Identity V Wiki
This page contains insensitive content.
The Identity V Wiki is dedicated to the archival of all official content related to Identity V. As a consequence, we have no control over the content and topics being documented.
Content warning(s) for this page: Physiognomy, Racism. To learn more about Physiognomy, please see here.

Philippe believes that wax figures are works of art capable of discerning the nature of humanity, and so he bears the remose and guilt of losing his younger sister as he produces even more perfect creations.

Anniversary Tales Collection Booklet

Philippe or Phillip, also known as the Wax Artist, is one of the 34 playable Hunters added to Identity V.

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

Backstory[]

Character Introduction[]

Philippe believes one's face and demeanor reflect evil and malice. This belief is not only his research thesis but also the essence of his aesthetic aspirations. After all, wax sculpting is an art born of science. Consider this—once his theory is finally confirmed, how many future criminals will be strangled in the cradle before being given a chance to taint the world?
Philippe was determined to eke out a career from his talent, and when an unexpected encounter led to a significant breakthrough in his research and craft, the beautiful world of his imagining seemed within reach. However, his world was turned upside-down, and his delusions of grandeur faded into the shadows. The price of his weakness and inaction was the loss of something irreplaceable—of the thing he held dearest.
Plagued with insurmountable guilt and remorse, Philippe convinced himself that the only way to repent for his failings was to move forward, in both life and art.
Welcome to my waxwork exhibition... Please refrain from touching the models. Each group of sculptures tells a triumphant tale of good overcoming evil—a tale I hope we can all benefit from.
My dear guest, please don't be afraid. Come closer... Raise your head, and let me see your face.[5]

Character Relations Menu[]

Philippe believes one's face and demeanor reflect their evil and malice. This belief is not only his research thesis but also the essence of his aesthetic aspirations. After all, wax sculpting is an art born of science. Consider this—once his theory is finally confirmed, how many future criminals will be strangled in the cradle before being given a chance to taint the world?

Philippe was determined to eke out a career from his talent. When an unexpected encounter led to a significant breakthrough in his research and craft, the beautiful world of his imagining seemed within reach. However, his world was turned upside-down, and his delusions of grandeur faded into the shadows. The price of his weakness and inaction was the loss of something irreplaceable—the thing he held dearest.

Plagued with insurmountable guilt and remorse, Philippe convinced himself that the only way to repent for his failings was to move forward in both life and art.

Welcome to my waxwork exhibition... Please refrain from touching the exhibits. Each group of sculptures tells a triumphant tale of good overcoming evil—a tale I hope you can benefit from.

My distinguished guest, please do not be afraid. Raise your head, and let me see your face.

Character Trailer[]

Trailer Transcript[]

Criminals engrave their evil intentions on their faces: Forehead pupils cheekbones…The beast within cannot hide from science. These wax statues are my vessels to imprison evil, but in my sister’s innocent eyes they are merely works of art.

And so I left… I left her all alone. I received invitations to conduct my research across continents. My shaping fueled my theory and my theory shaped the world.

How was she doing? The thought rarely crossed my mind. But when I come home I bet I’d still see that same happy face…the face of an artist immersed in her work.

I have returned. Only too late. The escaped beast wrought its sin upon an innocent lamb. Late justice is a sin for which I must atone.

The wax has been heated.
The model has waited long enough.
This time let’s do this together.

