Painter/Lore

Overview

Lore

Cosmetics

Gallery

A painting is like a person-its secrets lie not in its appearance, but deep within it. But when the young master of the Valden family found his admirers to be hypocritical and ignorant, he rejected the world and chose a life of isolation. —Anniversary Tales Collection Booklet

Edgar Valden
Name	Edgar Valden
Serial No.	5-?-1
Gender	Male
Career	Painter/Artist
Character Details
Date of Birth	April 23rd
Age	21
Social Class	Nobility
Traits	Left-handed, eccentric
Talents	Art
Interests	Art
Likes	Beautiful and Artistic People or Objects
Dislikes	Useless and Noisy People or Objects
Story Details
Status	Deceased
Connected Characters	Major: "Vera Nair" Jose Baden Kevin Ayuso Patricia Dorval Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiu Minor: Ella Valden Mr. Sarai Count Barriere
Connected Locations	Lakeside Village

Edgar Valden, also known as the Painter, is one of the 50 playable Survivors added to Identity V.

This page is a compilation of lore and story content for this character.

Backstory

Character Introduction

Edgar has long been weary of the gossips and hypocrisy. The only thing in this world that is worthy of his pursuit is the true essence of art and creative inspiration.

Character Relations Menu

The only child of the Valden family, Edgar showed great interest and extreme talent for art from a young age. His family's pampering and society's high praise contributed to his peculiar personality—he cares about nothing but art, and is so arrogant that he believes no one is good enough to discuss art with him.

He didn't join the game for the prize money, as he had inherited everything he needed. So why did he join the game?

Character Trailer

Identity V - Painter Background Story

Painter story trailer

Trailer Transcript

All that is beautiful in this world were once my inspiration for painting.

Yet...they all eventually became...hideous...

Ordinary folks didn't respect art, for it is intangible...

Hypocritical...

Gluttonous...

Incompetent...

I failed to find anyone who could discuss the true meaning of art.

As this place no longer excites me,

I only wish that this playground will offer me unprecedented inspiration.

Deduction Quests

All completed Objectives reward the player with +335 Logic points for the Logic Path. After the character's deductions are completed, their Worn Clothes will be available.

Press "Collapse" to hide the deduction path.

Deduction Quests Conclusion 1. Destiny: I once believed that my destiny had chosen the best start for me. Basic Objective: Encounter 1 Teammate(s) Advanced Objective 1: Encounter 2 Teammate(s) Advanced Objective 2: Encounter 3 Teammate(s) An invitation: Decorated with gold foil stamping and an intricate wax seal, while its contents is simple—the first birthday party for the only son of the Valden family. 2. Love: The book says praise is one of the ways to express love. Basic Objective: Memorize the Hunter's face Advanced Objective 1: Memorize the Hunter's face Advanced Objective 2: Memorize the Hunter's face Some presents: The enclosed letter is filled with flattery and praise and signed by Count Barriere. 3. My Passion: Life is full of beauty, and people say the paintbrush can preserve such beauty. Basic Objective: Complete a painting 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 1: Complete a painting 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 2: Complete a painting 2 time(s) A few paintings: Distorted portrait, the scenery of a garden, delicate snacks, and a beautiful white puppy... 4. Convinced: "Master Valden is the student with the most artistic talent I've ever seen!" Basic Objective: Place a Drawing Board 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 1: Place a Drawing Board 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 2: Place a Drawing Board 2 time(s) A letter of recommendation: "My old friend, with Mr. Sarai's talent in painting, perhaps he can..." 5. Coloring: Sometimes the first stroke will determine the colors of the entire painting. Basic Objective: Attract the Hunter with a painting 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 1: Attract the Hunter with a painting 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 2: Attract the Hunter with a painting 2 time(s) Diary 1: I had a weird dream. Master was holding my hand to paint on a canvas... 6. Birthday Present: On his tenth birthday, "he" spoke. Basic Objective: Open the exit gate Advanced Objective 1: Open the exit gate Advanced Objective 2: Open the exit gate A letter inside a book: Edgar, do you want to know about real art? 7. Growth: Eventually, I understand how many lies people can tell only for a little benefit. Basic Objective: Stop the Hunter with a painting 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 1: Stop the Hunter with a painting 1 time(s) Advanced Objective 2: Stop the Hunter with a painting 2 time(s) Diary 2: Those people simply covet the Valden family's power and wealth, just as Mr. Sarai does. He doesn't even love art, let alone those paintings. 8. Clamor: I don't care about anything but art. Basic Objective: Escape from the dungeon Advanced Objective 1: Escape from the dungeon Advanced Objective 2: Escape from the dungeon A messy note: "They are making screeching noises. I suppose I should burn those terrible paintings. They're screaming and crying on the walls, just as noisy as those people..." 9. New Color: Red is gentle. Basic Objective: Pursued by Hunter for 30 seconds Advanced Objective 1: Pursued by Hunter for 60 seconds Advanced Objective 2: Pursued by Hunter for 90 seconds A smudged missing person report: "...male, 39 years old, used to... be the family teacher..." 10. New Inspiration: The beauty of life is the only thing that's always odd yet pleasant. Basic Objective: Rescue a teammate successfully after attracting the Hunter with a painting Advanced Objective 1: Rescue a teammate successfully after attracting the Hunter with a painting Advanced Objective 2: Rescue a teammate successfully after attracting the Hunter with a painting The last painting: The letter opener is tainted with a bit of red. Rumor Edgar has long been weary of the gossips and hypocrisy. The only thing in this world that is worthy of his pursuit is the true essence of art and creative inspiration.

