The problem of the heroic-totalitarian model in Bioshock Infinite and its DLCs:

a case study on Daisy Fitzroy

Abstract

This article analyzes the treatment given, in the game Bioshock Infinite and its two DLCs (2013), to the character Daisy Fitzroy and the Vox Populi group, as well as the controversies arising from such treatment. From a semiotic point of view, this article analyzes the use of the hero's journey as a narrative model for the game and argues that the use of this model hinders the discussion proposed by the game – about racism and the limits of violence – because the mythical model is itself used by totalitarian ideology and, therefore, averse to such problematizations. The article also suggests that, as a way of mitigating such narrative model problems, other models can be used, such as the canonical narrative schema, or even visual storytelling tactics and multiple characters.