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. Household Workshop: An apprentice's work often begins with making the wax.
  • Basic Objective: Spray Survivors with wax oil for 10 seconds
  • Advanced Objective 1: Spray Survivors with wax oil for 20 seconds
  • Advanced Objective 2: Spray Survivors with wax oil for 30 seconds
A note that had been altered by what appears to be a child's handwriting: "Nine parts paraffin makes it thicker, plus one part... (Unintelligible) ...black tea, and three drops of lemon juice!"
2. Promise: We promised to take care of ourselves when she left for work.
  • Basic Objective: Trigger Waxen Coat once
  • Advanced Objective 1: Trigger Waxen Coat once
  • Advanced Objective 2: Trigger Waxen Coat once
A thick envelope and a note: "I regret to inform you that your mother has passed away after falling from the top of the building. Enclosed is monetary compensation for you loss. She was a dutiful maid and she will be missed. For your sake, as well as your sister's, I ask that you keep this matter private and pay no heed to any rumors you may hear."
3. Criminology: The proof of evil lies hidden within them... But there are far too few samples.
  • Basic Objective: Launch and shatter Solid Wax 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 1: Launch and shatter Solid Wax 2 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 2: Launch and shatter Solid Wax 3 time(s)
A letter to a scholar: "As you are skeptical of the veracity of my argument, I humbly ask that you visit me in my workshop at your earliest convenience. Should you choose to do so, I advise you to wear dark colors. The stains from my work are not easily washed away."
4. A New Exhibition: Behold—their passion stems from reality.
  • Basic Objective: Molten Wax causes Survivor Fear to increase 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 1: Molten Wax causes Survivor Fear to increase 2 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 2: Molten Wax causes Survivor Fear to increase 2 time(s)
The front page of a newspaper: "Sibling Success! Criminal-themed Wax Exhibition Draws a Growing Crowd!"
5. Out of Bounds: Break through that boundary. Knowledge is the reward for the truly courageous.
  • Basic Objective: Launch Wax over 30 meters
  • Advanced Objective 1: Launch Wax over 30 meters
  • Advanced Objective 2: Launch Wax over 30 meters
A diary full of frantic scrawling: "I was only looking for new samples, but instead I got inspired in the asylum. Yes, she was right all along - imitation is cheap. The trick is to capture the moment..."
6. Onward: Our temporary separation was inevitable, but we will see each other once more... in a future without sin.
  • Basic Objective: Use cold wax oil to imprison Survivors with Sputter 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 1: Use cold wax oil to imprison Survivors with Sputter 2 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 2: Use cold wax oil to imprison Survivors with Sputter 3 time(s)
A water-damaged scrap of paper. "I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye. I know you would have cried and begged me to let you come along, but you are still not ready for this kind of journey. When your wax sculpting improves, I will return for you."
7. Prestige: Prestige is the sweetest of quagmires, even the slightest indulgence can swallow you whole.
  • Basic Objective: Confine Survivors with Solid Wax 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 1: Confine Survivors with Solid Wax 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 2: Confine Survivors with Solid Wax 1 time(s)[DQ 1]
A carefully-preserved clipping from an editorial: "The rising star of criminology has set off for the next country and his next destination. His theories are the talk of many courtrooms. So, too, are the promises of retaliation from many criminals who claim to be innocent..."
8. Pursuers: My models come from all over the world.
  • Basic Objective: Seal pallets or windows with wax 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 1: Seal pallets or windows with wax 2 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 2: Seal pallets or windows with wax 2 time(s)
A rumor: "People keep going missing, but the warden doesn't seem to care. I hear it's the same in other places, too..."
9. Too Late: If I had put my knowledge into practice sooner... If I had done it with my own hands...
  • Basic Objective: Seal Cipher Machines with wax 1 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 1: Seal Cipher Machines with wax 2 time(s)
  • Advanced Objective 2: Seal Cipher Machines with wax 2 time(s)
A photograph of a crime scene: A workshop full of joyful-looking wax sculptures, all surrounding a deep vat of wax. A hand hangs down from the edge of the vat, and a message is written in wax on the wall behind it: "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT."
10. Opening Act: A new style of wax sculptures, vivid, practical, and beautiful.
  • Basic Objective: Use Molten Wax to increase Survivor Fear until knockdown
  • Advanced Objective 1: Use Molten Wax to increase Survivor Fear until knockdown
  • Advanced Objective 2: Use Molten Wax to increase Survivor Fear until knockdown
"Does this look right to you? Don't be afraid, he can't hurt you anymore. By the way, that man who walked by just now is an excellent match for him, don't you think...?"
Rumor
In the selection of models, Philippe has a unique set of criteria, and in terms of wax sculpture decoration, he always listens to his sister.

Letters[]

This section contains the letters the player receives after completing Philippe's Character Day Event on April 16th each year. After the event they can be accessed in the file section of the character's Notebook page.

A Pending Academic Paper (2023)[]

An academic paper pending publishing that is partially indiscernible:
A Study on the Facial Features of Criminals

Philippe

1. Background:
Increasing crime rates have severely harmed..., and caused numerous families to suffer tragedies. The motives of these perpetrators remain unknown. Multiple hypotheses point toward the ability to determine criminal factors based on facial features.Wax sculptures are considered an important means of studying the body structure of criminals. In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency to use them as evidence in court...In light of this, I attempt to study the facial features of criminals from an experimental point of view.

