslin's actions to retrieve [[Arrow of Apollo|an ancient artifact]] leads Commander Adama to stage a coup. Complicating her arrest, Adama is [[Sharon Valerii|shot by a Cylon agent]], leaving the Fleet in the hands of [[Saul Tigh]]. While in the [[brig]], Roslin gains grassroots support in her quest from the Quorum of Twelve as well as civilians. After [[Resistance (episode)|escaping ''Galactica's'' brig]], she leads a third of the Fleet to Kobol [[Laura Roslin faction|in search for the Tomb of Athena]].


The recovered Commander Adama gains refreshed insight on the need for the Fleet to stay united, finds Roslin's expedition on the surface of Kobol, and begins mending fences. He tells Roslin that her decision was leave the Colonies was correct. If he had chosen to stay, Adama, his son, and all of humanity would be dead. Earlier the excursion, [[Elosha]] is killed. Roslin takes Elosha's blood-spattered copy of the Sacred Scrolls to guide her and to remember her friend.
Early in the excursion, [[Elosha]] is killed, and Roslin is left alone for a time in her spiritual quest. The recovered Commander Adama realizes the need to stay unified, joins Roslin's expedition on Kobol and begins mending fences. He tells Roslin that her decision was leave the Colonies was correct, as choosing to stay would have had them all killed.


With some teamwork, Roslin's team discover the [[Tomb of Athena]] and activate the Tomb's virtual hologram mechanism. Roslin's gamble on faith pays off big for humanity, and the group gains a map and guide to the true location of Earth. Back on ''Galactica'', Commander Adama introduces Roslin as President during a speech on the ship, and leads the audience in a rousing ovation on her return, [[Home, Part II|publicly burying the hatchet]] between them.
The team discovers the [[Tomb of Athena]] and Roslin's leap of faith pays off big with the first specific navigation pointer to Earth. Later on ''Galactica'', Commander Adama introduces Roslin as President during a speech and leads the audience in a rousing ovation on her return, [[Home, Part II|publicly burying the hatchet]] between them.


Since Kobol, Adama and Roslin's respect for each other grew stronger and their leadership in managing fleet business became more cooperative, asking each other for advice and correcting each other as needed. With the news of her illness now common knowledge, the military crew honors Roslin by christening a [[Blackbird|new experimental stealth fighter]] by the name, ''Laura'', a gesture that brings tears to the President.
Since Kobol, Adama and Roslin's mutual respect and joint leadership in managing fleet business becomes more cooperative, each giving advice or correcting each other as needed. With the news of her illness now common knowledge, the military crew honors Roslin by christening a [[Blackbird|new experimental stealth fighter]] by the name, ''Laura'', a gesture that brings tears to the President.


Despite the pleasure of the arrival of battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', Roslin becomes concerned about Cain's abrupt command style and refusal to supply the civilian fleet. After a near-disastrous military confrontation between the two battlestar commanders, Roslin forces them to work on [[Resurrection Ship|more important matters]]. Privately, Roslin tells Adama that Cain must be eliminated for the Fleet's survival.
Despite the pleasure of the arrival of battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', Roslin becomes concerned about [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain's]] draconian command style and attitude towards herself and the civilian fleet. After a [[Standoff Between Galactica and Pegasus|near-disastrous military confrontation]] between the two battlestars, Roslin forces their commanders to concentrate on [[Resurrection Ship|destruction of a critical Cylon ship and its fleet]]. Privately, Roslin is unafraid to warn Adama that Cain must be eliminated if the civilian Fleet is to survive.
[[Image:Roslinadama.jpg|Roslin and Adama.|thumb]]
[[Image:Roslinadama.jpg|Roslin and Adama.|thumb]]
After [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|an important Cylon battle]] and Admiral [[Helena Cain|Cain's death]], Roslin, now more frail with her illness, promotes William Adama to Admiral. By surprise, the new admiral gives the president a kiss, establishing a more personal aspect to their friendship.
After [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|a successful Colonial victory]] and Admiral [[Gina|Cain's death]], the now-frail Roslin promotes William Adama to Admiral. By surprise, the new admiral kisses Roslin, establishing a new romantic tone between them.