Letters

This section contains the letters received after completing all quests part of Edgar's Birthday event on April 23rd each year. After the event they can be accessed in the file section of the character's Notebook page.

• 2022
• 2023
• 2024
• 2025

Painter Letters
Lore Connections
Mentioned NPC's	Ella Valden Mr. Sarai

A Message Behind a Portrait (2022)

Happy 5th Birthday, Ella! I paint this portrait of you to wish you a speedy recovery!
By the time you reach 15, and I'm 17, I'll become a masterful painter.
Many will come to see my paintings, and you'll be the sister of the greatest painter.
...

I burst into laughter when I look back at the message from that day.
Most people in this world are vulgar and noisy. I don't need them to understand me, and all they do is bore me.
Only those who understand me can add a stroke of brilliance to my art.
When I was 6, mother left green behind in the carriage. When I was 8, my younger sister left white behind in the painting room. I can never forget their coughs that filled the night and their sickly countenances. But as time passed, the inspiration they gave me started to fade into obscurity.
Later on, Mr. Sarai was the only person who understood me, but sadly, he started revealing his true colors—he was a filthy liar.

The inspiration Mr. Sarai gave me dwindled. Will he leave? Will he leave with his lies?
Lately, I've heard the cries of the canvas and paintbrushes:
If you need his color, why don't you take it yourself?

Painter Letters
Lore Connections
Mentioned NPC's	Ella Valden Mr. Sarai

A Farewell Letter (2023)

Dear Father,
Forgive my abrupt departure—this is my farewell.
There's no need to search for me or harbor any fears on my behalf, for at this moment, I feel an unprecedented lightness—a sense of ease and joy I have not known in over a decade.
For you and those self-proclaimed "gentlemen," my heart is filled with nothing but loathing. I grew up amidst words of flattery, only to find them dull, grating, and deceitful. Those words were the weapons that murdered all that was once beautiful in my life. Of course, you were among the assailants.
I still remember Mother's death in that carriage after the ball, opening the door to her cold, pale face. And young Ella, only six, forgotten by you on a sweltering afternoon. You were preoccupied with my "birthday celebration," neglecting the game you had promised her. Her tiny body curled in the painting room, her face pale as an asphyxiated fish, waiting for you to open the door until her last breath.
The few confidants I had in my life have departed one by one, and the so-called "mentor" you found for me was merely another shadow of you—a charlatan just the same. In the end, I allowed him to serve a pitiful purpose. I regret to say that your hypocrisy has sullied every color in my life worth preserving.
I have come to realize that both I and the art you speak of are mere decorations under your facade of deceit. I hold no hatred toward you anymore, nor do I cling to anything here, including this hollow mansion.
This may well be my final goodbye. An old acquaintance of yours has shown me a new direction, and I shall venture far to seek fresh colors for the canvas of my life.
With this, I wish us an eternal parting. May this letter meet the dignity and propriety of the "nobility" you so desire.Edgar Valden

Painter Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	Oletus Manor
Mentioned Playable Characters	Kevin Ayuso Patricia Dorval

A Page from Edgar Valden's Experiment File (2024)

Serial No. 5-?-1
Name: Edgar Valden

[Test Indicators]
1. Artist
2. Centrist
3. Arrogant Spectator

[Inclination]
The twisted "devotee"

[Test Results]
1. Overall Evaluation
Subject 5-?-1 was the most rational test subject in the group. But his rationality stemmed from his twisted and almost inhumane goal. In the end, he devoted his life to his goal, and for him, it could be considered a "perfect" ending.

2. Methodology
In the group experiment, the test subjects were forced to face their pasts and engage in self-reflection by exposing their own scars. Their cultural background, values, and difference in class led to a string of conflicts, causing them to be clearly divided into factions even before the game began. But Subject 5-?-4 failed to enter the game.
Subject 5-?-1 remained neutral throughout the experiment and watched the others fight from the perspective of a bystander. He used vague and incomprehensible paintings to bring out the fear in others and playfully observed their reactions. He disdains mind games and sees through the trap set by Subject 5-?-5.
Someone as rational as Subject 5-?-1 should have had the chance to win the game, but it was his paintings that gave Subject 5-?-5 an opportunity to use his blood against him. At the final moment, Subject 5-?-1 did not fight back and realized that the "swan song" was his ultimate goal.

