The Shadow of Betrayal: Unraveling the Treachery Against Corvo Attano
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The question of who betrays Corvo Attano in Dishonored isn’t simple; it’s a web of deceit spun by multiple individuals, each with their own motivations. However, the primary betrayers are Admiral Havelock, Pendleton, and Martin. These three, fearing Corvo’s loyalty to Emily and their own ambitions for power, poison him and then proceed to eliminate the other conspirators to consolidate their control. This act of treachery sets the stage for the entire game’s narrative, fueling Corvo’s quest for revenge and the restoration of Emily to the throne. They saw Corvo as an obstacle to their own aspirations of ruling Dunwall and manipulating Emily.
The Orchestration of Deceit
Havelock, Pendleton, and Martin, key figures within the Loyalist movement intended to restore the Kaldwin dynasty, orchestrate a plot against Corvo shortly after his return from seeking aid against the rat plague. Initially welcoming Corvo as a hero and a crucial asset, their paranoia and thirst for power quickly overtake their supposed loyalty. They fear Corvo’s influence over Emily Kaldwin, believing he would never allow them to manipulate her or rule through her. Their betrayal is not a spontaneous act but a calculated move to seize control of the situation and implement their own vision for Dunwall’s future, one where they are the undisputed leaders.
The Poisoned Chalice: Corvo’s Downfall
The actual act of betrayal is swift and decisive. During a celebration held in Corvo’s honor at the Hound Pits Pub, the conspirators poison his drink. The intent is clear: to eliminate Corvo permanently, preventing him from interfering with their plans. They believe Corvo will be a steadfast and unwavering leader for Emily, and the trio do not want that for the city of Dunwall. This cold-blooded act underscores the ruthless nature of Havelock, Pendleton, and Martin, and their willingness to sacrifice even those who have served them loyally.
The Motives Behind the Treachery
The motivations behind Corvo’s betrayal are multifaceted, stemming from a mixture of ambition, paranoia, and a lust for power.
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Ambition: Havelock, in particular, harbors a deep-seated desire to rule Dunwall. He sees the chaos caused by the plague and the political instability as an opportunity to seize control.
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Paranoia: The conspirators fear Corvo’s influence over Emily, believing that his loyalty to her and the Kaldwin dynasty would prevent them from effectively controlling her and ruling through her.
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Lust for Power: Havelock, Pendleton, and Martin are all power-hungry. They are all willing to betray those around them to further their own ambitions.
The Fallout: A City Plunged into Chaos
The betrayal of Corvo has far-reaching consequences for Dunwall. The city is plunged further into chaos, with the plague running rampant and the political situation becoming increasingly unstable. Havelock’s rule is characterized by tyranny and corruption, exacerbating the suffering of the populace. Corvo’s imprisonment and subsequent escape set in motion a series of events that will determine the fate of Dunwall and the Kaldwin dynasty, with the fate of Emily Kaldwin hanging in the balance. It is up to Corvo to correct the wrong.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Corvo’s Betrayal
1. Why did Havelock and the others poison Corvo?
The primary reason Havelock, Pendleton, and Martin poisoned Corvo was to eliminate him as an obstacle to their own ambitions of ruling Dunwall and controlling Emily Kaldwin. They feared his unwavering loyalty to the Kaldwin dynasty and believed he would never allow them to manipulate Emily.
2. What was Corvo’s relationship with Empress Jessamine Kaldwin?
Corvo was the Royal Protector and secret lover of Empress Jessamine Kaldwin. Their relationship was intimate, and Corvo was also the father of Emily Kaldwin.
3. What did Corvo do canonically after escaping prison?
Canonically, Corvo exposed the Lord Regent’s crimes and brought about his arrest, as confirmed by the “Gathering of the Regenters” book in Dishonored 2. It is also stated that Corvo carried out his execution himself.
4. What happens to Admiral Havelock if Corvo spares him?
It is not possible to spare Havelock in a way that changes the ending of the game. If Corvo does not act quickly enough, Havelock will jump from the walkway to his death, taking Emily with him. If Corvo manages to approach Havelock before he can jump, he can save Emily, and Havelock will fall to his death alone.
5. What is considered the “good ending” in Dishonored?
The “good ending” is achieved by maintaining low chaos throughout the game, meaning you kill as few people as possible, including main assassination targets.
6. Why isn’t Corvo King?
Corvo, despite being Emily’s father and having a close relationship with the Empress, was never publicly acknowledged as such due to the secret nature of his relationship with Jessamine. His primary role was Royal Protector, and his priority was always Emily’s well-being and her right to the throne.
7. Why doesn’t Emily call Corvo “Dad” publicly?
Emily doesn’t call Corvo “Dad” publicly due to the secretive nature of his relationship with her mother, Empress Jessamine. While they shared a close bond, their relationship was not publicly known during Emily’s childhood.
8. Is Corvo’s canon playstyle “high chaos” or “low chaos”?
For the most part it looks like the canon story of Dishonored 1 is that Corvo was a mix between low chaos and high chaos.
9. Does Corvo have any supernatural powers and why?
Yes, Corvo gains supernatural powers from the Outsider, a mysterious entity. He grants Corvo these abilities to add to the chaos happening in Dunwall. The Outsider does it for his own amusement.
10. Who is more powerful, Corvo or Emily?
Corvo’s powers focus more on aggressive combat and stealthy evasion, making him highly effective in direct confrontations and covert operations. Emily’s powers lean toward strategic manipulation and stealth.
11. Why doesn’t Corvo get the plague?
The health elixir in lore doubles as plague protection, same with the remedy for mana. This combined with Corvo’s training, helps him ward off the plague.
12. Can you stop the execution of the guard who helped Corvo escape?
Yes, one way to complete the “Stopped the Execution of the Guard Who Helped Corvo” special action, remain undetected and have no bodies discovered is to use chokedust on the executioner and then on the guard watching.
13. What happens in the “bad ending” of Dishonored?
In the “bad ending,” the plague gets out of hand, Emily becomes a tyrant, and the city descends further into chaos.
14. How many endings does Dishonored have?
Dishonored has three major endings, falling into two categories: Low Chaos and High Chaos. The ending is directly affected by the choices that the player makes.
15. What was the relationship between Havelock, Pendleton and Martin?
Havelock, Pendleton, and Martin were originally presented as loyal allies who wanted to restore the throne for Emily. It was found out that each man wanted to be king for his own ambitions.
Corvo’s Enduring Legacy
The betrayal of Corvo Attano is a pivotal moment in the Dishonored storyline, setting in motion a tale of revenge, redemption, and the struggle for power. Understanding the motives and actions of those who betrayed him is crucial to appreciating the depth and complexity of the game’s narrative. Corvo’s journey reflects not only his personal quest for justice but also the broader themes of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power. To explore the educational aspects of gaming and narrative, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.