Summarization of events, prior to Mass Effect and the trilogy.
At the start of a new game in Mass Effect and (if no save files are imported) Mass Effect 2 and 3, all new Shepards are given a choice (from three) of where they're born and what kind of service record (again, from three) they had in the Systems Alliance Military, in addition to their class (from six types). Based on these two choices, they create a pre-service history and a psychological profile that shapes the basis of your character. Throughout the three games, Shepard has the option of staying true to their current path or evolve into something much more based on the choices they make.
In The Past...
Mass Effect 1
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 3
At the start of a new game in Mass Effect and (if no save files are imported) Mass Effect 2 and 3, all new Shepards are given a choice (from three) of where they're born and what kind of service record (again, from three) they had in the Systems Alliance Military, in addition to their class (from six types). Based on these two choices, they create a pre-service history and a psychological profile that shapes the basis of your character. Throughout the three games, Shepard has the option of staying true to their current path or evolve into something much more based on the choices they make.
In The Past...
Mass Effect 1
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 3