3. Analysis Summary
Subject 5-?-1's rationality comes from his obsession with art, but in the end, it was art that led to his fall by making him give up all resistance and willingly sacrifice himself.
From the perspective of personal goals, Subject 5-?-1 got what he wanted and found the answer he sought — The way to sublimate a piece of art further is to devote a painter's life to transform it into a swan song. But both the answer and his insistence were pathological, paranoid, and twisted. Perhaps this is the result of the impact brought about by experiencing the death of loved ones and betrayal of mentors; or perhaps, it's a common illness suffered by the "gifted?"
A single group experiment is insufficient to draw a solid conclusion. Test subjects similar to Subject 5-?-1 can be introduced in the subsequent experiments for further verification.

Painter Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	Oletus Manor
Mentioned Playable Characters	Patricia Dorval Vera Nair Jose Baden
Mentioned NPC's	Mr. Sarai

Notes on the Back of the Canvas (2025)

The most beguiling aspect of this manor lies in its uncanny ability to strip human nature bare. The fierce debates—charged with wagers and resolve—the intricate webs of plotting and rivalry—are far more captivating than any play the outside world could conjure. The burning desires that smolder in their eyes confirm the truth of my choice. This place, indeed, stirs the depths of inspiration in ways unknown to common men.
I cannot fathom what price the organizers have offered, but I can feel the urgency in their blood, a palpable desire to claim victory in this shadowy game. Though none among them possess the faintest grasp of the true essence of art, their ignorance does little to hinder my progress. Amid the clamorous din, I draw ever nearer to the creation of my masterpiece.
Yesterday, Miss Nair offered me a shade of mauve that seemed to dance with the dimming twilight. This morning, Mr. Baden, ever generous, bestowed upon me indigo. Yet, Miss Dorval's color remains elusive. I had hoped to find in her the final, vital hue—the one that would complete my work. This woman, claiming to be led by divine forces, may yet be the key to unlocking the sublime and the eternal. Though I have little interest in the god she speaks of, the ritual she performed in the candlelight last night possessed a haunting beauty—an aesthetic allure that mesmerized me.
The effect of the ritual on Miss Dorval was unmistakable, even if it served only as a balm for her soul: where once she wavered, now she stands firm, resolute in a way I have never seen before. More curious still is the sight of the woman, who has long scorned the very notion of painting, stopping before my easel, her face caught in stunned disbelief. She demanded a discarded draft. The agreement to witness the ritual had been struck beforehand, and the content of my work bears no connection to it—there is no risk of secrets being exposed. But what did she find so captivating? I am consumed with curiosity...
The rain persists, and so I am forced to shift my easel into the conservatory—at least there, I have space to breathe. Perhaps today, the Muse is at last upon me. Since the early hours, a growing sense of inspiration has coiled around my senses, fed by the stillness of my surroundings. And then, the long-missed voice of Mr. Sarai cuts through the rain-soaked silence, and at that moment, my paintbrush and my heartbeat seem to beat as one.
He said: "If you wish to create a true masterpiece, you must leave something of yourself behind."
In that instant, I realized what Miss Dorval took from me was not a mere scrap of paper but the very essence of my art projected onto the soul. That elusive color, the one I had sought so long, had always lingered beneath the surface. I had touched it, yes, but never fully embraced it.
If an artist dares not surrender themselves to their work, how can the creation ever hope to achieve its true, final form?

Letter Summaries

These summaries are found in the Character Relations menu after the letter has been received.

A Message Behind a Portrait Edgar gazed at the message he left to his younger sister as a child, and he felt that no one else could ever understand him. Even his teacher, Sarai, was a fraud. A Farewell Letter In the letter, Edgar bids farewell to his father before the game begins. A Page from an Experiment File The file suggests that Edgar had the chance to win in the end, but chose to sacrifice himself to elevate his work. Notes on the Back of the Canvas A note from Edgar expresses his resolve to pour his soul into completing his masterpiece.

Rewards

How many years the player has participated and completed the Birthday Event determines which letter they receive and the extra reward.

• If this is the first time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait and the 2022 letter.
• If this is the second time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait frame and the 2023 letter.
• If this is the third time the player has completed the event, they would get a dynamic graffiti and the 2024 letter.
• If this is the fourth time the player has completed the event, they would get an emote and the 2025 letter.

