Nathan Prescott: A Life is Strange Analysis

cw for mentions of grooming, drugging, murder, and s*icide

Nathan Prescott is a character in Life is Strange. Let's start with point 1: Nathan is a victim of Mark Jefferson's grooming. Jefferson has authority over Nathan as his teacher, first and foremost. However, Jefferson describes his relationship outside of the classroom as a "father-son relationship."

Given Nathan's relationship with his actual father, he is desperate to impress Jefferson and comply with his orders. Jefferson not only manipulates Nathan, but he takes advantage of his obvious weaknesses and insecurities. While Nathan is a perpetrator, he is also a victim of Jefferson's actions. I'd argue that Nathan Prescott is a victim of grooming and financial manipulation by Jefferson.

The player is also later informed via conversation between Max Caulfield and Mark Jefferson that Jefferson murdered Nathan Prescott now that he is no longer of use to him and a liability. This only occurs in some timelines.

Point 2: Nathan Prescott is a perpetrator.

We know via Max Caulfield's conversation with Mark Jefferson that Nathan is responsible for Rachel Amber's death. We know that Nathan was trying to copy Jefferson when he drugged and photographed her. He accidentally murders her via overdose, but he murders her all the same.

We also see Nathan responsible for killing Chloe Price in the original timeline. He shoots her in the gut without a second thought.

It could also be argued that Nathan is responsible for the death of Kate Marsh (in certain timelines), as he is the one who dosed her for Jefferson. We also see him and his posse bullying Kate, which only furthers her s*icidal behavior.

While he apologizes to Max via the voicemail we hear in episode five (Polarized), in which he says, "Max... it's Nathan. I just wanted to say... I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt Kate, or Rachel, or.... I didn't want to hurt anybody. Everybody... used me! Mr. Jefferson is coming for me now. Watch out, Max... He wants to hurt you next. Sorry," I'd like to argue that Nathan Prescott is still not a redeemable character.

Nathan is responsible for three deaths, one without any influence from Jefferson. He did not need to shoot Chloe; he chose to shoot Chloe.

I'd also like to argue that while Rachel's death was influenced by Jefferson, it was not directly caused by him. Nathan acted alone, and while his intent was not to kill Rachel, he still did. His intention was still to violate her. Based on my prior analysis of the allegory portrayed by this "violation," I'd also like to remind readers that Jefferson says Nathan acts out of "lust." I feel this point supports my theory about the allegory.

While we can infer that Nathan is instructed by Jefferson to drug Kate, Nathan still chose to bully her and perpetuate the sharing of the viral video. He is compliant in her death.

While I can admire the writing and nuance of Nathan Prescott's character, I cannot say he is redeemable. He is a murderer, through and through.