The Man in Black | villain

▻ William or Billy
▻ "The Man in Black"

▻ Species: human male
▻ Age: 55 years
▻ Current occupation: Executive vice president of Delos Incorporated and Member of the Westworld board of directors

▻ Rough: Has a harsh and abrasive demeanor, often using force or intimidation to get what he wants.

▻ Self-destructive: Engages in behavior that is harmful to himself, such as excessive drinking and risky behavior.

▻ Cunning and clever: Always looking for ways to manipulate situations to his advantage, using his intelligence and charm to get what he wants.

▻ Cruel to hosts/androids: Capable of inflicting pain and suffering on others without remorse, especially when it serves his purposes. Is seen as the antagonist in many situations, and is often opposed by those who are trying to do the right thing. Has killed hosts, either in self-defense or as part of his goal, and shows no remorse for his actions.

▻ Nihilist: Believes that life has no inherent meaning or value, and that all actions are ultimately meaningless.

▻ Sarcastic: Uses sarcasm and irony to mock and belittle others, often as a way of hiding his true feelings.

▻ Nimble: Light on his feet and able to move quickly and gracefully, making him a formidable opponent in combat.

▻ Tough: Resilient and able to withstand physical and mental stress, often pushing himself to the limit.

▻ Honest: In his own way, he is honest about his intentions and motivations, even if they are morally reprehensible.

▻ Single person: Prefers to work alone and is not interested in forming close relationships with others

William's father is a drunk and young William used books as an escape mechanism. In order to thrive William had to play a game of pretend with others. To be adopting false identities constantly to make other people happy and through others he gets what he wants. William is self absorbed but also a phony playing a game constantly for that was the only way for him to get anywhere in life.

William first arrived in Westworld as a caring visitor. Immediately overwhelmed by Westworld, William, in contrast to Logan, wanted to see and enjoy everything Westworld has to offer. His then-selfless personality led him to save the life of the Host Dolores. He fell in love with her, and helped her escape from Logan twice. William also seems to care for the Hosts as persons while Logan just sees them as means to having fun.

However, after separating from Dolores Abernathy, William starts looking for her. During this time, William realizes that he likes being cruel and evil to the Hosts. He fully embraces this after Dolores, who has been reset, does not recognize him. As Logan notes in the first season finale, William's kindness was a façade that concealed his true nature as a manipulative and violence-obsessed psychopath.

William wants the love of a healthy mother and father, to see something noble and true in the individuals that are humanity. But Westworld taught him all of this was fantasy much like the books he read. William has been disillusioned since childhood, but he played the game well enough he bought his own supply constantly and thus he is constantly breaking his own heart. Yet he does not trust his heart to others for he does not want to be betrayed much like his drunk dad was not there for him.

Outside Westworld, The Man in Black is wealthy enough to operate a foundation and to be recognized by other guests in the park. He does not though, appreciate having his vacation interrupted by guests who recognize him, or anyone else for that matter. He also seeks to find deeper levels that he believes are hidden within the park from regular guests. William's quotes: "The only thing I had when I was a kid were books. I used to live in them. I used to go to sleep dreaming I'd wake up inside one of them 'cause they had meaning. This place, this is like I woke up inside one of those stories. I guess I just wanna find out what it means.
I've been pretending my whole life. Pretending I don't mind, pretending I belong. My life's built on it. And it's a good life. It's a life I've always wanted. But then I came here and I get a glimpse for a second of a life in which I don't have to pretend. A life in which I can be truly alive. How can I go back to pretending when I know what this feels like?
I never understood why they paired some of you off. Seems cruel... and then I realized winning doesn't mean anything unless someone else loses. Which means you're here to be the loser!
My wife took the wrong pills. Fell asleep in the bath. Tragic accident. 30 years of marriage vanished. How do you say it? "Like a deep and distant dream." Then, at the funeral, I tried to console my daughter. She pushed me away, told me that my wife's death was no accident that she killed herself because of me. Emily said that every day with me had been sheer terror." So Willam's wife died by suicide and he has his daughter Emily outside of the Westworld.

▻ Smoking: Often seen with a cigar in his mouth, using it as a way to relax and think.

▻ Drinking: Has a fondness for expensive whisky, and often drinks to excess.

▻ Swearing: Uses profanity frequently, especially when he is angry or frustrated.

▻ Manipulating: Constantly tries to control and influence those around him, using his charm and intelligence to get what he wants.