2022 Portrait

2023 Portrait Frame

2024 Dynamic Graffiti

2025 Emote

Character Resources

The additional in-game and external documents for this character include:

• Character Relations
• Quotes & Media
• Diaries
• Event Appearances
• Mentions
• Past Resources

The Character Relations Web shows Painter's connections to other characters.

Birthday Questions

Only the questions and answers relating to his backstory were included here. The other questions not listed relate to gameplay.

• 2022 Birthday questions:
  • Question 4: "Who was Edgar Valden's art teacher?" Answer: "Sarai"
  • Question 5: "What painting subject is Edgar Valden worst at?" Answer: "Portraits"
• 2023 Birthday questions:
  • Question 4: "What did Edgar Valden use to represent his impression of other?" Answer: "Color"
  • Question 5: "Why did Edgar Valden go to the manor?" Answer: "All of the above: To find inspiration for his paintings, To create the ultimate masterpiece, To get away from the mundane crowds"

Quotations

• Deduction Star 2021 quotes:
  • "I'm not afraid of being imitated. They'll never be better than me."
  • "Hard work? I don't know what that is. I've always relied on my talent."
  • "Ordinary folks aren't worthy of discussing art with me. You, on the other hand, are acceptable."
• 5th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "Oletus's anniversary party, nice scenery. I must put this fantastic view on my canvas."
• Valentine's Day 2023 Cards:
  • "I used to think praise and appreciation were love, but later on, I found out that wasn't true. Love and inspiration are the most difficult to come by. Now, I only pursue artistic inspiration, so I hope you will get inspiration in love."
  • "A card with flowers on it? Alright, this vividly displays your vulgar taste. It seems you haven't been influenced by my artistic ability. I must spend more time with you, or perhaps I should teach you how to paint."
• Nymph Awards 2023 quotes:
  • "As I stand here, inspiration is calling me. I'll record the beautiful memory of today with my paintbrush."
  • "If this painting is a window, I wish it would lead you into a world no one knows but me."
• 6th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "Congratulations on reaching the 6th Anniversary. Are you the same as me and found the banquet too noisy and so came here? You have good taste—these are all paintings by renowned artists that Oletus Manor has long been collecting."
• Qixi Festival 2024 Wishing Star quote:
  • "The shifting starry sky hides endless beauty and mystery, and we mortals, mere chroniclers of this splendor, stand and gaze, as do I."
• Autumn Harvest Tavern Guestbook quote:
  • "Such rich color combinations... I've found some inspiration for my next piece."
• 7th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "Everyone has their own understanding of art, but the pursuit of perfection and desire for truth are always worth being recognized.
    What color is your interpretation of beauty?
    Did you also come to this manor, this banquet, to find the answer?"
• Nymph Awards 2025 quote:
  • "You've got a sharp eye. Too bad I'm not taking on apprentices right now."

Reply Web Events

Reply Web Events
Icon	Event	Quote
	Valentine's Day 2021	"I'm not good at making details. The soul of art in this chocolate I can't feel it?"
	Halloween 2021	"A costume party? I'm a pass. No, it won't go even if it's kneaded, right? … Ah, see, I'll give you this, so come early. Happy Halloween."
	Valentine's Day 2022	"Hmm, I will accept it then." "Something without artistic soul. If it's made by you, it can only be said... you are really brave."
	Halloween 2022	ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) [Chinese]: "Tsk, this kind of thing won't inspire any artistic inspiration even if you eat it. Give it all to you, I don't need it." [Japanese]: "Hmm, no matter how much you eat, it won't even give you ideas! I don't need them, so I'll give you everything."

Japanese Twitter Replies

Please press "Expand" to see in-character replies from the official Japanese Twitter.