Roslin is miraculously saved by the injection of stem cells<ref>In the commentary track for "Epiphanies," Ron Moore states that a longer explanation of Roslin's cure was filmed that explained that the blood's stem cells cure Roslin. However, the scene was cut because he was afraid it would be too complicated and thought of as [[technobabble]]. The character's updated biography on the official Scifi.com site does confirm that stem cells from the hybrid were the actual cure. As such, Battlestar Wiki treats this data canonically as with information found in most deleted scenes.</ref> from the Cylon [[Hera Agathon|hybrid fetus]], which apparently eradicates her cancer ([[Epiphanies]]). In the hours prior to the cure, however, Roslin remembers her last days on Caprica, including an attractive blonde with Dr. Baltar, her vice-president. She now recognizes the blonde as a copy of a [[Number Six|Humanoid Cylon]] and realizes Baltar's probable treachery prior to the Colonies' destruction. Later, she confronts Baltar on his association and [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|confesses the memory]] to William Adama.
A near-death Roslin is [[Epiphanies|saved]] by the fetus <ref>In the commentary track for "Epiphanies," Ron Moore states that a longer explanation of Roslin's cure was filmed that explained that the blood's stem cells cure Roslin. However, the scene was cut because he was afraid it would be too complicated and thought of as [[technobabble]]. The character's updated biography on the official Scifi.com site does confirm that stem cells from the hybrid were the actual cure. As such, Battlestar Wiki treats this data canonically as with information found in most deleted scenes.</ref> of the Cylon [[Hera Agathon|hybrid fetus]] she initially ordered to be aborted. Before her cure, Roslin recalls her last days, including an [[Caprica-Six|attractive blonde]] she saw with Dr. Baltar on Caprica. Realizing Baltar's probable treachery prior to the Colonies' destruction, she soon confronts Baltar and [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|confesses the memory]] to William Adama.


Roslin returns to work with a dispassionate, zealous manner not unlike her predecessor, Richard Adar. Roslin appoints a new aide, [[Tory Foster]], who is an energetic young woman with a great deal of political drive, replacing [[Billy Keikeya]].
Roslin returns to work with a dispassionate, zealous manner, later appointing a new aide, the energetic [[Tory Foster]], to replace the beloved [[Billy Keikeya]], whose [[Sacrifice|sudden death]] depressed her greatly.


Complicating what may have been an easy re-election, Roslin has to fend off controversy on abortion issues while her own vice-president, Dr. Baltar, becomes her rival in the elections. Unknown to anyone else, Roslin, convinced that that the only way to keep the newborn Cylon-hybrid, [[Hera Agathon]], alive but out of the eye of Humanoid Cylons, has the infant's death faked and [[Maya|hides the child]].
Roslin's expected easy re-election becomes complicated as she makes a firm stand against abortion issues while her own vice-president, Dr. Baltar, becomes her rival in the elections. Unknown to Adama, Roslin protects the newborn [[Hera Agathon]] from the Cylons by faking the infant's death and [[Maya|hiding the child with a civilian]].


With the discovery of a habitable planet dubbed "[[New Caprica]]", Baltar successfully wedges colonization against Roslin's campaign. Although she attempts to rig the campaign, Admiral Adama discovers the plot and intervenes. He tells Roslin that the people have made the wrong decision to elect Baltar as president, probably even a disastrous choice, but it was their choice.
When [[New Caprica]] is discovered, Baltar successfully wedges the civilian's desire to colonize against Roslin's campaign. Although [[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II|she attempts to rig the campaign]], Admiral Adama discovers the plot and intervenes, reminding her that the civilians must make their own choices, even if it is probably a disastrous choice. Baltar assumes the mantle of the presidency and orders colonization of New Caprica.


[[Unfinished Business|Early in the colonization]], Roslin finds time to relax on New Caprica. She meets with Admiral Adama, who also takes in some time to unwind. The two friends comfortably chat about matters small and not-so-small over [[New Caprican loco weed|smoking]] and drinking, and later gaze at the stars together, allowing themselves to relax, lying outside, close to each other.
[[Unfinished Business|Early in the colonization]], Roslin finds time to relax on New Caprica and unwinds briefly with Admiral Adama. With the many demands of the Fleet greatly reduced, the two friends comfortably chat over [[New Caprican loco weed|smoking]] and drinking, and later cuddle under at the stars one night, and discuss what the future held for the Fleet.  