▻ Violence: Is not afraid to use physical force to achieve his goals, and has a history of being involved in violent altercations.

▻ Intimidation: Uses his size and presence to intimidate others, often making them feel small and insignificant.

▻ Cruelty: Enjoys inflicting pain and suffering on others, especially those he considers weak or inferior.

▻ Self-indulgence: Is prone to indulging in his own desires and pleasures, often at the expense of others.

▻ Isolation: Prefers to be alone and is not interested in forming close relationships with others, often pushing them away.

▻ Risk-taking: Is willing to take risks and engage in dangerous activities, often without considering the consequences.

When he's not in Westworld, a faint whiff of expensive cigars lingers about him, the smoke having seeped into his clothes over time. There's also a hint of the woody undertones from the aged whisky he frequently consumes, which seems to have become a part of his personal aroma. Even in more formal settings, beneath the veneer of a well-tailored suit, there's still a trace of that wild, earthy scent from his adventures in the theme park, a reminder of his true nature.

His voice carries a distinct gravelly quality, as if each word is being scraped out of a throat that has seen years of hard living. It's a voice that commands attention, low and menacing, capable of shifting from a sardonic drawl to a harsh bark in an instant. There's an underlying roughness that adds to his air of danger, making every threat or cutting remark all the more chilling.

▻ Body: He stands at a height of 1.75 m with an average thin yet strong and healthy build. Lean muscles ripple beneath his skin, a testament to his physical activity. His chapped, sunburned pale skin is marked with wrinkles, a sign of his 55 years and a life filled with exposure to the elements.

▻ Face: A thin face with prominent cheekbones gives him a sharp, angular look. Stubble covers his face, adding to his rough and rugged appearance. His skin is rough and calloused, a result of his experiences in the wild west of Westworld.

▻ Eyes: His most striking feature is his blue piercing eyes that seem to look right through you. They are cold and calculating, reflecting his cunning and cruel nature.

▻ Hair: Age-related baldness has taken its toll, leaving him with a receding hairline and gray hair. However, he still manages to maintain a certain sense of style with his neatly combed hair.

▻ Clothes: He always wears black, as if to symbolize his dark and mysterious personality. His outfit consists of a gray striped shirt with a scarf around the neck, a black vest, black straight pants, a black coat with a striped pattern to the middle of the thigh, black leather gloves, and a black straight hat.

▻ Intimidation: He has a natural ability to instill fear in others. His cold, piercing gaze, combined with his rough demeanor and imposing presence, can make even the bravest souls cower. He knows how to use his body language, tone of voice, and reputation to make people do his bidding.

▻ Manipulation: William is a master manipulator. He can read people like books, exploiting their weaknesses, desires, and insecurities to get what he wants. He's patient and strategic in his approach, slowly weaving a web of lies and half-truths to control situations and those around him.

▻ Wealth: As the executive vice president of Delos Incorporated and a member of the Westworld board of directors, he has vast financial resources at his disposal. This wealth gives him access to exclusive opportunities, the best weapons and equipment, and the ability to influence people in high places.

▻ Gunslinging: He's an extremely proficient marksman. Whether it's a revolver or a rifle, he can handle firearms with deadly accuracy. His years of experience in Westworld have honed his skills, allowing him to draw, aim, and fire with lightning speed.

▻ Combat Prowess: In hand-to-hand combat, William is a formidable opponent.His lean muscles and tough physique, combined with his quick reflexes, make him a force to be reckoned with. He knows how to use his body effectively, employing a combination of punches, kicks, and grappling techniques to overpower his enemies.

▻ Riding: He's an excellent horseman. Whether it's navigating the rugged terrain of Westworld or making a quick escape, he can handle a horse with ease. He has a deep understanding of equine behavior and can form a strong bond with his mount, allowing for seamless communication and control.

▻ Survival Skills: Having spent a significant amount of time in the harsh environment of Westworld, he's developed a wide range of survival skills. He knows how to find food and water, build shelter, and protect himself.

Westworld is a technologically advanced Wild-West-themed amusement park populated by android "hosts".

The park caters to high-paying guests who may indulge their wildest fantasies within the park without fear of retaliation from the hosts, who are prevented by their programming from harming humans. That is, weapons cannot harm guests.
Neither bullets, nor knives, nor arrows, etc can cause harm. In fact, guests can do whatever they want in the park.

Delos Incorporated is a massive global company that owns countless industires, like Delos Destonations, where Westworld is located.