Original Tweet Fan Comment Character Reply Announcement for Season 15 Essence 3 costumes. (link) Edgar-kun is glittering and cute. Are you okay at the end??? I'll treat you, so come over here Stay away from me! My injury doesn't matter right now! I won't forgive you if you come close! Now I'm getting close to the solution that is art! I must complete this masterpiece! Otherwise... I can't be an artist anymore! So leave me alone and go away! ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Get the hell out of the gate! Announcement for Season 15 Essence 3's A Gift of Essence rewards. (link) Do you like cats, Edgar? Yeah, I’m the kind of person who likes a cat. Because draw that and humans together, I can express the humans nasty deeply. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜It makes the red color more visible. Announcement for the Sweets Paradise Butler's Cafe. (link) Edgar-kun looks cute (* ˘ ³˘) ♥ Chu Today’s special menu is to go home. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Is that everything for now? Announcement for the Dragon Boat Festival event. (link) Dragon Boat Festival! Has Edgar ever eaten an kashiwa mochi? If you've never had it, we'll eat it together. It's delicious! I'll have plenty for you Edgar. I've eaten it, ...to my chagrin. Just a white lump wrapped in a leaf that looks as plain as if it had been cooked by a primitive man, such a thing was frustrating but delicious I thought. ...It's frustrating, it's really frustrating, but. Oh, and I'm not going to eat with you. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Because I've had it once before. June 16th maintenance complete notice. (link) Edgar, what did you do during the maintenance?!?!?!?!?! I was skipping work!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah, good for you. You had a meaningful time, right? ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜I have something to do so I gotta go. Scary Story Writing Contest (link) Do you have any scary stories, Edgar? Are you okay with that kind of story? I'd be happy to hear your stories, scary or otherwise, if you like. I'm more afraid of people who think up their own scary stories and enjoy them with impunity. People who do things to others, even in their imagination, will do the same in real life, depending on what triggers them. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜What really scares us is people. 3rd Anniversary illustration. (link) Golden Ratio~! Edgar, you’re cute, super, good smile. My heart is dead. If you're in such a state, I don't think you should be replying like this. If you stay on earth, you won't be able to ascend to the sky, will you? ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜The sooner you enter into nirvana. 3rd Anniversary illustration. (link) It’s beautiful… The fact that it's so beautiful and disappears in an instant adds to the art. Oh, you know it so well! One of the most exciting aspects of art is trying to depict parts of the world that can only be expressed in the real world's time frame. Well, if you can understand such things, you can finally become a beholder. The artist thinks about the beholder, and the beholder anticipates the artist's intentions... ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Only then can the exchange called art take place. July 28th maintenance notice. (link) Edgar!!!!!! Good night!!!!!!! Sleep well!!!!!!!!! If I could get “Good night” from Edgar, I think I could sleep forever!!!!!?!!!!! ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Good night. Announcement for a collaboration with Ichiban Kuji. (link) Golden Ratio Edgar!!!!!! I will definitely bring you my home!!!!!!! Wait for me!!!!!!!!! "The hunter is near me!" "The Exit Gate is open!" ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜"I’m out of here!" Season 17 Essence 3 Poster (link) Edgar!!!!! Pretty in blue too, as opposed to your usual red!!!!! I love you!!!!! Stupid, don't praise this costume!! This is nonsense...!! I'm blue, why have they made the others red?! I don't need intrusive art! The most important thing is the belief in what we think...! No matter how annoying and stiff he is, they don't have him dress up like that... Shit! ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) ＜I have to play the hero...? No way...! Announcement for Painter's Runaway costume. (link) Edgar~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe you're blue and not red………But…………you are still beautiful…………………… Ugh, stop shouting. You don't have to call out so loudly, I can hear you. But now I'm trying to figure out why I'm blue. That means I'm concentrating. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) ＜Can you be quiet? Announcement for Painter's Runaway costume. (link) I'm following behind you, Edgar. I will be your wall. WALL. …………? If I step back, won't we bump into each other? And that means it's empty in front of me, right? What would you do if something happened to me? ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) ＜I loathe being your shield. Violin Day (link) Mr. Painter, are you a genius, you can also make a violin~? You don't just know how to draw! That's amazing! Isn't it easier to make a violin, because we can manage it if the lines are not misaligned? It's a bit like stroking a brush straight across, just reproducing the shape according to the blueprint. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Well, it’s my first time to make a violin, though. Announcement for Season 17 Essence 3 costumes. (link) Edgar, blue looks good on you, too. Do you still prefer red? Don't you feel anything when you see his or her thingy…? For me, red is not about whether it's good, dislike or anything. I just really don't like the situation of just being cynically ridiculed like that. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜I'm not green… enough to let that happen. September 8th maintenance complete notice. (link) I've written a letter to Edgar, can I give it to him? Good luck with the maintenance! As the recipient of this mail was not present, it could not be deposited in the collection box. Please note that we will send it back to you. And, please understand that Gardener, who does unnecessary things honestly I don't know what she's thinking, or Postman will never be able to deliver that mail to me, even if you ask them to. Edgar Post Office September 29th maintenance compete notice. (link) Thanks for the maintenance! Edgar, what did you do during the maintenance? Did you draw anything…? Painting is one thing, but sometimes it's good to be outdoors! It's a very pleasant climate, and maybe you'll find some new inspiration! During maintenance, people like you appear so I'm desperately trying to think of a way to stop Gardener with the maximum level of meddling from dragging me out here. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜What do you think I should do? Answer. Announcement for the Kurt's Wondrous Journey's event. (link) Edgar, do you like autumn? You look good in all seasons, but especially in autumn… Do you like autumn? Then I like spring. What? You like spring? Then I like autumn. …No, I like them all. All seasons are important for painting. I can’t lie…, only about my paintings… ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜It’s a sly question. You jerk. Announcement for BANDAI merchandise. (link) Mr Edgar!!! Finally!! Coming to the wafer card!!!!!!! Got it—————-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your reaction lacks class… Why don’t you calm down a bit? But I’m willing to appreciate the fact that you’re happy with my card released of all the other merchs. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Well, there’s no comparison from the outset, you know? January 19th maintenance notice. (link) Thank you for the maintenance~! Edgar!!!! Good morning!!!! I just woke up now because I was too sleepy. How about you? You’re a good boy, so I think you’re up early. By the way, are you free now? Let’s have tea or something? I’ll have sweets and stuff for you. Love. Oh, sorry. I’m getting very sleepy. I saw your face and it made me sleepy just right now. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜I’m going to bed again. March 24th maintenance notice. (link) To Painter, please tell me how to increase my motivation! Listen. It's simple, you know. You have to understand it doesn't make any sense to talk to me in the first place. I have no intention of being friendly to you, much less solving your problem. Or rather, what made you decide to talk to me? It might be strange coming from me, but asking me is rather a disadvantage, isn't it? ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Where did your motivation to talk to me come from? April 2022 Birthday Calendar (link) Your birthday is coming up again this year. Throw a festive birthday party with a more luxurious than usual dinner and a special dessert! If you have friends you’d like to invite to the party, let me know. And what would you like as a present? Please ask for anything. ……Well, not bad for your attitude to celebrate my birth, having created numerous arts… You’ll give me any present I want, right? Then I want a place where I can be alone, quiet and focused. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) ＜Please give me it as soon as possible. Easter Celebration (link) Everyone looks happy! Mr Edgar, you don’t play with them? What makes you think I'd play with them?! This-, These guys-... Ah... Why is that...?! Aww... My arts are rolling in the grass...! Don't think that just because they're kids they're allowed to do whatever...! Hey! Silly Gardener! It's your job, you know?! ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) ＜Stop them!! Announcement of S21 Rank Treasures (link) Edgar, you also like green. This color has... magical powers... It's... wonderfully artistic... Likely to find out... what real art is... Ugh... *cough* ...*wheeze* ...Uhhh...! I don't accept that... money can express art... *gasping for air*... Soon... I'll reach a pole... beyond the comprehension of all... ຽ( ⊗‸⊗) ＜For me... to be me... Edgar's 2022 Birthday (link) Edgar, happy birthday!!! I will continue to play the game with you in mind. It seems common to say thank you in this situation, but you're celebrating my birthday on your own and I don't have to say it, right? Nah, don't give me that look... I never asked you to celebrate in the first place... ...Okay, okay, I got it! I should just do it, right?! ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Thanks. ...Are you happy now? Edgar's 2022 Birthday (link) (Deleted Tweet) Mr Edgar!! Happy birthday to you!! Thank you for being born. I’m happy to celebrate you! And there’s a present for you, so take it!!!!! Let’s keep working together! (With a photo full of Edgar items) Hmm... Okay, I honestly commend you for recognizing the charm I have. When you're prepared with so much stuff, that's a kind of spectacular or that I have a rare feeling that I feel so much better because of the actions of others... ...What brought you this far? ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Tell me frankly. Deduction Star winners announcement (link) Edgar, congratulations~~~!!!!!!!!! Give us a few words on how it feels to have won Deduction Star!!!!! Please!!!!!!!!!! You overreact to everything. I deserve to win, so what does it matter? In the unlikely event that I don't make it to the top, it is the quality of the rankings that is poor. ຽ( ⊗‸⊗)＜Well, this time the result were proper, though.

