Were the Frye twins real?

Were the Frye Twins Real?

The Frye twins, Jacob and Evie, are the protagonists of the 2015 video game Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate. While they are fictional characters, their story is deeply rooted in history, making it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. In this article, we will explore the inspirations behind the Frye twins and whether they can be considered "real" in a historical context.

Early Life and Background

The Frye twins were born in 1847 to Ethan Frye and his wife Cecily. Ethan was a member of the British Brotherhood of Assassins, a secret society dedicated to protecting humanity from the Templar Order. Cecily died shortly after childbirth, leaving Ethan to raise the twins on his own. This traumatic event had a profound impact on Ethan, who became overly protective and distant towards his children.

Historical Context

The game takes place in 1868, during the Second Industrial Revolution in London. This period saw rapid industrialization, poverty, and social unrest, providing a fertile ground for the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game’s story is influenced by historical events, figures, and cultural movements, making it easier to relate to the characters and setting.

Fictionalizing History

While the Frye twins are not real in the classical sense, their story is built upon historical events and figures. For example, the game features cameos from real-life figures like Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, adding to the sense of authenticity. The game’s setting, characters, and storylines are fictionalized interpretations of historical events, making it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction.

Key Historical Figures

• Ethan Frye: The game’s protagonist, Ethan Frye, is inspired by historical figures like Sir Richard Francis Burton, a British explorer and author who was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
• Cecily Frye: Cecily’s death in childbirth is inspired by the high mortality rate for women and children during this period. Historical figures like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole played important roles in improving maternal and child healthcare during the Industrial Revolution.
• Jacob and Evie Frye: The twins’ story is influenced by real-life siblings who fought against injustice, such as the Frye family, who were American abolitionists who helped slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Table: Historical Figures and Their Inspirations

Conclusion

The Frye twins are fictional characters created to explore historical events and figures during the Second Industrial Revolution in London. While they are not real in the classical sense, their story is built upon historical events, figures, and cultural movements. The game’s setting, characters, and storylines are fictionalized interpretations of historical events, making it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. The game’s creators aimed to capture the essence of the time period, drawing inspiration from real-life figures and events. Ultimately, the Frye twins are a testament to the power of storytelling and the blurring of lines between fact and fiction.