Will the Doll Come Back in Bloodborne? A Deep Dive into the Hunter’s Dream

The short answer is yes, the Plain Doll will always return in Bloodborne. She is a permanent fixture within the Hunter’s Dream, a sanctuary that serves as the game’s hub. However, the nuances of her existence, her relationship with the player character (the Hunter), and her cyclical reset are a source of much fascination for Bloodborne’s dedicated fanbase. While she may seem to perish at times, she always returns, making her a unique and crucial figure within the game’s complex lore. This article explores the concept of the Doll’s “resurrection,” her significance, and answers some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this enigmatic character.

The Cyclical Nature of the Doll

The Doll’s existence is tied directly to the Hunter’s journey. She begins as an inert, lifeless object until the Hunter encounters the Cleric Beast, the game’s first mandatory boss. Dying to this beast grants the Hunter one Insight and seemingly “awakens” the Doll, giving her life and purpose. From this point forward, she serves as a crucial mechanic for leveling up the Hunter, allowing them to spend their collected Blood Echoes and improve their attributes.

If the Doll is attacked, she will fall over “dead,” appearing lifeless. However, the ability to interact with her to level up remains, indicating that this death is more of a temporary setback than a genuine end to her existence. Upon returning to the Hunter’s Dream on the next load, she appears revived, as though nothing happened. This return is accompanied by her greeting the Hunter as if they are meeting for the first time, “Hello Good Hunter, I am a doll…” This reset of her dialogue is a particularly interesting element, which prompts several theories and interpretations within the game’s community.

A Reset, Not a True Death

The Doll’s reset is not a traditional death; instead, it’s more akin to a factory reset or a temporary pause in her animation. This cyclical nature implies that the Doll’s existence is not entirely dependent on the traditional concepts of life and death. Her “resurrection” is seamless and consistent, maintaining her vital function within the Hunter’s Dream. Her memory reset is a subtle, yet powerful, narrative tool suggesting the artificial nature of her existence. This makes her less of a conventional character and more of a tool animated by forces unknown, a concept that aligns well with the cosmic horror themes of Bloodborne.

The Lore Behind the Doll

The Plain Doll’s creation is attributed to Gehrman, the First Hunter, and is a reflection of his profound feelings for his student, Lady Maria. Gehrman’s deep connection to Maria is evident in the Doll’s design; her appearance is deliberately crafted to resemble her. This connection creates a significant link between several pivotal figures in the game’s lore and highlights the complex relationship dynamics at play.

A Creation of Affection and Utility

The Doll’s existence serves a dual purpose: to keep Gehrman company and to assist the Hunters who pass through the Hunter’s Dream. She embodies Gehrman’s lingering affection for Lady Maria and acts as a functional aspect of the Dream, providing an important service to the Hunters. This balance of affection and utility further emphasizes the complex, almost tragic, nature of her existence. It’s a testament to Gehrman’s grief and his need to create a simulacrum of his beloved student.

The Doll’s Sentience

Though a creation, the Doll does possess some degree of sentience. She expresses deep respect and loyalty to the Hunter and is aware of her own artificial nature. She ponders the nature of her love for the Hunter, questioning whether it is genuine or merely a programmed response. This inner conflict shows she is more than just a simple automaton; she possesses an awareness of her being and her purpose within the Dream. Her devotion to the Hunter is unwavering, further solidifying her place as one of the most beloved characters in Bloodborne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Doll to further deepen our understanding:

1. Why doesn’t the Doll awaken immediately?

The Doll remains inert until the Hunter encounters a significant event—the discovery of the Cleric Beast and their subsequent death. This moment triggers the Doll’s awakening, connecting her purpose to the Hunter’s progression.

2. How does the Doll level up the Hunter?

The Doll uses the Blood Echoes collected by the Hunter to increase their attributes, becoming a vital method for strengthening the Hunter and enhancing gameplay.

3. What happens if the Doll dies?

The Doll falls over, appearing lifeless, but her core functionality remains. She returns fully functional upon the Hunter re-entering the Hunter’s Dream.

4. Why does the Doll have a memory reset after “dying”?

The memory reset is a mystery, but it is likely due to her artificial nature. It also may be a way to maintain a functional, dependable helper, unburdened by the previous iterations.

5. Is the Doll aware of her nature as a doll?

Yes, the Doll is aware she is artificial, often pondering the authenticity of her feelings and devotion to the Hunter.

6. Was the Doll created by Gehrman?

Yes, Gehrman created the Doll based on his love for his student, Lady Maria.

7. Is the Doll in love with the Hunter?

The Doll holds the Hunter in high regard and is deeply loyal, but she is unsure whether her affection is real or artificial.

8. Is the Doll a physical reincarnation of Lady Maria?

No, the Doll is a creation based on Lady Maria, not a reincarnation of her spirit. Lady Maria exists in a different location, trapped in the Hunter’s Nightmare.

9. What is the connection between the Doll and Lady Maria?

The Doll’s design is based on Lady Maria, reflecting Gehrman’s deep feelings and admiration for her.

10. Did Gehrman love Lady Maria?

There is significant evidence to suggest Gehrman had romantic feelings for Lady Maria, although whether she reciprocated is unclear.

11. Why is Gehrman so obsessed with Lady Maria?

Gehrman was closely connected to Maria as her mentor. Their relationship was very close, and her death clearly had a profound effect on him.

12. What is the true nature of the Hunter’s Dream?

The Hunter’s Dream is an artificial realm created by Gehrman and the Moon Presence to secure Hunters for fighting the beasts.

13. Why does Gehrman hesitate to say his name at the beginning of the game?

It is suggested that he is possessed by the Moon Presence when speaking to the hunter. We only hear the real Gherman when he is asleep.

14. Can you kill Gehrman?

Yes, Gehrman is fought as a final boss if the Hunter refuses his offer of death at the end of the game.

15. What is the “Doll” ending in Bloodborne?

One of the endings shows the Doll mourning the Hunter’s death near a grave, hinting that the entire experience may have been a dream.

Conclusion

The Plain Doll is an integral part of the Bloodborne experience, more than just a mere character or an upgrade mechanic. Her cyclical return, her mysterious origins, and her capacity for self-reflection have captured the imagination of the game’s community. Her resilience in the face of repeated “deaths,” and her unwavering dedication to the Hunter only adds to her allure. While the answer to “Will the Doll come back?” is a definitive yes, the depth of her story provides endless layers of intrigue and significance that make her one of the most memorable figures in the Bloodborne universe. She will always be there in the Hunter’s Dream, a familiar face in the midst of chaos, ready to help and a poignant reminder of the tragedy that surrounds her creation.