Edgar Valden does not yet have his official diaries released.

His original creator did create a set of diaries that are transcribed here, but please note that these are not canon due to the replacement of Edgar's original backstory.

Event Appearances
Icon	Event	Role
	The Oath of the "Traitors" (April 2021)	Narcissus
	The Phantom of the Crystal Palace (Mentioned) (March - April 2022)
	Lunar New Year (February 2021)	Antique Appraiser
	New Splash of Color for the New Year (January - February 2023)
	Dancing Dragons Usher in the New Year (January - February 2024)
	Fires of Renewal (January - February 2025)
	Dynastic Dreams (September - October 2025)
	Midsummer Misty Mountain (August 2022)	Censer
	Bungo Stray Dogs Crossover Part I (Mentioned) (November 2022)	Himself
Cozy Christmas Eve	Letter on a Snowy Night (December 2023)	Himself (Cozy Christmas Eve)
	Silent Splendor (August - September 2024)	Turpentine
	Forgotten Echo (August - September 2025)
	Wrath of Cerberus (February - March 2025)	Clovis
	Dynastic Dreams (September - October 2025)	"Guide" (Sealed Chronicler)

Painter has been mentioned in the following documents for other characters:

Letters

• Cowboy's Letter (2023)
• Enchantress' Letter (2023)
• First Officer's Letters (2021, 2022 & 2023)
• Perfumer's Letter (2021)

Deductions

None

Backstories

None

Other

• Perfumer's Birthday Questions (2022)

The following resources related to Painter were, at some point in time, present in official websites or in-game after Identity V's official release, but have since been replaced. As such, they may contain details that have since been altered or removed from the character's backstory. Their related removal date will be listed at the top of their respective section.