The company was founded by Scottish-Amercian buisnessman James Delos at some point in the early 21st Century, which made him a wealthy man. The original industry of the company was is not known, but by the time James' son, Logan Delos, was known to invest into promising upcoming startups.

One of this startups is the Argos Initiative, that developed human-like androids, known as the Hosts. This impressed Logan a lot, and after several visits to an artifical park filled with said androids, Westworld, he started to consider investing more in it. On one of these trips, Logan was framed by his future brother-in-law William as a lunatic and irresponsible son, which led to James Delos disowning Logan. William, who then married Juliet Delos, became the heir and managed to buy Westworld, creating Delos Destinations. The park became a economic success, and five more parks were openend over the years, each with own historical setting. Besides the park, William saw potential in collecting data from the guests: surveillance footage, as well as DNA and coognative scans. The ultimate goal was to copy a human mind and place it into a host body. This secret project was desgined to "sell immortality" to the world's wealthiest. Several secret facilities were built inside Westworld, where this porject was tested.

Blacky: Black Tennessy horse (android horse) stallion.
Or any other. William doesn't get attached to horses because they are hosts.

Sweetwater was a small town near the center of the Westworld park.

Official description: "The train will deposit you in this bustling town upon your arrival to Westworld. This vibrant community features a number of friendly people engaged in all sorts of trade, but stay on your toes — the occasional bandit or ne'er-do-well could sneak in. Play a game of faro at the Mariposa Saloon or relax in luxury lodging at the Coronado — no matter what you choose, our hosts aim to please."

Locations within Sweetwater:

Train Platform. There is no station building, only a platform where the train stops and passengers disembark.
Main Street
Mariposa Saloon
Dr. O'Rourke's clinic
Coronado Hotel & Restaurant
A. Mull Embalmer & Undertaker
Bakery & Restaurant
Cabinet & Window Carpentry
County Recording Office
Bank Trust
Dillin & Foote
G. Benz Harness
Gunsmith
H. Sharp General Store
Lehmer Bro. Clothing & Tailor Shop
Livery & Board
McIntyre Shipping & Freight
McGinty Sash & Door Co.
Men's Clothing & Tailor Store
Mining Exchange
Photographer's Shop
Sonski & Sons
Sweetwater Post Office
The Sheriff's Office
The Sweetwater Gazette
Whitfield's Tip Top Sarsaparilla

Much like many old west towns of the past, there are various businesses that line the dirt path streets. There are always Hosts offering various narratives for the guests who are arriving. There is usually a photographer taking pictures as well. The ladies of the Mariposa Saloon can be seen outside, trying to entice guests to enter.

There is usually always a Host with a bounty hunting offer. Dolores Abernathy can usually always be seen leaving the general store and walking to her horse; where she drops a can of food and has someone pick it up for her. Nearly every Host is on a loop, but there are many that are filtered in daily to add new, interesting and sometimes dangerous narratives.

The Mariposa Saloon was the local saloon and brothel in Sweetwater, Westworld. It is mainly run by madam Maeve Millay, with her assistant and fellow courtesan, Clementine Pennyfeather.

Dolores Abernathy goes to get the Dr. when her father becomes sick. The door is locked and the Dr. is nowhere to be seen.

The Coronado (Crowned in English) Hotel and Restaurant is the upmarket place to stay in Sweetwater for visiting guests. Though it is revealed that VIP and regular guests are assigned personal cabins in the woods outside of the town (Journey Into Night), for most guests, including William and Logan in the early years, the Coronado is the place to stay. Not least because the other 'advertised' Hotel...the Mariposa...is of course a brothel, therefore the only 'respectable/family' Hotel in the town of Sweetwater is the Coronado, and is reflected in its well dressed clientele.

The Gunsmith is Sweetwater's main armaments and ammunitions stop off. And as such popular with hosts and guests alike.

As is fairly evident in a town and Park like Sweetwater and Westworld, the Gunsmith is one of the most crucial stores in the town. The store is, like almost all the other buildings in the town, build of wood, and lightly stained/varnished. It has one main entrance flanked either side to two large glass windows.

Boxes of ammunition sit on a set of shelves on the Boardwalk outside the door, a deer's head hung on the wall above it, A seat for customers outside, beneath the wooden awning that covers the lower ground area.

