Abstract Daddy

The Abstract Daddy in Silent Hill 2

Other names

Ideal Father
Doorman

Debut

Silent Hill 2

Other appearances

None

Health

High

Locations

Labyrinth
Lakeview Hotel

Weapons

None

Attack method(s)

Lunging
Biting

Abstract Daddy, also known as Ideal Father, is a monster James Sunderland encounters in Silent Hill 2, and is a symbol of Angela Orosco's past.^[1] The creature had been nicknamed the Doorman prior to the release of the Book of Lost Memories (due to his shape allegedly resembling a door), which confirmed the official name.

James first faces this monster as a boss near the end of the Labyrinth area, while smaller, weaker, variants can be found later on in the Lakeview Hotel.

AppearanceEdit

The Abstract Daddy appears as two figures lying on a bed, covered in a "blanket" of putrid skin, with the two forms apparently having intercourse. The two figures seem to be trapped in a rectangular board, with the "male" or upper figure's arms and legs dangling out the bottom. It moves on all fours, and the lower portion of the beast has the appearance of a bed with four posts.

CharacterEdit

The Abstract Daddy attacks by rearing up and slamming its huge body against James, or by hopping on top of him and suffocating him by forcing his head into its "mouth". If James is being grappled by it, repeatedly tapping / and wiggling the analog stick will get it off faster and lessen his damage. Because these attacks require close contact with its prey, and due to the cramped conditions of the room, it's wise to run from end to end diagonally and fire at it with the shotgun once, then run to the other end. Doing so will result in little to no damage. Once the player inflicts enough damage upon the creature, it will fall and deflate, finally dead.

The monsters in the Lakeview Hotel are different from the boss version. These move much faster, but are much easier to kill, taking only one shotgun blast to knock down. They also do not attack unless provoked.

SymbolismEdit

According to Masahiro Ito, the Abstract Daddy represents Angela's father, Thomas Orosco, and/or brother, hanging over her on a bed.^[2] This is highly suggestive of the abuse she may have once took from them.

It is also noted that the figure beneath screams in torment, which is likely another representation of Angela's abuse, while their "mouths" resemble a vaginal orifice, further implying sexual abuse.

Later in the game, smaller versions of the boss monster make an appearance at the Lakeview Hotel, which may be an indication/foreshadowing to the player that Angela may be in the hotel somewhere.

Another possible theory is that it represents abusive masculinity, in that James suffocated his wife, Mary Shepherd-Sunderland, while she was in bed. This may be why both Angela and James can see the monster, as they are both involved with the mentality at hand.

TriviaEdit

• Defeating Abstract Daddy in the Silent Hill HD Collection awards the trophy/achievement "Childhood Trauma".

ReferencesEdit

GalleryEdit

A drawing of the Abstract Daddy.

James shooting an Abstract Daddy.

Abstract Daddy suffocating James.

Angela looking down on a defeated Abstract Daddy.

A smaller Abstract Daddy in the Lakeview Hotel.

A deceased Abstract Daddy.

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