Character Relations Background

In June, 2022, an unreleased Character Relations background story for Painter was found in the game files. This backstory was changed slightly before its official release with the Character Relations Menu update on August 8th, 2024. The following is the previous wording.

As the single male heir of the Valden family, Edgar showed great interest and talent for art from a young age. His family's pampering and society's high praise contributed to his peculiar personality. He cares about nothing but art. His hubris deemed no one is good enough to discuss art with him. He didn't join the game for the prize money as he has inherited all the money he needs. So why did he join the game?

Deduction Summaries

These are unreleased summaries found in the game files in June, 2022. As the released deduction summaries were removed when the Character Relations Menu was updated on August 8th, 2024, these have since become obsolete and likely won't ever be officially released.

Deduction 1: Convinced Edgar, the young master of the Valden family, was an art prodigy. He even garnered the privilege to study under the tutelage of Sarai. Deduction 2: Growth Edgar felt that his mentor, Sarai, didn't understand art and merely coveted the wealth and reputation of the Valden family. Deduction 3: New Inspiration Sarai went missing, and Edgar found new beauty in art.

Canon Manor Game

We can gather who was in a canon Manor Game together by information in Letters and Diaries, and very occasionally from character quotes during events.

Game Location: Lakeside Village

Date: Unknown

Serial #	Hunter Identities	Survivor Identities	Notable Events	Cutscenes Available
	Unknown (Executioner)**			no
5-?-1		Edgar Valden (Painter)	Cursed by Patricia Sacrificed by Patricia	no
5-0-2		Vera Nair (Perfumer)	Cursed by Patricia	no
5-0-3		Jose Baden (First Officer)	Influenced by Wu Chang Cursed by Patricia	no
5-0-3-U	Wu Chang (Special test item)		Influenced Jose	no
5-?-4		Kevin Ayuso (Cowboy)	Spared by Patricia Fled the Manor in the First Stage	no
5-?-5 5-0-5		Patricia Dorval (Enchantress)	Cursed Edgar, Vera, and Jose Sacrificed Edgar	no

Edits to this table can be made here.

The following web is shown in the Character Relations Menu for this game.

Compiled Overview

The following section contains an overview based on canon information.

Please note that some information may be missing as it may not have been provided from official sources. See the given references for further information.

Background

Edgar was born as one of two children and the only son of the noble Valden family. He showed an interest and high talent in art from childhood. Pampering from relatives and praise from social groups led to his eccentric personality and a high self-esteem. His younger sister Ella, who he had a close bond with, became ill at 5 and died a year later when Edgar was 8, which caused him to only have art in his eyes.

Some years later Mr. Sarai was introduced to the Valden family by an old friend, and made Edgar Valden's private art tutor. However, Edgar quickly came to realize that Mr. Sarai did not pursue the true beauty of art, and was instead after the wealth and power of the Valden family - Edgar, under the "guidance" of Mr. Sarai, was no longer able to express himself through his artwork properly as it was not being correctly appreciated, and went through a loss of inspiration due to this.

Mr. Sarai seemed to go missing shortly afterwards, due to him being murdered by Edgar with a letter opener. This event led Edgar to his belief that nobody else is worthy to speak to him about art but himself. After this he departed to the Manor in search for new inspiration.

Events at the Manor

Edgar participated in Group 5's Manor Game along with "Vera Nair", Jose Baden, Kevin Ayuso, Patricia Dorval and a special experimental item, which is an umbrella contains the souls of Xie Bi'an and Fan Wujiu.

Before the Manor Game began, a series of arguments divided the participants into factions based on cultural background, values, and difference in class. One of these arguments appeared to have consisted of Edgar and Jose pressuring Patricia from Kevin's perspective. Though, in Edgar's Experiment File, he was stated to have remained neutral in arguments and was rational during the experiment, contradicting this. This likely means that the experimenter viewed Edgar's actions as neutral but Kevin interpreted them as pressuring Patricia due to his protectiveness of her.

During Vera's first night at the Manor, she experienced "hallucinations" brought on by one of Edgar's paintings. Edgar and Vera would team up against Jose to use him for their own benefit. After Kevin's escape in First Stage, the two put the blame on Jose, leading him to nearly have a breakdown. Additionally, Edgar became one of the participants cursed by Patricia. She used blood from his own painting to curse him but he chose to accept it, seeing the devotion of his life to art as an acceptable "swan song", one’s final lasting gesture, and the completion of his goal.

Alternate Theories and Conclusions

The below article or section(s) contains speculation, analysis, or theories which may include unconfirmed information.

