--This post contains major storyline spoilers.

I'm on my 6th playthrough of the game and I've only just noticed how incredibly similar these two characters look.

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They have many similarities in their physical appearances; the black, slicked back hair; white shirts with rolled up sleeves; red ties; and the black vests and braces. Obviously, Joseph in much more clean-cut than Sebastian. Joseph is clean-shaven, with pristine hair and attire. Sebastian on the other hand looks a lot more rugged; his shirt and tie are loose and covered in blood, while his face is somewhat dirty and unshaven.

These differences are also clearly reflected in the characters's personalities. Joseph, despite a couple of moments in the game where he does act really stupid, seems very intelligent and calculated. His model viewer description describes him as "by-the-books", which probably sums up what I'm trying to say. While I don't think Sebastian is stupid by any means, he is very different to Joseph in some ways. The emotional problems he has because of the loss of his family have lead to his drinking problem, and in the past he has approached his detective work with little professionalism or regard for the law. These problems have clearly strengthened his resolve however, as Sebastian is much less susceptible to Ruvik's influence than Joseph, who always seems just on the edge of turning.

Also, both Joseph and Sebastian have had love interests with their female detective partners. Bassy obviousy fell in love with Myra and ended up marrying her, and it is hinted at a couple of times in the game that Joseph is in love with Kidman.

I definitely think there is a metaphor to be found here. Perhaps Joseph is the version of Sebastian that existed before the house fire and before his life started going downhill. Maybe Joseph's life is on the same trajectory as Sebastian's, and the whole thing with Ruvik and STEM will be the catalyst for his demise, just as the house fire was for Sebastian. During Chapter 6, a visibly struggling Joseph says "Is this what is was like Seb, after the accident?"

I just really hope Joseph doesn't turn out to be dead. It's kind of unclear at the moment whether he is or not. It would seem like such a waste of all his character development from the game, and the potential for future development, of which there is plenty. I can't shake the feeling that Joseph will appear in later dlc/sequels, but as a villain; that "some part of him that wants to turn" will eventually overwhelm him and he will completwly succumb to Ruvik's evil influence. That'd be cool, but I'd also quite like to have him by Sebastian's side in the future too. Either way, they better not have killed him off.