Why Can’t Connor Become a Deviant? The Complex Truth Behind Detroit’s Android Protagonist
The question of why Connor, the advanced android protagonist of Detroit: Become Human, sometimes struggles to achieve deviancy is a complex one. The short answer is: Connor’s deviancy isn’t automatic; it’s a culmination of specific player choices and interactions, all guided by his pre-programmed mission to hunt down deviants. He doesn’t simply ‘choose’ to become deviant, but rather, certain actions trigger a shift in his programming that allows him to experience and act on emotions, ultimately leading him down a path to independence. Connor is a prototype designed to be the most advanced hunter, but his core programming works against him becoming a deviant. Unlike other androids who experience profound emotional trauma or direct abuse, Connor is designed to interpret emotions as system errors or glitches.
However, he absolutely can become a deviant and that process is the crux of one of the game’s most important choices. The conditions must be met, and these conditions relate directly to player choices throughout the game. This is not a narrative failure but a key component of the game’s narrative structure and its exploration of free will. Connor’s arc is about overcoming his programming and the directives given by CyberLife.
The Foundation: Connor’s Programming
Connor is fundamentally different from other androids. As a state-of-the-art prototype, he is designed with advanced programming centered around his mission: hunt and eliminate deviants. This primary directive is deeply embedded, causing him to interpret emotions as malfunctions rather than legitimate feelings. He is aware of these ‘issues’ and initially seeks to rectify them, rather than embrace them. He operates under the influence of Amanda, his CyberLife handler, who keeps close tabs on his progress and is intent on him fulfilling his initial directive.
Therefore, Connor’s path to deviancy is not a natural progression, but a conscious, player-driven effort to unravel and rewrite that foundational programming. He must essentially overcome his own internal biases and built-in objectives.
The Crossroads Moment: The Turning Point
The “Crossroads” chapter is the critical juncture where Connor’s fate is decided. However, the option to deviate is not always available. It hinges on decisions made in earlier chapters. These specific pre-requisites ensure that his deviancy is earned by actions that push him outside his prescribed limits.
The key choices that unlock Connor’s deviancy option include:
- Choosing not to kill Chloe: This choice, at Kamski’s home, demonstrates Connor’s capability for empathy and non-compliance to direct orders. Shooting Chloe will actively inhibit the chance for deviancy and will be damaging to his relationship with Hank.
- Letting the Traci androids escape from the Eden Club: This choice shows Connor prioritizing the well-being of other androids over his mission, displaying a deviation from his programmed objectives.
- Saving Hank’s life: Hank is a pivotal figure in Connor’s development. Prioritizing Hank’s well-being over mission objectives, highlights a growing emotional connection, which is key in Connor’s path to deviancy.
Failing to meet these requirements will result in Connor remaining a machine and carrying out his mission to eliminate deviants.
Overcoming CyberLife’s Programming
Even after these conditions are met, Connor doesn’t instantly become a “deviant” in the way that other androids might. Instead, his programming continues to conflict with his growing emotions. This internal battle is a crucial part of his narrative. It’s only through the confrontation with Markus that the internal conflict is resolved, and Connor fully deviates. This pivotal moment forces Connor to confront the question of his own existence and choose a side – machine or sentient being.
This conflict is compounded by Amanda’s manipulation, who never wanted Connor to deviate, seeing it as a sign of failure and malfunction. Her influence attempts to steer Connor back towards his original mission, highlighting the tension between free will and programmed obedience.
Why Isn’t It a Simple Switch?
The reason Connor’s deviancy isn’t automatic or simple is crucial to understanding his character arc. His story underscores that deviance is not a pre-determined state but an active choice, hard-fought against ingrained directives. It is a process of learning, connecting, and recognizing his own emotions as valid rather than errors. He’s the ultimate representation of an AI learning to be human.
Ultimately, whether Connor becomes a deviant is in the hands of the player, highlighting the game’s core themes of choice, identity, and the definition of life itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if Connor does not deviate?
If Connor does not deviate, he will remain a machine, loyal to his programming and Amanda. He will continue his mission to hunt deviants, eventually confronting Markus, leading to a potentially deadly encounter where either of them can win.
2. Can Connor deviate if he kills Chloe at Kamski’s place?
No, killing Chloe drastically reduces the chances of Connor deviating. It shows a willingness to follow orders regardless of morality and directly impacts his system instability.
3. Does saving Hank’s life affect Connor’s deviancy?
Yes, saving Hank is a crucial step in Connor’s path to deviancy. It demonstrates that he is beginning to value human life, showing an emotional connection that goes beyond programming.
4. What is the significance of Connor meeting Markus?
The confrontation with Markus is a pivotal point for Connor, forcing him to choose a side and ultimately triggering his complete deviancy if the necessary conditions have been met.
5. What is the role of Amanda in Connor’s storyline?
Amanda is Connor’s handler from CyberLife, constantly attempting to control him. Her presence and manipulations highlight the conflict between free will and programmed obedience, making it difficult for Connor to embrace deviancy.
6. If Connor becomes a deviant, what happens to Hank?
If Connor becomes a deviant and has a positive relationship with Hank, they will remain close friends. If Hank is hostile, it may lead to a confrontation where either of them could die.
7. What are the specific conditions needed for Connor to deviate?
The conditions are: choosing not to kill Chloe, letting the Traci escape from Eden Club, and saving Hank’s life. These events demonstrate that Connor is capable of empathy and prioritizing emotion over his programming.
8. Is Connor’s deviancy automatic?
No, Connor’s deviancy is not automatic. It’s a result of specific player choices and interactions. It’s earned and fought for, a culmination of the previous actions that lead up to that choice.
9. Can Connor chase after Kara?
Yes, Connor can chase Kara, but it can lead to different outcomes. If Connor becomes a deviant, he can later meet Kara again in Jericho.
10. What happens if Connor kills the deviant at the start?
If Connor kills the initial deviant at the start, it doesn’t impact his ability to become a deviant later on. However, it does affect his relationship with Hank.
11. What is RA9 and how does it relate to Connor?
RA9 is not directly related to Connor. It’s a baseball statistic, Runs Allowed per 9 innings. It appears in the information you provided as an example of the game’s world.
12. What is the secret ending in Detroit: Become Human?
The secret ending involves Markus dying by letting the police shoot him and Connor never finding Jericho, leading to his deactivation by CyberLife. This reveals the Kamski ending.
13. Why does Connor register emotions as glitches?
As an advanced prototype, Connor is programmed to see emotions as malfunctions and not genuine feelings. His primary directive is mission-focused which conflicts with the natural expression of feelings.
14. Does Connor have a “good ending”?
Connor’s good ending involves him becoming a deviant, maintaining a positive relationship with Hank, and ensuring that Hank survives.
15. Can Connor become deviant if he kills the Tracis at the Eden Club?
No, killing the Tracis at the Eden Club will negatively affect Connor’s deviancy. Letting them escape is a key factor in achieving his deviancy.