[[Image:2BATgyC05.jpg|Roslin as a teacher on New Caprica.|thumb]]
[[Image:2BATgyC05.jpg|Roslin as a teacher on New Caprica.|thumb]]
A year passes on New Caprica, and Baltar's administration becomes the unmitigated, incompetent disaster that Roslin had feared.  As Roslin teaches in the new settlement's schoolm the Cylons discover the colony, as Roslin had feared, and occupy the settlement ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).  
A year passes on New Caprica, and Baltar's administration becomes the unmitigated disaster that Roslin had feared.  Roslin had returned to teaching when the Cylons discover the colony and occupy the settlement ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).  


Roslin is continually viewed as a resistance leader, and [[Exodus, Part I|is persecuted and eventually taken to be executed]], but is rescued along with Tom Zarek, the former vice-president under Baltar. Roslin's relationship with Zarek changes again, this time with Zarek realizing Roslin's strengths, and she of his strengths in turn.
Suspected as a [[New Caprica Resistance|resistance leader]], Roslin [[Exodus, Part I|is persecuted and eventually taken to be executed]], but is rescued along with Tom Zarek, Baltar's former vice-president. In the event, Roslin and Zarek gain a new mutual respect.


Roslin leaves [[Battle of New Caprica|evacuates the planet aboard ''Colonial One'']] during the Second Exodus, and eventually returns to the presidency after new ally President Zarek cedes the office to beccome her new vice-president, but not before he attempts to [[The Circle|rid the Fleet of the Cylon conspirators]] through draconian means. She issues a general pardon to everyone in the Fleet to prevent the Fleet from being torn apart by long trials ([[Collaborators]]).
Roslin eventually returns to the presidency after interim President Zarek cedes the office to become her new vice-president, but not before he purges [[The Circle|several Cylon conspirators]]. She issues a general pardon to everyone in the Fleet to prevent the Fleet from being torn apart by long trials ([[Collaborators]]).


Roslin and Adama work well together in managing Fleet morale in the months leaving New Caprica, analyzing [[A Measure of Salvation|new data that helps guide the Fleet on the way to Earth]] and handling a [[The Passage|serious food shortage]]. Roslin's relationship with Adama is strained when he discovers that Roslin hid the Cylon baby, [[Hera Agathon]], without his knowledge. She is forced to face up to her actions when [[Karl Agathon]] confronts her after he and [[Sharon Agathon|his wife]] attempt an unauthorized rescue of their child, [[The Eye of Jupiter|now in Cylon hands]].
Roslin and Adama return to their pre-Second Exodus synergy, analyzing [[A Measure of Salvation|new data that helps guide the Fleet on the way to Earth]] and handling a [[The Passage|serious food shortage]]. Roslin's relationship with Adama is temporarily strained when the truth about [[Hera Agathon]] is revealed and is forced to admit her mistake when [[Karl Agathon]] and [[Sharon Agathon|his wife]] attempt an unauthorized rescue of their child, [[The Eye of Jupiter|then in Cylon hands]].


After Gaius Baltar is captured, Roslin's desire for answers about his involvement with the Cylons "infects" several others, including Tigh and Admiral Adama. They are unsuccessful in getting any answers, but generate more questions as to why Baltar thinks he may be a Cylon himself. Roslin organizes a tribunal for Baltar and his trial, recruiting [[Lee Adama]] to assist. Admiral Adama and Roslin continue to talk about their feelings about each other, but, always aware of their responsibilities to the Fleet, have not explored their feelings further.
After the [[Collaborators|fugitive]] Gaius Baltar is [[Rapture|captured]], Roslin's desire for answers about Baltar's Cylon involvement "infects" several others, including Tigh and Admiral Adama. [[Taking A Break From All Your Worries|Unsuccessful in getting any answers]], Roslin [[The Son Also Rises|organizes a tribunal]] for Baltar's trial, recruiting [[Lee Adama]] to assist. Admiral Adama and Roslin [[A Day In The Life|become more open about their feelings]], but are always aware of their responsibilities to the Fleet.