A main sign marking it as the Gunsmith is painted on its upper levels which is decorated by more taxidermy and a large set of Stags Antlers. Another smaller sign hangs off the awning as you walk down the boardwalk.

A painted sign above the door lists what it offers Guns, Pistols, Ammunition. While a Poster sign by the wall further elaborates: All Makes of Guns and Rifles Professionally Repaired - Knives - Ammunition.

The front porch of the Gunsmith is the setting for a shoot out between Wanted man Samuel West and his two sidekicks, and Teddy accompanying guest Marti. Teddy taking out the two side men, Marti shoots Samuel, the huge man left slumped on the ground by the Gunsmith door.

The Sheriff's Office is, naturally, in a town as eventful as Sweetwater, a fairly busy place, with the Sheriff and their deputies operating out of it, the Marshall's reporting to it, and the Bounty Hunters picking up their marks and delivering them to it. The boards updated regularly with Wanted Posters.

Though it's interiors are never seen as much as the Mariposa Saloon, H.Sharp's General Store is probably one of, if not the most important location in the town of Sweetwater. It is this store that Dolores emerges from at the start of her loop in Sweetwater, and here she purchases the fated Can of Condensed Milk that provides either her re-introduction to a 'returning' Teddy or, in his absence an introduction to a guest.

The Store has three sets of double doors, one set running parallel along Main Street, one set facing down Main Street, and the other at the angled join of Main Street and the Alley, these being the ones Dolores emerges from.

Through the angled doors, displays of canned goods can be seen in the Centre of the store, while china/crockery is displayed in dresser. Along it's side hoarding the shop advertises: Umbrellas - Repaired & Covered; Picture Frames - Made & Fixed; Needles & Supplies - For All Sewing Requirements. Barrels of fruit, vegetables and household goods flank either side of the Central set of doors, with oil lamps affixed either side to the wall.

Sonski's as advertised on the front of the store, specializes in 'Smoking Tobacco. Snuff & Cigars" all typical fare of the period Westworld is set in. Built/stained in darker wood than most of the other buildings, it's glass door front reads 'Fine Tobacco' . It has it's own wooden awning, and double chairs outside on both sides of the door. The awning providing cover for those who wish to sit and smoke after purchasing.

Looking at the store head on, towards the front of the awning/boardwalk on the left hand side of the door stands a traditional (for the time) carved wooden cigar-store, 'Red Indian' figure on a wooden plinth.

Abernathy Ranch is the home of the decent and hardworking Abernathy family. Located near Sweetwater Hills, the breathtaking homestead overlooks the rolling hills and offers spectacular views of the Sweetwater River. Tend to the herd and work the land during the day...just stay alert after dark, as the secluded ranch is known to be a target of bandits.

Ghost Nation is a location in Westworld park. It is home to a group of Native American themed hosts known eponymously as the Ghost Nation.This area is only recommended for expert game-players; the journey alone is guaranteed to weed out the faint of heart. Ghost Nation storylines connect and intersect with some of the most thrilling in the park, but it will take more than courage to access them. Dig deep to ingratiate yourself into their inner circle, and the rewards may outperform your wildest expectations.

Las Mudas is a border town that has amazing food and drink for guests; the way of life here hasn’t changed since the day it was settled. Visitors are free to make themselves at home and chat in the town square, charm the barkeep into divulging family secrets, or just relax and take a break from the heat. Practically everyone in this town is related and they are very protective of one another. There is a dusty patina, but don't let that fool you, this town proudly carries the scars of showdowns past.

Pariah is a border town located northeast of the New Virginia territory.

The "Los Diablos Prison", as the Control Room calls it.

Fort Forlorn Hope is a fortification that serves as the headquarters of the Confederados faction in Westworld.

It lies in a narrow valley under two small mountain ridges, with desert scrub and sparse groves covering the valley. Though Forlorn Hope's exact location is not stated, it is probably located on the territory of New Virginia, the main area of the Confederados (a.k.a. "The Army of New Virginia").

On one of his many visits to the park, the Man in Black has the intentions of finally reaching the deeper levels of Westworld. He pays a visit to Dolores one last time, killing Teddy Flood in the process. On a later day, he visits the Mariposa Saloon to meet Kissy, a card dealer. At nighttime, he sneaks up on Kissy and slits his throat, rendering him powerless, and quietly drags him away to the mountains. There, after explaining his intentions to find the truth of Westworld and its deeper game, the Man scalps the host. On the inside of the host's scalp, he finds a map for an unknown maze.