Does Agent 47 Kill Innocents?
Agent 47, the protagonist of the Hitman video game series, is a highly trained and skilled assassin. But the question remains: Does Agent 47 kill innocents?
The Facts
- According to canon, Agent 47 follows a strict code of only targeting and killing specific individuals who have been marked for termination, typically high-profile targets with criminal or corrupt activities.
- In most games, 47’s clients provide him with detailed dossiers on the target’s background, habits, and schedules, making it possible for him to select his targets carefully and eliminate them with precision.
- The game’s narrative rarely portrays 47 as randomly targeting innocent civilians or carrying out massacres.
Canon Examples
- Blood Money: In one level, 47 receives a contract to eliminate a high-stakes poker player, but the target has an innocent wife who doesn’t know about his activities. 47’s conversation with his handler, The Bishop, reveals that his instructions are to kill the target alone, indicating his intent to spare the wife’s life.
- Absolution: During the "Mr. Mendez" mission, 47 discovers that the target, Mendez, is hiding among a group of innocent partygoers. Instead of attacking everyone, 47 carefully extracts Mendez while avoiding harming the civilians in the process.
The Exceptions
- Hitman (2016): In the game’s epilogue, 47 targets and kills a group of armed mercenaries who were posing as police officers. While some critics argue that this was morally justifiable, others interpret it as a grey area.
- Hitman III: In the mission "A Gently Whispered Secret", 47 must eliminate a number of guards and soldiers inside a high-security facility. However, the targets are clearly identified as part of the facility’s security and intelligence forces, making the kills justifiable under 47’s contract.
Why Does Agent 47 Target Innocents (at All)?
- In the rare instances where Agent 47 does target innocent bystanders, it can be argued that:
- Collateral damage: 47 may encounter situations where innocent people get caught in the crossfire or become accidental victims, often due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Conveniently located individuals: Sometimes, 47 might target individuals who unwittingly occupy strategic locations that put themselves or others in harm’s way.
In Conclusion
Agent 47’s primary goal is to complete his contracts and eliminate high-priority targets while minimizing civilian casualties. Although he may occasionally target individuals who aren’t explicitly involved in criminal activities, this is typically justified by contextual factors. The vast majority of his missions focus on taking out specific targets while respecting the lives of innocents.
Table of 47’s Contracts by Innocence Level
| Mission | Innocent Casualties | Target Intent |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Money | Minimal (<5) | Specific high-stakes poker player |
| Absolution | No recorded civilian casualties | Identified partygoer target |
| Hitman (2016) | Low-Moderate (5-15) | Armed mercenaries posing as police |
| Hitman III | High-Variable (10+ dependent on player choices) | High-security facility security personnel |
The Takeaway
Agent 47 is not a mindless killer who targets innocent bystanders for sport. Instead, he is a calculating assassin who prioritizes efficient completion of his contracts, while striving to minimize non-combatant harm whenever possible.