Lone Survivor Wiki
Register
Advertisement


The Lone Survivor, referred to in-game as "You", is the protagonist that has been surviving in isolation for an unknown amount of time when the story begins. He occupies a room in apartment 206, although he claims that he is not the original inhabitant.

Very little background information is given about the main character; traces of his personality are gleaned mainly through interaction with other objects and, at times, people. "You" is often, almost irrationally, concerned about not pilfering from his apartment's former occupants - to the point where he seems angry at himself for even considering it. He refuses to take/wear the clothing that is found in the apartment (the shoes and jacket are particularly noteworthy), instead opting to go several days (or weeks) wearing the same clothing. However, he has no problem taking objects found in the other rooms (scissors, keys, etc) or searching their closets. It might be that he only takes things that are required for his survival, but a few items can be acquired that seemingly have no purpose (such as the cat doll). When given the option to search a cash register, he remarks to himself how useless currency is.

"You" is very particular about where he sleeps. Despite there being a number of bedrooms in the apartment complex, he only feels safe enough to sleep in the bedroom he occupies in room 206.

"You" is very self aware of the grim circumstance he finds himself in, and realizes what he needs in order to survive. This includes scavenging for food, avoiding the infected, and searching the immediate surroundings for other survivors. When, and if, he runs into other "survivors" (both real or otherwise), his initial reactions are typically that of relief and concern.

Despite his mostly pragmatic outlook on his current situation, "You" is gathered to be, both from appearance and interaction with others, rather young, or at least as looking youthful, as he is comparatively shorter than most of the male characters he encounters and is referred to as "kid" or "son" by The Director, an older adult. While Hank, who is (ostensibly) an adult man, calls him "bro", he is dazed from illness and rests in a dark environment. More interestingly, "You" is told to "go home to his parents" by Benzido, who appears to be a young man himself, but, at the same time, he is still thought to be old enough to drink by Kenny, though their possibly intoxicated state and in turn blurred vision, along with their arguable existence, make their judgement of doubtful nature. Going by his in-game appearance, "You"'s age can still be put around early-mid 20s or even late teens.

38027 423141987272 636827272 5011778 6184478 n

"You" can only defend himself using flares and a pistol; when unequipped with either, hiding or running are the only options. One shot with the pistol is loud enough to alarm all the enemies in the surrounding area, often times creating a swarm. Since several bullets are required to down a single enemy, and reloading leaves you extremely vulnerable, avoidance is often preferred in crowded corridors. "You" seems to prefer the pistol to other forms of firearms. When given the option to investigate larger, stronger firearms at the gunstore, "You" simply rationalizes that the other firearms are either too loud, too small, or too large.

"You" is hinted to be suffering from depression, a side effect of being the sole survivor of an apocalyptic hellscape. As such, his mental health is questionable. He often hallucinates, and at times, has a hard time distinguishing what is real and what is not. Regardless, he is not crazy—well, not in the traditional sense. "You" has a strong desire to live, seek companionship, eat, and survive. He will also refuse to reenter areas that are too terrifying for him, such as the tunnel he finds in the beginning of the game or the basement after being chased out of there by a large monster. He does not wear shoes for stealth purposes. For some reason, he has some kind of immunity to the disease the monsters are said to be spreading, as their hits seem to only affect him on a physical level, but seemingly leave him free of affliction, unlike Hank, who has experienced fatigue and developed a sensitivity to light. He also does not die from starvation or thirst, although his sanity deteriorates and he complains about it. This could mean that he is resistant to death by starvation, disease, and thirst.

"Her"[]

A frequent and major theme in many of "You"'s hallucinogenic episodes involve a Girl in a Blue Dress. His exact relations to "Her" are never delved into, even "You" himself cannot recall their relationship accurately, but it can be confidently said that "You" and "Her" shared a close bond with one another before "Her" untimely demise.

Early "You"[]

Early you

"You" without a mask

Concept you

Concept "You"

Back in 2010, an early tech demo of Lone Survivor was available for download on Jasper Byrne's blog. In it, an early version of "You" without his mask can be seen.

In 2012, initial concept art of "You" shooting a zombie was shared. He can be seen saying "Killin' zombies... Don't get no easier. But I gotta do it, if I wanna eat."

Advertisement