James Sunderland has become one of the most recognizable protagonists in the video game horror genre ever since he first appeared in Silent Hill 2 back in 2001. What makes James so fondly remembered by horror fans is how relatable he is as a character. He isn't a special agent sent in to clean up the streets of Silent Hill from monsters, but instead, is simply a troubled man whose overwhelming grief leads him down a long and very dark path.
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Throughout this personal journey, James comes out with several few quotes which have ended up being quite impactful, whether it was because they revealed a lot about the character, or just the sick and twisted nature of Silent Hill itself. James has had his fair share of memorable lines throughout his respective game, but the ones listed below have stood the test of time as fan favorites since the release of the original Silent Hill 2. Before jumping in, please be advised that this list will contain minor spoilers for the story of Silent Hill 2.
6 "I Guess I Really Don't Care If It's Dangerous Or Not"
James' Numbness To The World Around Him Starts To Show
Though he doesn't realize it until much later in the story, Silent Hill 2 is all about James facing his guilty conscience, which includes him finding a way to punish himself for his past actions. Nowhere is this more clear than at the beginning of the game during James' baffling interaction with Angela. At first, James seems cautious about whether the Silent Hill town is dangerous or not, but after a moment, he realizes deep down, he doesn't care "If it's dangerous or not".
The truth is, James could be walking into a literal minefield, but the guilt that constantly hangs over his head has made him numb to the fear - pushing him to constantly put his life in danger as a form of self-punishment. It's a haunting line that provides an early indication of James' fractured mental state, and his numbness to the horrors that surround him.
5 "How Can You Just Sit There And Eat Pizza?"
A Hilarious Line Which Contains Some Subtle Foreshadowing For Eddie
The Silent Hill games don't often get much of a chance to insert comedy into their dark stories, but one hilarious bit of dialogue that has stuck with many fans over the years comes during James' talk with Eddie in the bowling alley. James, having just fought through hordes of horrific monsters, is shocked to see Eddie sitting down and enjoying a fresh box of pizza, as if he's completely oblivious to what's happening in the town.
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The truth is, while this line initially comes off as pretty funny, it's also a subtle bit of foreshadowing of Eddie's own personal insecurities, and what drove him to Silent Hill in the first place. James was let off the hook this time, but things don't end quite as smoothly when he mocks Eddie about food later in the game.
4 "Don't Worry, I'm Not Crazy. Least, I Don't Think So..."
James Makes Players Wonder If What They're Seeing Is Real, Or Just His Imagination
At first, it might seem like James is the only sane person left in Silent Hill, especially after running into Angela and Eddie, but it doesn't take long to realize James too is also losing his grip on reality, despite how much he likes to claim he isn't. What makes this quote so chilling, aside from Guy Cihi's incredibly eerie vocal delivery, is the fact it shows James is truthfully uncertain about why he even came to Silent Hill, and why he's going through all of these 'trials' to find someone who he knows is already long gone.
It's also a subtle way to suggest to players that James is an unreliable narrator who could very well be making up all of this in his own head. Making James this vulnerable as a character is one of the many reasons why so many horror fans have come to see him as such an amazing protagonist.
3 "A Dead Person Can't Write A Letter"
The Mystery Of Why James Received The Letter Is A Perfect Hook For The Game's Story
On the surface, this quote might seem like an obvious statement if it were coming from anyone else, but for James, it says a lot about his conflicted mindset and hypocrisy. During his small monologue at the beginning of the game, James is constantly trying to convince himself the mysterious letter he received couldn't be from his wife, even going as far as to clarify to himself that "A dead person can't write a letter".
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It's a clear indication of James' mind going back and forth on whether to believe his wife really could be out there somewhere, waiting for him in their "special place". Right from the get-go, the game reveals that James isn't exactly in the best state of mind for starting his journey, and it immediately creates a sense of mystery about the character, and forces players to question why he's honestly venturing into the depths of Silent Hill.
2 "I Was Weak. That's Why I Needed You...Needed Someone To Punish Me For My Sins"
James Finally Realizes The True Meaning Behind The Pyramid Head
It's been well documented that the monsters in Silent Hill 2 all act as metaphors for the underlying feelings and suppressed emotions of the characters, and for James, the Pyramid Head is an executioner who is constantly trying to kill him as a way to atone for his sins. Though the Pyramid Head makes several appearances throughout the story, it's not until the end of the game when two pop up at once that James finally realizes who they are, what they mean, and what he must do next.
Most players will start to piece these ideas in their head throughout their playthrough, but seeing James himself acknowledge his desire for punishment, and starting to stand up against it, is a very memorable and pretty epic moment in the series. What ensues after this classic quote is a brutal fight which is often seen as among one of the hardest in the game.
1 "Mary?"
Guilt, Denial, Acceptance, James Has Been Through It All
Though it's only a single word, this quote is said by James many times throughout Silent Hill 2, and it's emblematic of his confusion of current events, and his denial of the past. James is always chasing his wife Mary, even though he knows deep down she's gone, and as a result, he manages to see glimpses of his late wife in a new character who looks just like her, that being Maria.
James mistakenly calls Maria Mary on a few occasions throughout the game, and it's as if he's desperately trying to convince himself that he's found her, even though the two women have completely different personalities. It can also feel as though James is speaking to his wife directly when bringing up her name, which becomes much more relevant in the later stages of the story where he does finally manage to make peace with himself after talking with her one final time.
