 Though Portal 2 introduced some new characters , the writers wanted to maintain the one @-@ on @-@ one relationships between each character and the player @-@ character . Valve explored the possibility of introducing a new protagonist for Portal 2 . The playtesters accepted playing as a different character for the first part of the game , but they became disoriented when GLaDOS did not recognize them . The writers returned to using Chell , the protagonist of Portal . Valve artists experimented with Chell 's attire , and considered changing her ( ambiguous ) nationality . They returned to the orange " dehumanizing " jumpsuit from Portal with the top tied around Chell 's waist to enhance her freedom of movement and help her " stand out more as an individual " . PSM3 called the new look " controversially sexy " . As in the first game , Chell 's facial appearance is based on that of voice actress Alésia Glidewell . Chell continues her role as a silent observer , as the straight man in response to the insanity around her and refuses to give her antagonists any satisfaction . 