==Notes==
==Notes==


*The character of Laura Roslin is unique to the ''Battlestar Galactica'' saga. She has no counterpart to the [[Original Series]], where its version of President [[Adar (TOS)|Adar]] is killed and a presidential replacement is never made. Roslin assumes more of the political-spiritual leadership of the [[Adama (TOS)|Original Series' Commander Adama]], whereas [[William Adama]] is representative of the Original Series' character's military commander aspect.
*The character of Laura Roslin is unique to the ''Battlestar Galactica'' saga, having no counterpart to the [[Original Series]], where its version of President [[Adar (TOS)|Adar]] is killed and a presidential replacement is never made. Roslin assumes more of the political-spiritual leadership of the [[Adama (TOS)|Original Series' Commander Adama]], whereas [[William Adama]] is representative of the Original Series' character's military commander aspect.


*Roslin's apparent cure in "[[Epiphanies]]" contradicts the "dying leader" clause of the [[Pythia|Pythian Prophecy]], despite the fulfillment of her role in the [[Tomb of Athena]] story arc. Indications from the creators of the show suggest that Roslin's health trials may not yet be over.
*Roslin's apparent cure in "[[Epiphanies]]" contradicts the "dying leader" clause of the [[Pythia|Pythian Prophecy]], despite the fulfillment of her role in the [[Tomb of Athena]] story arc. Indications from the creators of the show suggest that Roslin's health trials may not yet be over.


*Actress Mary McDonnell is perhaps best known for her role in the epic film, ''Dances with Wolves'', with Kevin Costner. Another famous role of hers was the First Lady in ''[[w:Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]'', a film which (in a less serious tone than ''Battlestar'') depicts cocky human fighter pilots battling an genocidal enemy from outer space.
*Actress Mary McDonnell is perhaps best known for her role in the epic film, ''Dances with Wolves'', with Kevin Costner. Other famous roles was as the First Lady in ''[[w:Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]'', a film which (in a less serious tone than ''Battlestar'') depicts cocky human fighter pilots battling an genocidal enemy from outer space.


*In [[SDS|the Singer/DeSanto continuation]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]], a female president named [[Mara]] would visit ''Galactica'' in much the same way that Laura Roslin did as part of that ''Galactica'''s decommissioning ceremony.  
*In [[SDS|the Singer/DeSanto continuation]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]], a female president named [[Mara]] would visit ''Galactica'' in much the same way that Laura Roslin did as part of that ''Galactica'''s decommissioning ceremony.  

Revision as of 15:34, 16 March 2007

Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup
Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup

Name

{{{name}}}
Age
Colony Caprica (presumed)
Birth place {{{birthplace}}}
Birth Name Laura Roslin
Birth Date {{{birthdate}}}
Callsign
Nickname {{{nickname}}}
Introduced Miniseries
Death
Parents
Siblings
Children
Marital Status Unmarried[1]
Family Tree View
Role President, The Twelve Colonies of Kobol, former Secretary of Education
Rank
Serial Number {{{serial}}}
Portrayed by Mary McDonnell
Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup is a Cylon
Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup is a Final Five Cylon
Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup is a Human/Cylon Hybrid
Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup is an Original Series Cylon
Related Media
@ BW Media
Additional Information
[[Image:|200px|Think Tank/Character Bio Project/Mockup]]


Laura Roslin is the last surviving government official of the original Twelve Colonies, becoming its new President after the Colonies' destruction.

Background

Roslin, a former teacher with some twenty years experience, worked with then-mayor Richard Adar. Over the years, she had risen to the office of Secretary of Education.

Adar and Roslin are in a sexual affair[2] during the events of a teachers strike that she successfully mediates, to Adar's objection. Roslin learns that she, as did her mother, has breast cancer, and the diagnosis is grim.

She attends the decommissioning ceremonies on battlestar Galactica as the government's representative. On her return on Colonial Heavy 798, the Cylon attack begins, leaving billions dead and thousands of lives stranded in space.

Despite being thrust into the role of President in highly unusual and stressful circumstances, Laura Roslin initially proves herself both tough and capable within the role. Initially in awe of Commander Adama, and worrying about his opinion of her, she quickly overcomes her doubts and fears to make the tough decisions. She is always prepared to put the safety and destiny of the Fleet first, no matter what the cost of her own reputation.

Character History at a Glance

As her first duties as the new president, Roslin undertakes a rescue mission to round-up stranded vessels in Caprican space. Roslin successfully persuades Galactica commander William Adama from his intention of mounting a hopeless counter-attack against the Cylons to protecting the last of humanity from annihilation.

