Deckard's Internal Conflict

The bounty hunter's growing empathy for androids and the moral crisis it creates.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Initial Detachment

The Professional Attitude Mood Organ Deckard dials for a businesslike attitude. He is focused on efficiency. Androids are machines to be retired. The Electric Sheep He tends to his electric sheep, a constant reminder of his lack. He wants a real animal, but the job is a means to that end. The Assignment He takes Holden's list with no hesitation. The hunt is a job. He does not question it.

Encounter with Luba Luft

The Singer's Humanity The Rehearsal Deckard is moved by Luba's voice. He feels a connection to her art. She is not just a machine. The Test She deflects his questions, but he sees her fear. He hesitates. The professional instinct wars with sympathy. The Killing When Resch kills her, Deckard is disgusted. He burns the book he bought her. The act feels wrong.

Self-Test

Testing His Own Empathy The Question Deckard tests himself with the Voigt-Kampff. He asks about a female android being killed. The needles show a strong empathic response. The Revelation He realizes he feels empathy for at least some androids. This shakes his identity. He is not the cold hunter he thought. Conversation with Resch Resch tells him it's just sex. Deckard is not convinced. He begins to see the job as a curse.

The Affair with Rachael

Intimacy with an Android The Hotel Room Deckard and Rachael make love. He feels closeness and betrayal. She admits her mission is to neutralize him. The Attempt to Kill He almost kills her but cannot. He lets her go. The act of empathy is stronger than his duty. The Aftermath He knows he has changed. The old Deckard is gone.

Mercer's Guidance

The Words of Mercer The Vision During the hunt, Mercer appears to Deckard, warning him about Pris. He says Deckard must do wrong even though it is wrong. The Acceptance Deckard accepts the paradox. He kills Pris and the Batys, but he feels no triumph. He is just doing what must be done. The Curse He understands the curse: to be required to violate one's own identity. It is the basic condition of life.

The Solitary Climb

The Personal Ascent The Desert Deckard flies into the wasteland. He climbs a hill, alone. Stones strike him. He feels the pain of Mercer. The Fusion He experiences the ascent without the empathy box. He is Mercer. He is not alone. The Resolution He accepts his role. The conflict is internal, and he has made peace with it.

morning of January 3

late afternoon

night

night

late night

dawn