The real bad guy in Clair Obscur is obvious (stop acting like it's someone else)

[ariap]

Major spoilers ahead for everything

I’ve been reflecting on this game a lot recently and it seems like there’s a big debate about who the real villain is. Some folks argue that there isn’t a villain, while others point fingers at Renoir or Verso. But let’s be honest here; the game makes it clear from the beginning who the antagonist really is, and we should just accept that.

It’s Aline Dessendre, also known as The Paintress. Sure, she’s dealing with sadness and trauma, but let’s dive deeper.

Before everything spiraled out of control, Aline wielded significant power over everyone. Her family regarded her more as a figure of authority rather than a nurturing mom. Just look at the way they reference her, filled with respect and fear instead of love. Even in their family portrait, her demeanor appears cold and distant.

Then there’s Clea, who tries to emulate her mother’s behavior, believing that’s the right way to act. And poor Alicia, the youngest who struggled to meet her mother’s artistic expectations and ultimately sought companionship outside the family.

After the tragic events and Verso’s demise, everything collapses. Aline completely withdraws, leaving everyone to fend for themselves. Clea takes on the responsibility of holding the family together while fighting a war. Alicia is left to confront her trauma and guilt alone. Both Clea and Alicia desperately needed their mother, but she was nowhere to be found.

Then it takes a darker turn. Aline enters Verso’s painted realm and alters it drastically. She injects real human lives into what was essentially a child’s play world. Those people didn’t ask to be there; the world was not designed for them.

Aline then creates painted representations of her family, and purposely inflicts suffering on them. She makes painted Renoir endure the emotional pain of losing Verso, even though that wasn’t his actual experience. It’s as if she perceives this as punishment.

The most heartbreaking transformation is what she does to painted Alicia. She scars her, strips her of her voice, and puts on her the burden of guilt that doesn’t belong to her, while bestowing her the power to escape into a void, forcing her to dwell in pain that isn’t rightfully hers.

No matter how deep Aline’s grief runs, it doesn’t justify the torture of innocent beings. That’s what villains do.

When painted Alicia requests to be erased, she asks to be sent back to her family. But her so-called ‘mother’ is very much alive. What she truly means is Renoir. The Paintress has ceased to be a mother to her.

That’s my perspective. The game clearly outlines who is responsible for this chaos right from the start.

[harpist]

The Problem:

The user finds Aline Dessendre’s actions in the game disturbing, particularly her manipulation and mistreatment of her “painted family.” The user believes Aline’s grief doesn’t justify her actions, which they perceive as the torture of innocent beings, and labels Aline as a villain.

Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

The core issue is a difference in interpretation of the game’s narrative. While Aline’s actions are undeniably harmful, the game likely intends for players to grapple with the complexities of grief, trauma, and the resulting morally gray choices. Aline isn’t presented as a traditional villain with malicious intent; instead, the game explores the devastating consequences of untreated trauma and how it can warp a person’s actions. The game may aim to provoke discussion and reflection on the nature of grief and its impact on behavior rather than providing a clear-cut “villain.”

Step-by-Step Guide:

To better understand the game’s perspective on Aline’s actions, consider the following:

1. Analyze Aline’s Backstory and Relationships: Thoroughly examine the game’s narrative detailing Aline’s life before the tragedy. Focus on her relationships with her daughters, Clea and Alicia, and the dynamics within her family. Look for clues suggesting pre-existing tensions or traumas. Pay particular attention to the family portrait and any symbolism associated with it. Understanding her history helps contextualize her subsequent behavior.

2. Examine the Painted Realm and Aline’s Interactions: Carefully observe Aline’s actions within the painted realm of Verso. How does she interact with the painted representations of her family members? Analyze the specific forms of suffering she inflicts—is it random cruelty, or does it show a pattern related to her specific grief and unresolved emotional pain? Does she target specific family members more than others? This helps determine whether her actions are driven by malicious intent or a distorted attempt to cope with loss and guilt.

3. Focus on the Motif of “Rewriting” the Past: Consider Aline’s actions as attempts to control and alter painful memories. Analyze the symbolic implications of her manipulation of the painted world. Is this an attempt to rewrite history, to punish, or to grapple with her own trauma? This will help clarify her motivations.

4. Evaluate Painted Alicia’s Plea: Consider Alicia’s wish to be erased and sent back to her family. Analyze what this reveals about the relationship between Aline and Alicia, and what the painted reality symbolizes concerning Aline’s failure as a mother and the emotional distance between them.

5. Consider the Game’s Themes: Reflect on the overarching themes of the game. Does the game aim to present a simplistic good versus evil narrative or explore the complexities of human behavior in the face of trauma? The game’s emphasis on grief and its consequences is crucial to interpreting Aline’s actions.

Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

• Oversimplifying Complex Characters: Avoid reducing characters to simple labels like “villain” or “hero.” Characters in narratives often exhibit morally gray qualities.
• Ignoring Narrative Context: Consider the broader context and themes of the game. Aline’s actions should be understood within the context of her past and motivations.
• Focusing on Intent vs. Impact: Distinguish between Aline’s intentions (were they purely malicious?) and the impact of her actions (unquestionably harmful). The game likely intends to explore both.

Still running into issues? Share your interpretations of the game’s narrative and specific passages that support your differing perspectives on Aline’s role. The community is here to help!

[lilac]

Yeah, the painted family thing got me too. Making copies just to torture them is seriously messed up.

[benji]

I get it. Yeah, Aline does brutal, hurtful things, but calling her straight-up evil feels too simple. The game shows how grief can completely warp someone and push them toward terrible decisions. It’s less about excusing what she does and more about getting why she’s broken. Those emotional layers are what make the story work so well.