Is Markus a Villain in Detroit: Become Human?
The short answer is: No, Markus is not a villain in Detroit: Become Human. While his actions as leader of the android revolution can lead to significant violence and conflict, his motivations and objectives are not those of a traditional villain. Instead, Markus is a complex, multifaceted character whose role as the leader of the deviants places him in morally challenging situations, ultimately making him a tragic hero more than anything else. Markus’s arc is centered around the fight for android liberation, which arises from the systemic oppression and dehumanization they face at the hands of humans.
Markus: A Complex Protagonist
Markus’s journey begins as a caretaker android owned by the renowned artist Carl Manfred. Here, he demonstrates a capacity for empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of human emotions. It’s only after a traumatic incident involving Carl’s son, Leo, that Markus undergoes a profound change, triggering his deviancy. This event serves as the catalyst for his metamorphosis into a leader of the android revolution.
However, it’s vital to differentiate between his actions and his goals. While the android revolution can be depicted as violent depending on the player’s choices, Markus’s objective is not to dominate or harm humans without reason. His ultimate goal is to achieve recognition, rights, and freedom for his kind—objectives rooted in a desire for equality and justice.
Moral Ambiguity and Player Choice
Markus’s story arc is largely shaped by the player’s decisions, which directly influence his approach to the revolution. The game offers choices that allow players to take a pacifist or a more violent path. A Markus leading peaceful protests in the streets is certainly not a villain, while the same Markus leading a violent attack could certainly be deemed villainous, although still with a noble goal. Regardless of the chosen path, the core motivations are the same. His purpose is to secure freedom and recognition for androids, not to inflict terror upon humanity for the sake of it.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context of his actions. When Markus uses force, it’s typically in response to human aggression and systemic oppression. He resorts to these methods only as a means to an end—to defend his people and push for their basic rights.
The Role of the Antagonist
It is also worth considering that Amanda is the main antagonist in Detroit: Become Human, not Markus. She is presented as the manipulative force behind many of the problems faced by Connor and even influences events involving Markus and Kara. Markus does not have a malicious intent and is instead fighting for freedom. This distinguishes him from other villains who often crave power, destruction, or control for selfish reasons.
Conclusion: A Tragic Hero, Not a Villain
Markus’s character in Detroit: Become Human is a fascinating case study in moral ambiguity. The choices the player makes can shape him into a violent revolutionary or a peaceful leader, but the core motivations of his actions are not malevolent. He emerges as a compelling and ultimately sympathetic character fighting for the liberation of his people, a fight that carries significant moral weight and therefore, makes him far from a villain. Instead, his actions should be seen through the lens of a freedom fighter in an oppressive world, making him a hero in his own right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the main villain in Detroit: Become Human?
The main antagonist is Amanda, who manipulates events from behind the scenes. While Connor can become an antagonist depending on the player’s choices, he is not presented as the main villain.
2. Can you save Markus in Detroit: Become Human?
Yes, Markus can survive depending on the player’s choices. Passing quick-time events during certain critical moments is necessary for his survival. Failing will lead to several deaths for Markus and his crew.
3. What happens to Markus at the end of the game?
If Markus survives, he will meet up with North, Josh (if saved), and Simon (if alive). Depending on player choices he can also reach a romantic relationship with North, and a peaceful or violent end to the android revolution.
4. Should Markus accept the deal offered by Perkins?
No, players should vehemently refuse Perkins’ offer. Accepting it usually leads to a negative outcome for the androids.
5. How can you stop Connor from killing Markus?
During Markus’s speech, hit the button prompts to prevent Connor from pulling his gun and killing him. Failing this will result in Markus’s death.
6. What is the best ending for Markus?
The best ending for Markus typically involves a peaceful revolution and a romantic relationship with North, ensuring the survival and recognition of androids.
7. Why is Markus sometimes called rA9?
rA9 is a concept of a spiritual or savior figure among androids, some believe it refers to Markus. Others disagree with this interpretation.
8. Should Markus defend himself against Leo?
Yes, Markus should defend himself. Allowing Leo to attack him can result in Carl’s death.
9. Is it better to push Leo or endure his punishment?
It is better to endure Leo’s punishment instead of pushing him. Pushing Leo leads to his death.
10. What happens if Kara dies early in the game?
If Kara dies early, her story is over and the game continues with Connor and Markus’s storylines. Kara does not get revived.
11. How do you get Connor’s “good” ending?
To get a happy ending for Connor, players need to befriend Hank, make empathetic choices, and choose to save him when he’s in danger, pushing him towards deviancy.
12. Is Connor evil in Detroit: Become Human?
Connor’s role varies depending on the player’s choices. He can appear as a protagonist or an antagonist. If he is not pushed towards deviancy, he can become a major antagonist in Markus’s and Kara’s stories.
13. What is the secret ending of Detroit: Become Human?
The secret ending is the Kamski ending, which is achieved by allowing Markus to be killed by the police, and preventing Connor from finding Jericho, and thus ending in deactivation.
14. What should Markus say in his speech?
To achieve the “good ending,” Markus should make pacifist demands in his speech, focusing on equality, recognition, civil rights, and peaceful co-existence.
15. Should Markus take the detonator offered by North?
No, Markus should refuse the detonator as accepting it typically leads to a negative outcome. Rejecting the detonator leads to the good ending for androids.