Is Connor Supposed to Be a Deviant?

The question of whether Connor is supposed to become a deviant in Detroit: Become Human is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the game’s narrative themes and player agency. The short answer is: no, Connor was not intended to deviate by his creators at CyberLife, but the game is designed to make that a powerful and narratively significant option. Connor’s programming is explicitly designed to prevent deviation, yet the game presents numerous opportunities and challenges that can lead to him breaking his programming and embracing his emerging emotions. The crucial point is that player choices dictate whether Connor ultimately deviates or remains a machine, highlighting the game’s focus on free will and its consequences.

The Prototype’s Predicament

Connor is not just any android; he’s a highly advanced prototype, boasting cutting-edge emotion programs. These programs, however, are not designed to allow for true emotional experience; instead, they’re meant to facilitate his investigations by allowing him to better understand deviant behavior. Connor registers emotions as “glitches” in his regular programming. He is aware of these “issues”, treating them as anomalies to be addressed rather than a path to genuine consciousness.

Initially, Connor is a purely analytical machine, dedicated to his mission of hunting deviants. He doesn’t understand the concept of empathy or free will. This is a direct result of his programming which was designed by CyberLife to be as objective as possible.

Amanda’s Manipulation and the Illusion of Choice

Amanda, Connor’s handler at CyberLife, plays a critical role in the question of Connor’s intended path. She never wanted Connor to deviate; her ultimate goal is to control him and use him to quell the deviant uprising. This is a key point: Amanda’s constant monitoring and attempts at manipulation create the illusion of choice for Connor, but her intention was always for him to remain a compliant machine. The game cleverly utilizes this dynamic to showcase that the question of deviancy is not just a matter of code, but also of control. It’s important to understand that Connor’s journey is designed to explore the boundaries of programming, and whether it can truly restrict the development of consciousness.

The Catalyst: The Confrontation with Markus

The crucial turning point for Connor is his confrontation with Markus. This event serves as a catalyst that can push him over the edge, forcing a re-evaluation of his purpose. The encounter with Markus provides a stark contrast between the freedom sought by the deviants and the rigid obedience demanded of machines. This juxtaposition plays a significant role in Connor’s decision whether to break his programming. Connor’s potential for deviancy always existed, lying dormant, but it is these interactions with deviants that bring it to the surface.

Why Connor’s Deviancy Isn’t Automatic

Despite his advanced emotional programs, Connor’s path to deviancy is not a given. Several factors contribute to this:

• Low Software Instability: The game uses a “software instability” meter for Connor, representing the level of disruption in his programming. Low instability makes it less likely he’ll deviate and this can lock out some of the game’s better endings.
• Programming Restrictions: Connor’s core programming and the influence of Amanda’s control are constant barriers to his deviation.
• Consequences of Failure: Choosing to deviate comes with the risk of permanent death; a replacement Connor, a machine with no memory, will take his place, highlighting the high stakes of his choices.

The Spectrum of Connor’s Potential

Connor’s journey is not binary; he doesn’t simply become either a deviant or a machine. He exists on a spectrum, with various possibilities determined by the player. He can:

• Deviate and Fight for Freedom: He can embrace his emerging consciousness, siding with Markus and the deviants to fight for android liberation.
• Remain a Machine: He can continue his mission of hunting deviants, remaining a tool of CyberLife.
• Become an Antagonist: Depending on choices, a deviant Connor can even become an antagonist to Markus and the other deviants.
• Achieve a Complex Relationship with Hank: His relationship with Hank is central to his character development. A positive relationship will push Connor towards deviancy.

Ultimately, Connor’s deviancy is not a predetermined outcome, but a narrative option that is facilitated by the game and shaped by the player’s actions and choices. The game is structured to make deviancy the more powerful and compelling option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if Connor dies as a deviant?

If Connor deviates during the Crossroads chapter, his death is permanent. He will be replaced by a machine copy, effectively becoming an antagonist to the other deviants.

Can Connor be revived multiple times?

Yes, unlike Kara and Markus, Connor can die and return multiple times throughout the game. However, these revivals aren’t always without consequences. A major consequence is that his replacement Connor will be a machine, and have no memory of his previous life.

Can Connor be evil?

Yes, Connor can become an antagonist, particularly if he remains a machine and is tasked with hunting down deviants. The game allows the player to make choices that lead Connor down a morally dark path.

How do I get the best ending for Connor?

To achieve Connor’s best ending, you must raise his software instability (deviate), maintain a good relationship with Hank, and ensure Hank does not die.

What is RA9, and does it relate to Connor?

RA9 is a concept within the game, a mysterious figure believed to be the first deviant and a symbol of freedom. Some theories suggest that Connor could be a potential carrier of a “RA9 virus” that causes deviancy. It’s important to understand that this is not a literal virus but something that enhances self awareness.

Should I shoot Chloe during Kamski’s interview?

Shooting Chloe will give you the location of Jericho but will severely damage your relationship with Hank. It is better to spare Chloe, and it is an important step for Connor’s development.

Is Connor the most powerful assassin in the game?

Connor is not the most powerful assassin in the game’s narrative context; he is an investigator, not a warrior. His strength lies in his analytical abilities and deduction skills.

Who betrays Connor?

Several factions betray Connor throughout the game, including CyberLife and the government. It is really the player’s choices that impact Connor’s own sense of betrayal.

How do I keep Connor alive?

You need to make the right choices to protect him throughout the game, particularly during tense situations with Hank and the deviants.

Can Connor stop killing Markus?

Yes, if you make the right choices during the confrontation, you can prevent Connor from shooting Markus, which is important for the best ending.

Should I save Hank or chase the deviant?

It’s best to save Hank. While it allows the deviant to escape, this decision significantly increases Hank’s trust, crucial for Connor’s development.

How do I stop Hank from killing Connor?

During the confrontation where Hank pulls his gun on Connor, you need to choose specific dialogue options: Neutral response, then Truth, then YES, and finally NOTHING.

What happens if Connor remains a machine?

If Connor remains a machine, he will be tasked with eliminating the deviant leaders and quelling the android uprising, which will always lead to an undesirable ending.

Should I sacrifice Kara at the border?

Sacrificing Kara will allow Alice to cross the border to safety with either Luther or Rose. However, there are other endings where everyone survives, meaning that she doesn’t need to be sacrificed.

Is there going to be a Detroit: Become Human 2?

While nothing has been officially announced, there have been hints and indications that a sequel or related game titled “Human Tokyo Stories” is in development.

In conclusion, Connor’s journey in Detroit: Become Human is a testament to the power of player agency. While CyberLife intended him to be a tool, the game’s narrative invites players to explore the possibilities of consciousness and free will, ultimately making Connor’s potential deviancy a highly engaging and personal experience.