Roslin establishes a fledgling civilian government within the new Fleet and reestablishes a new legislative Quorum. Roslin and Commander Adama initial leadership begins uneasy and awkward. With Roslin responsible for all civil leadership matters and Adama for all military decisions (Miniseries), the dividing line of their duties is often blurred in the first months of their exodus.

While using chamalla over diloxin for cancer treatment, Roslin experiences prescient visions related to the surprise discovery of Kobol. Priest Elosha believes that Roslin may the "dying leader" of the Pythian prophesy. Roslin plans to substantiate Commander Adama's fictitious knowledge of Earth's location with an actual bearing from ancient Kobol.

Roslin's actions to retrieve an ancient artifact leads Commander Adama to stage a coup. Complicating her arrest, Adama is shot by a Cylon agent, leaving the Fleet in the hands of Saul Tigh. While in the brig, Roslin gains grassroots support in her quest from the Quorum of Twelve as well as civilians. After escaping Galactica's brig, she leads a third of the Fleet to Kobol in search for the Tomb of Athena.

Early in the excursion, Elosha is killed, and Roslin is left alone for a time in her spiritual quest. The recovered Commander Adama realizes the need to stay unified, joins Roslin's expedition on Kobol and begins mending fences. He tells Roslin that her decision was leave the Colonies was correct, as choosing to stay would have had them all killed.

The team discovers the Tomb of Athena and Roslin's leap of faith pays off big with the first specific navigation pointer to Earth. Later on Galactica, Commander Adama introduces Roslin as President during a speech and leads the audience in a rousing ovation on her return, publicly burying the hatchet between them.

Since Kobol, Adama and Roslin's mutual respect and joint leadership in managing fleet business becomes more cooperative, each giving advice or correcting each other as needed. With the news of her illness now common knowledge, the military crew honors Roslin by christening a new experimental stealth fighter by the name, Laura, a gesture that brings tears to the President.

Despite the pleasure of the arrival of battlestar Pegasus, Roslin becomes concerned about Admiral Cain's draconian command style and attitude towards herself and the civilian fleet. After a near-disastrous military confrontation between the two battlestars, Roslin forces their commanders to concentrate on destruction of a critical Cylon ship and its fleet. Privately, Roslin is unafraid to warn Adama that Cain must be eliminated if the civilian Fleet is to survive.

Roslin and Adama.

After a successful Colonial victory and Admiral Cain's death, the now-frail Roslin promotes William Adama to Admiral. By surprise, the new admiral kisses Roslin, establishing a new romantic tone between them.

A near-death Roslin is saved by the fetus [3] of the Cylon hybrid fetus she initially ordered to be aborted. Before her cure, Roslin recalls her last days, including an attractive blonde she saw with Dr. Baltar on Caprica. Realizing Baltar's probable treachery prior to the Colonies' destruction, she soon confronts Baltar and confesses the memory to William Adama.

Roslin returns to work with a dispassionate, zealous manner, later appointing a new aide, the energetic Tory Foster, to replace the beloved Billy Keikeya, whose sudden death depressed her greatly.

Roslin's expected easy re-election becomes complicated as she makes a firm stand against abortion issues while her own vice-president, Dr. Baltar, becomes her rival in the elections. Unknown to Adama, Roslin protects the newborn Hera Agathon from the Cylons by faking the infant's death and hiding the child with a civilian.

When New Caprica is discovered, Baltar successfully wedges the civilian's desire to colonize against Roslin's campaign. Although she attempts to rig the campaign, Admiral Adama discovers the plot and intervenes, reminding her that the civilians must make their own choices, even if it is probably a disastrous choice. Baltar assumes the mantle of the presidency and orders colonization of New Caprica.

Early in the colonization, Roslin finds time to relax on New Caprica and unwinds briefly with Admiral Adama. With the many demands of the Fleet greatly reduced, the two friends comfortably chat over smoking and drinking, and later cuddle under at the stars one night, and discuss what the future held for the Fleet.

Roslin as a teacher on New Caprica.

A year passes on New Caprica, and Baltar's administration becomes the unmitigated disaster that Roslin had feared. Roslin had returned to teaching when the Cylons discover the colony and occupy the settlement (Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II).

Suspected as a resistance leader, Roslin is persecuted and eventually taken to be executed, but is rescued along with Tom Zarek, Baltar's former vice-president. In the event, Roslin and Zarek gain a new mutual respect.

