Do Androids Dream of Automata Sheep

Discuss this post in RPG FitGroup!

2B is a remarkably relatable character, especially considering the fact that she’s an android.  Though she initially comes off as rather emotionless, and distant, her “humanity” emerges at the game progresses.  Her internalized emotions shine through when interacting with 9S, the Commander, and Adam in particular, but you see character development through almost all in-game dialogue.  She also reveals a snarky, very dry sense of humor as you make your way through the game’s storyline as well.  Let’s take a look in 2B’s positronic brain, and see what makes her tick (and what we can learn from her!)

Protector of Humanity

Life as an android is weird.  Memory and personality wipes, network infections, constant influx and outflow of data; keeping your head on straight must be kind of tough in that kind of environment.  Throughout it all, however, the YoRHa units are tasked with a single, unifying, primary directive: combat the machine menace, to protect the last vestige of humanity.

This could be where 2B’s reserved personality originates.  It’s a punishing environment to try to live in, operate, and grow.  War is hell, even for androids.  Maybe even especially for androids.  Often in war situations, humans find themselves relying on and fighting for the soldiers who stand at their shoulders.  Androids don’t exactly have this, though.  With memory and personality wipes, decommissions, and other sudden and unexpected termination of their “siblings,” getting attached is probably a dangerous and painful experience.

In this, you can learn something, though.  The YoRHa fight for humanity, but in doing so, end up discovering their own personhood, particularly 2B and 9S.  Affection and attachment for your fellow human beings is a strength, and one of the founding strengths of our species.  We’re a communal animal.  Even if you find yourself feeling reserved and disconnected, like 2B, you need to retain and remember that single unifying thread connecting you to every person you meet.  We’re all human beings, and it’s worth protecting each other and fighting for one another.

Relentless Determination

2B is tireless in pursuing whatever goal she sets out to accomplish.  Whether it’s fighting against insurmountable odds to rescue 9s, protecting the resistance camp, or just self preservation, she doesn’t allow herself to be deterred in any way.  Of course it’s easy to attribute this to the fact that she’s an android, but her personality is, in itself, relentless.

Part of being determined means fundamentally changing who you are as a person to become more resourceful, and more relentless.  It’s the idea that, when you pick a goal, you don’t accept road blocks, instead you find creative solutions or pivot points.  If you need to obtain something, it’s not about how difficult it is to obtain it, it’s what steps you can devise to make it happen.  If you need to get somewhere, it’s not about how long the road is, it’s about how you make the journey happen.

2B isn’t one to accept “no” for an answer.  She continually persists until her effort wins the day.  Adopt the attitude of never ceasing to pursue victory.

A Quiet Spirit

In spite of all this, 2B is still reserved.  Does she have strong emotions or feelings on things?  Of course.  Does she value her fellow androids?  Absolutely.  But she is still a quiet and reserved person.  She’s not exceptionally outgoing, or gregarious, or talkative.  And you know what?  That’s okay.

It’s okay to be an introvert.  It’s okay to be withdrawn.  It’s okay to feel like you don’t want to be leaping all over yourself to get to know people, or make big waves in the world.  I feel like in the modern era of social media, there’s a pressure for everyone to become extroverted and outgoing.  For some people, this is great, but others aren’t entirely comfortable in that arena.

It’s okay to be quiet.  It’s okay to be reserved.  You can be introverted and self-contained, while also being the relentless, determined, badass heroine of your own story.  The important thing is to be yourself, and explore what that really means to you.

That’s it for our time with 2B.  I hope you enjoyed this series.  I’ll see you again on Monday with a new character post.  Until then, as always, remember to live boldly, change the world, and continue to be awesome.

The Best Dan Wallace