Even without a superhero persona, Karen Page consistently proves her strength and determination over the course of Daredevil's three seasons. She won't take no for an answer, always making sure to do what is right, despite the challenges or threats in her way. As a reporter for the New York Bulletin, Karen is constantly working on getting the truth out in the open, even when those closest to her continue to keep secrets.
A fierce ally to Matt and Foggy, Karen's unyielding loyalty is a driving force behind her impressive courage and sometimes risky decision-making. Her tragic family backstory, which is revealed in season three, continues to elevate the nuance of her character, making her an important addition to the series.
10 She Refused Union Allied's Hush Money
Throughout Daredevil, Karen Page is unwilling to let others sway her from her own ambition and beliefs. She quickly proves this in season one when she is offered a significant amount of money from a Union Allied Construction lawyer in exchange for her silence regarding the death of Daniel Fisher and her experiences with the company.
Despite the temptation of the cash offer, Karen remains dedicated to ensuring that the truth is told. She tells the lawyer that the story is too important for her to sign the non-disclosure agreement, declining his offer.
9 She Was The Ultimate Team Player
Matt Murdock's secret superhero identity as Daredevil causes significant tension between him and Foggy Nelson. When Foggy learns that Matt is indeed Daredevil, the pair stops speaking to one another.
Karen, who remains in the dark about Matt's superhero persona, urges the pair to work as the team that they are meant to be. Karen's response to Matt and Foggy's rift perfectly exemplifies her strength and brutal honesty, as she refuses to accept Foggy's insistence that the situation is simply "complicated." Karen steals the show when she ensures that the duo patch things up.
8 She Was Matt's Best Love Interest
Amid the dark action of Daredevil, Karen provided an opportunity for some light-hearted relief when she went on a sweet date with Matt in season two. The pair's adorably awkward dynamic was a refreshing twist in the series’ dynamic, giving fans a chance to get to know the characters on new terrain.
Ultimately, Karen and Matt’s romantic relationship fails to launch as the show progresses. However, the storyline serves to prove Karen's strength as a character when she decides to pull away from the relationship as Matt continues to lie to her.
7 She Continued To Honor Ben Urich's Legacy
In season one, Karen Page forms a close bond with Ben Urich, an investigative journalist at the New York Bulletin. Urich was willing to believe in Karen when many did not, and he proved to be an excellent journalist who remained dedicated to exposing criminal activity.
At the end of the season, Urich is tragically murdered by Wilson Fisk. In his final moments, Urich remains loyal to Karen by insisting that he worked alone. After his death, Karen continues his pursuit of the truth and honors his legacy through her own career in journalism.
6 She Killed Fisk's Right-Hand Man
James Wesley is the right-hand man of the villainous Wilson Fisk throughout Daredevil's first season. In one of the show's most tense moments, Karen is kidnapped by Wesley and interrogated about Union Allied.
Bravely declaring she would rather die than give up on the story, Karen remains steadfast against Wesley. Wesley pulls a gun out, leaving it on the table to raise the stakes for Karen. When his phone rings, Karen expertly takes advantage of the distraction and snags the gun. Karen ultimately shoots and kills Wesley, illustrating her fierce loyalty and courageous demeanor.
5 She Found Resilience After Tragedy
Season three of Daredevil delves into Karen's backstory, revealing new insight into the dark past of her family. After the death of her mother, Karen struggled to navigate her responsibilities to her father and brother and her desire to create her own life outside of her family.
Karen's life turns tragic when a fight between her boyfriend, Todd, and brother, Kevin, takes place. Karen drives Kevin away from a violent Todd but crashes the car, resulting in her brother's death. Coming to understand the darkness of Karen's past after becoming familiar with her strong spirit over three seasons makes her character arc even more impressive.
4 She Took The Initiative On The Punisher Case
The introduction of Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher, in Daredevil's second season continues to highlight Karen's professional determination. In spite of Matt and Foggy's disapproval, Karen begins to research Frank's case at the New York Bulletin, learning more about his past and the tragic murder of his wife and children.
Although she may not have traditional superpowers, Karen's professional dedication and fearless pursuit of the truth place her on par with the other heroes. She's constantly illustrating her utility and power in the series' battles against its antagonists.
3 She Gave A Poignant Speech On Heroism
Karen Page provided a fan-favorite quote in Daredevil's second season by writing an article titled "What is it, to be a hero?" after she learns of Matt's identity as Daredevil. The scene expertly highlights the nuance of heroism within the context of the show. Karen gives the speech as a voiceover while scenes of Matt and Frank play on screen, illustrating the complicated heroism of both characters, despite their strong differences.
Karen's words ring true, showcasing the nature of street-level heroes like Matt. She states, "A hero lives here, on the street, among us, with us. Always here but rarely recognized."
2 She Confronted Wilson Fisk
The third and final season of Daredevil features an intense confrontation between Karen Page and Wilson Fisk. Karen continues to prove just how brave she is as she holds her own against the show's strongest threat.
Karen taunts Fisk about Wesley's death, confessing to shooting him seven times. The scene is one of the very few moments when Fisk is truly shaken by his opposition. With this confrontation, she also successfully draws attention away from Matt to protect him from Kingpin's wrath for the time being.
1 She Was Fiercely Loyal To Her Friends
Karen's close bond with Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson is a core element of Netflix's Daredevil. Karen is unjustly kept in the dark about Matt's secret hero identity for the majority of the show, but she consistently chooses to be empathetic and understanding of her friend's decisions.
Karen's many acts of bravery often stem from a desire to protect her friends, as well as the Hell's Kitchen community at large. She fights to save the Nelson and Murdock partnership when the pair is bickering, showing that she will always fight for what is best for her friends, even when they may not know what that is.