This began in this post I guess.
Uh… This is pretty much a long list of instances in which the Master Chief is referred to by John in Halo: The Fall of Reach (I don’t know what else to call it). I have listed the chapter and page (in bold), but keep in mind I have a print copy of the definitive edition.
Notes: Some short instances require some a little context, but the context is far too many lines. Unfortunately it’s a fairly short description from me. Anywhere I omitted a bit of the original text for brevity is noted with . . . (
ellipsis with spaces)
And sorry for the bad grammar and my awkward writing. (It’s also like, a light-year long, and this hellsite wrecked all my formatting when I transferred it over.)
@mrs-chief I DID IT IN ONE DAY. THE JOHN LIST FOR TFOR IS HERE. IT TOOK ME LIKE FIVE HOURS BUT I REGRET NOTHING.
Things I noted that made me cry: John is often referred to his real name when his Spartans are in danger/potential danger, and it’s heartbreaking. Other times are character defining moments that are just beautifully pensive.
I’ll have the next two books done by the end of the week hopefully. I’ll tag you in that too.
And if you know anyone else who wants this list you can spread it around.
Holy shit this is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I totally see what you were saying now about the pattern. When Nylund is writing more introspective scenes, or more intimate scenes, he’s John. But when he’s writing a scene where he’s a leader and a beacon for those around him, he’s back to Chief/Master Chief. It’s interesting because in Halo 5, the Warden Eternal taunts John, saying that Cortana knows his “real name, before [he] was 117″, which sort of brings up a discussion of how humanism is tied to having a name. After all, most people don’t even know him as Spartan-117, let alone John-117. They just know him as the Master Chief, this big, arguably terrifying robot in power armor.
I think this is something really important in Halo also because the use of real names among people who’ve been stripped of their humanity really shows not only how close they are, but how trusting and candid they can be together. This is something I kind of disliked in Halo 5 because John calls Fred “Frederic” and it just seems, odd and out-of-character.
Now, granted, I could make an argument about how it’s inappropriate to be on a first-name basis with your comrades in the military (I got yelled at for this once, absolutely true story) but really, in this case when John is so deprived of not only humanity but also just straight-up normal socialization, it’s refreshing to see writers (especially Nylund my beloved <3) peel back the armor and show him as he is.
(also i will literally always cry reading the bit where he goes to Camp Hathcock my heart hurts i love him so endlessly)
Thank you so much this is truly a gift and I am blessed ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
When the Master Chief is John
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