User blog comment:PerhapsTheOtherOne/All About That Stuff People & Animals Apparently Have/@comment-23790511-20140809192804

While I don't think Penny has a soul or aura, I do think she's "alive" in her own way. She obviously doesn't need aura or semblance anyways given all the expensive weaponry already out into her.

Still, I still would say she's "alive" in the sense that she is self-aware, has emotions, and a clear feeling of purpose. She's like any other human, really, just with metallic skin and immortality.