Rick Deckard's Transformation

Deckard's journey from a confident bounty hunter to a man questioning his humanity and empathy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Confident Bounty Hunter

The Professional Morning Routine Deckard wakes, sets his mood organ, and argues with Iran. He is businesslike, focused on his job. The electric sheep is a constant reminder of his lack. The Assignment He learns of Dave Holden's injury and takes over the list. He sees it as an opportunity for money and prestige. He is eager to prove himself. The Journey to Seattle He flies to Seattle, confident in the Voigt-Kampff test. He has never failed. The hunt begins.

Crisis of Empathy

The Moral Quandary Encounter with Luba Luft Deckard is moved by Luba's talent. He buys her a book. When Resch kills her, he is disgusted. The act feels wrong. Self-Test He tests himself for empathy toward androids. The result shows he feels for some. This shakes his identity. Conversation with Resch Resch argues that killing androids is necessary. Deckard is not convinced. He begins to see the job as a curse.

The Affair with Rachael

The Seduction The Hotel Room Deckard meets Rachael at the St. Francis. They drink and talk. He is drawn to her despite knowing she is an android. The Act They make love. Deckard feels both intimacy and betrayal. Rachael admits her mission is to neutralize him. The Decision He cannot kill her. He lets her go. The experience changes him, making him more vulnerable.

The Final Killings

The Hardest Part Retirement of Pris Pris, identical to Rachael, confronts him. Mercer warns him. He kills her, but it feels like killing Rachael. Retirement of the Batys He kills Irmgard and Roy. The act is mechanical. He feels nothing but exhaustion. Aftermath The hunt is over. He has retired six Nexus-6 in one day. But he is empty.

The Solitary Climb

Finding Mercer Flight to the Desert Deckard flies north, escaping the city. He lands in the wasteland. He feels the weight of his actions. The Ascent He climbs a hill, alone. Stones strike him. He realizes he is living Mercer's experience, without the empathy box. The Revelation Mercer speaks to him, telling him that wrongdoing is inevitable. Deckard accepts his role. He is not alone.

Return and Acceptance

The Toad Discovery Deckard finds a toad, believed extinct. He is overjoyed. It is a sign of life in the dead world. The Truth Iran reveals the toad is electric. Deckard is disappointed but accepts it. He says electric things have their own lives. Peace He goes to bed, exhausted. Iran orders artificial flies for the toad. Life continues, even if artificial.

early morning of January 3

evening

night

late night

dawn

later that morning