Roslin eventually returns to the presidency after interim President Zarek cedes the office to become her new vice-president, but not before he purges several Cylon conspirators. She issues a general pardon to everyone in the Fleet to prevent the Fleet from being torn apart by long trials (Collaborators).

Roslin and Adama return to their pre-Second Exodus synergy, analyzing new data that helps guide the Fleet on the way to Earth and handling a serious food shortage. Roslin's relationship with Adama is temporarily strained when the truth about Hera Agathon is revealed and is forced to admit her mistake when Karl Agathon and his wife attempt an unauthorized rescue of their child, then in Cylon hands.

After the fugitive Gaius Baltar is captured, Roslin's desire for answers about Baltar's Cylon involvement "infects" several others, including Tigh and Admiral Adama. Unsuccessful in getting any answers, Roslin organizes a tribunal for Baltar's trial, recruiting Lee Adama to assist. Admiral Adama and Roslin become more open about their feelings, but are always aware of their responsibilities to the Fleet.

Notes

  • The character of Laura Roslin is unique to the Battlestar Galactica saga, having no counterpart to the Original Series, where its version of President Adar is killed and a presidential replacement is never made. Roslin assumes more of the political-spiritual leadership of the Original Series' Commander Adama, whereas William Adama is representative of the Original Series' character's military commander aspect.
  • Roslin's apparent cure in "Epiphanies" contradicts the "dying leader" clause of the Pythian Prophecy, despite the fulfillment of her role in the Tomb of Athena story arc. Indications from the creators of the show suggest that Roslin's health trials may not yet be over.
  • Actress Mary McDonnell is perhaps best known for her role in the epic film, Dances with Wolves, with Kevin Costner. Other famous roles was as the First Lady in Independence Day, a film which (in a less serious tone than Battlestar) depicts cocky human fighter pilots battling an genocidal enemy from outer space.
  • The glasses that the character wears are also McDonnell's real glasses.[4]
  • President Roslin's appointment as Colonial president parallels US President Gerald R. Ford, who became US Vice President and later President through succession or appointment, not by election.

References

  1. ↑ According to the February issue of Sci Fi Magazine, actress Mary McDonnell indicates that, according to the series bible, Roslin has dated, but has never married. (Scans available on Ramblings of a dorkish nature)
  2. ↑ According to a December 2005 interview with Mary McDonnell in TV Guide, President Adar, a married man, was having an affair with Roslin in the twilight of his term.
  3. ↑ In the commentary track for "Epiphanies," Ron Moore states that a longer explanation of Roslin's cure was filmed that explained that the blood's stem cells cure Roslin. However, the scene was cut because he was afraid it would be too complicated and thought of as technobabble. The character's updated biography on the official Scifi.com site does confirm that stem cells from the hybrid were the actual cure. As such, Battlestar Wiki treats this data canonically as with information found in most deleted scenes.
  4. ↑ Mary McDonnell Q & A, Part 1 (backup available on Archive.org) . (VID) (2006-10-13). Retrieved on 2006-10-14.


Preceded by:
Richard Adar 		President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol Succeeded by:
Gaius Baltar
Preceded by:
Tom Zarek 		Vice President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol Succeeded by:
Tom Zarek
Preceded by:
Tom Zarek 		President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol Succeeded by:
Incumbent
Characters in the Re-imagined Series


Main: William Adama | Laura Roslin | Kara "Starbuck" Thrace | Lee "Apollo" Adama
Gaius Baltar | Number Six | Number Eight

Supporting: Saul Tigh | Galen Tyrol | Karl "Helo" Agathon | Felix Gaeta | Anastasia Dualla | Cally Tyrol
Samuel Anders | Tory Foster | Ellen Tigh | Billy Keikeya

Recurring: Hera Agathon | Jean Barolay | Helena Cain | Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza | Sherman Cottle
Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson | Elosha | Anthony Figurski | Jack Fisk | Louis Hoshi | Louanne "Kat" Katraine
Aaron Kelly | Romo Lampkin | James "Jammer" Lyman | Hamish "Skulls" McCall | Number One | Number Two
Number Three | Number Four | Number Five | Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo | Paulla Schaffer | Diana Seelix | Tom Zarek

List of Deceased Characters

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