Analyzing Sebastian Castellanos’ Character Development in the Evil Within Series

*This article contains spoilers*

While players highly regard Resident Evil as a great survival-horror game, I firmly believe The Evil Within to be the best horror game I have ever played. I mean, the game sets up its own different league. The gore, the eerie vibe, and the action feel perfect to me.

It is not just me; the 8.2 Metacritic score is evidence of the greatness of The Evil Within series. However, every element of the game deserves to be praised; my favorite part is the character development of the game’s protagonist, Sebastian Castellanos.

From the moment I stepped into the game, I knew I was signing up for something nightmarish. Yet, by the end of it, I realized it wasn’t the deformed creatures that grabbed my attention but Sebastian’s tormented character.

How Did The Evil Within Set the Stage for Sebastian’s Character Development?

*contains spoilers*

The Evil Within masterfully creates room for Sebastian’s character arc, weaving together the haunting setting with his struggles. Lily’s loss, which dissolutes the family, sets the emotional tone of the game. This wasn’t just a trauma for Sebastian but a driving force to survive through the haunting world.

When I first met Sebastian, he was in the hot turmoil. His appearance already showed his disturbed life, and it seemed his life was on edge. However, my thoughts quickly fluttered as I saw Ruvik’s face.

Seeing Ruvik teleporting to the game, I thought, “This scoundrel will give hell to Sebastian.” And this is precisely what happened. 

The constant flickering within the game environment teleported Sebastian to the imaginative worlds of STEM and Ruvik. Yet, they depicted his guilt and misery. The whole atmosphere felt as if he was stalked by his demons.

In the first game, Sebastian’s portrayal as a typical hard-boiled detective quickly paved the path to a more shaded character study. Throughout the first part, he oozes out his desperation and vulnerability. However, as the game progresses, he seems to understand the fuss he was stuck in.

His wounds were further garnished with spices of Juli Kidman’s supposed betrayal. Tangled between friendship and a backstab, Kidman’s move contributed to him questioning his allies’ loyalty and trust.

Redemption in The Evil Within 2

Sebastian’s journey through the first game showcases his fears, while in part two, he redeems himself and embraces his weaknesses. This embrace is not only reflected in his character but also his combat skills and knowledge of enemies.

Adaptation to Fears

The constant shift in the environment makes Sebastian more cautious. We can see him looking more hallucinating and confused. His body language feels horrified, and his breathing becomes heavier.

However, he seems more confident and prepared. Irrespective of the constant change of surroundings, he is ready for the horrors of what’s coming. He makes more calculated and precise decisions, implying he is ready to destroy anything that troubles him.

Facing Laura

One of the key boss enemies, Laura, plays a significant role in disturbing Sebastian’s mind. Why? Laura was Ruvik’s sister who died in the barn fire, similar to Lily’s death in the house fire. This resemblance symbolizes the palpable fear and guilt Sebastian had toward his daughter’s loss.

Yet, in the later part of the series, we see him successfully defeating this psychological boss with more incredible mental fortitude.

Stealth and Combat Strategies

Visibly shaken by the patronizing events, we see Sebastian more vulnerable to environmental hazards. Easily caught off guards or taking damages to traps, he often finds himself overwhelmed with enemies.

In part two, he is full of experience, observes more, and quickly anticipates unforeseen dangers.

Take the first encounter with the Saddist as an example. The Evil Within One opens up with crippling Sebastian, narrowly escaping from the Saddist. However, in the second part, he courageously faces him and kills Saddist with his chainsaw.

One of the Greatest Redemption Arcs

The Evil Within Two’s opening shows Sebastian’s alcoholic side. He lets himself go until Juli Kidman approaches him. Assured about Kidman’s loyalty and Lily’s possible existence, he uses this motivation as a driving force to make one last attempt to save his daughter.

In the game’s conclusion, Myra’s involvement with STEM shakes him deeply, yet he doesn’t let this come his way. Instead, he confronts her, thus overcoming his conflicts.

From hitting rock bottom to being a fearless father and survivor, Sebastian’s story is a wild gaming experience. The game’s narrative is intertwined with personal tragedies, symbolic horrors, and a peak redemption quest, providing the highest form of character development.