When adding content, use references to link or explain legitimate/official supportive evidence for specific theories, otherwise it may be removed.

• According to Perfumer's 2021 letter, "a coddled, normal, young nobleman" is mentioned along with and a painting that smelled odd. This was suspected to be either Painter or The Ripper, but was confirmed to be Painter in Perfumer's 2022 Birthday Questions.
• Given that Count Barriere letter to the Valden family is "filled with flattery and praise", it is suggested that he had ulterior motives while interacting with the Valden family, presumably financial.

Gallery

Character Design Contest

"Darling, every promise I make comes from my heart - if I had a heart."

This article or section contains content that is not canon to the story of Identity V for the following reason(s): This is artwork done by Edgar's original creator for the Character Design Contest. As Edgar's original lore has been replaced this artwork is considered not canon.

Original Creator Character Information (Weibo)

Contest Design Comic Page 1 (Weibo)

Contest Design Comic Page 2 (Weibo)

Navigation

Character Navigation
THE SURVIVORS
DEFAULT
	Lucky Guy (Season 0)	Doctor (Season 0)	Lawyer (Season 0)	Thief (Season 0)	Gardener (Season 0)
SEASON 1
	Magician (Season 1)	Explorer (Season 1)	Mercenary (Season 1)	Coordinator (Season 1)	Mechanic (Season 1)
					-
	Forward (Season 1)	The Mind's Eye (Season 1)	Priestess (Season 1)	Perfumer (Season 1)
SEASON 2-3					-
	Cowboy (Season 2)	Female Dancer (Season 2)	Seer (Season 3)	Embalmer (Season 3)
SEASON 5-7
	Prospector (Season 5)	Enchantress (Season 5)	Wildling (Season 6)	Acrobat (Season 6)	First Officer (Season 7)
SEASON 8-11
	Barmaid (Season 8)	Postman (Season 9)	Grave Keeper (Season 10)	"Prisoner" (Season 10)	Entomologist (Season 11)
SEASON 13-17
	Painter (Season 13)	Batter (Season 14)	Toy Merchant (Season 16)	"Psychologist" (Season 17)	Patient (Season 17)
SEASON 18-22
	Novelist (Season 18)	"Little Girl" (Season 18)	Weeping Clown (Season 19)	Professor (Season 21)	Antiquarian (Season 22)
SEASON 24-30
	Composer (Season 24)	Journalist (Season 26)	Aeroplanist (Season 27)	Cheerleader (Season 28)	Puppeteer (Season 30)
SEASON 31-36
	Fire Investigator (Season 31)	"Faro Lady" (Season 32)	"Knight" (Season 34)	Meteorologist (Season 35)	Archer (Season 36)
SEASON 37-39			-
	"Escapologist" (Season 37)	Lanternist (Season 39)
THE HUNTERS
DEFAULT		-
	Hell Ember (Season 0)
SEASON 1-4
	Smiley Face (Season 1)	Gamekeeper (Season 1)	The Ripper (Season 1)	Soul Weaver (Season 1)	Geisha (Season 1)
	The Feaster (Season 1)	Wu Chang (Season 2)	Photographer (Season 2)	Mad Eyes (Season 3)	Dream Witch (Season 4)
SEASON 5-9
	Axe Boy (Season 5)	Evil Reptilian (Season 6)	Bloody Queen (Season 7)	Guard 26 (Season 8)	"Disciple" (Season 9)
SEASON 11-16
	Violinist (Season 11)	Sculptor (Season 12)	"Undead" (Season 13)	Breaking Wheel (Season 15)	Naiad (Season 16)
SEASON 18-25
	Wax Artist (Season 18)	"Nightmare" (Season 18)	Clerk (Season 20)	Hermit (Season 22)	Night Watch (Season 25)
SEASON 27-34
	Opera Singer (Season 27)	"Fool's Gold" (Season 29)	The Shadow (Season 31)	"Goatman" (Season 33)	"Hullabaloo" (Season 34)
SEASON 36-40				-
	Peddler (Season 36)	"Cueist" (Season 38)	"Queen Bee" (Season 40)
IDENTITY SWITCH CHARACTERS
Novelist ⇌ "Nightmare"		Smiley Face ⇌ Weeping Clown		Evil Reptilian ⇌ Professor
"Little Girl" ⇌ Journalist		Prospector ⇌ "Fool's Gold"		Acrobat ⇌ "Hullabaloo"
Entomologist ⇌ "Queen Bee"		-
STORY RELATED CHARACTERS
Reporter		Detective		and many others...
CUT CHARACTERS
CUT SURVIVORS					-
	Female Driver	Graveyard Girl	Paparazzi	Slacker
CUT HUNTERS				-
	Ascetic Monk	Moon Face	Puppet