2. Sampling Process:
Samples were procured from all over the world and covered all classes and occupations. In order to accurately preserve the facial features of criminals and strictly control the facial expression and posture of models while sculpting the wax figures, it is necessary to guarantee the authenticity of the wax figures and sculpt a 1:1 full-body wax figure of their likeness.First, we collected multiple samples of criminals and molded clay sculptures of them. We paid special attention to the details of the criminal's facial features and reflected them on the clay sculpture...
The head is an important part of a wax figure. We applied plaster to the sculptures, waited for them to dry, and then quickly removed the molds and cleaned them.The pre-melted wax is poured into the "mold," then after allowing it to solidify for a few hours, the outer shell of wax is removed while the excess wax is poured away. Only the hollow layer of wax is preserved and allowed to solidify further for a few more hours before the plaster mold is removed. That is how the initial version of the wax head sculpture is created. The next step is the recreation of the hands and their details...
...

3. Conclusion:
Once the wax figures were completed, we compared the facial features of wax figures made from criminals and ordinary people. Based on our observations over experiments on multiple samples, we discovered facial features of criminals that differ from ordinary people: Protruding forehead, sunken brow ridge and eyes... high cheekbones, uneven teeth... asymmetrical skull and face, and deformed fingers...
Unlike other parameters, there was a relatively large deviation in the above parameters between the two experimental groups. From the experiment's point of view, this verifies a portion of the conjectures in the previously proposed hypotheses and verifies the possibility of "born criminals." If possible, the target can be monitored and taken control of in advance.
...

4. Expectations:
Research on criminal factors based on facial features is of extreme significance to future efforts in crime prevention, family safeguards, and social security. We expect wax figures to become key evidence in court and case-solving in the near future.

A Letter Written in Twisted Handwriting (2024)[]

To My Dearest Belinda,
For months, I have wrapped myself in the cloak of academic research, sparing but fleeting moments to accompany you. Though you remain ever-present at my side, frozen in your most perfect grace, the specter of my untimely departure haunts me still. Those who hurt you so have been cast into new creations by my hand—nevermore to trespass against the innocent. They stand as a penance, easing the tumult of my soul, yet each serves as a piercing thorn, relentlessly reminding me of what must not be forgotten.
Never forget that day.
Never forget those who wrought violence with such reckless abandon.
Never forget that lost soul drowning in a sea of remorse.
Every time my thoughts return to this matter, I can only retreat into the sanctuary of creation—perhaps transmuting such transgressors into waxen effigies is the most fitting ode to contrition I shall ever be able to muster.
I swore an oath to host a wax exhibition of unprecedented scale in your honor, to memorialize your tribulations, and to cherish your look and voice. Yet, I stand one step shy of this dream—the perfect criminal. An exhibit devoid of such a fiend is but an unfinished symphony, an academic void, sowing seeds of immeasurable peril for our fair city's safety. Indeed, "perfect criminals" are a rarity, their tales but whispers inked in the faded news columns of yesteryear. Perhaps only those dreadful serial killers, hidden in the darkness, who vanished without a trace after their flawless crimes were committed, are fit to bear such a title.
I wavered, previously, over whether to heed the invitation's call, but the thought of you and of those scoundrels still at large has steeled my resolve. The intelligence I've gathered thus far assures me that this may be our closest brush with the "perfect criminal" yet—one final "perfect crime" to stage before our gallery of wax is finally complete.
Fear not, for this time, we are together."

A Torn Letter (2025)[]

Dear Detective,
Regarding the true identity of the suspect, I suspect you have already formed your conclusions. This brings to mind the manifesto from several days past, which outlined the histories of all present, including that of the man who has already claimed the lives of several victims. The deceased, as you may recall, demanded a trial, but your steadfast commitment to procedural justice delayed what was an inevitable reckoning.
On the fateful night of the victim's murder, the suspect entered my room under the guise of discussing art. Our conversation led us into a discourse on our respective fields of study. To illustrate the argument in my academic paper, I showed him case notes central to my research. He showed particular interest in two cases, which, at the time, he explained were sources of artistic inspiration. Reflecting on it now, that explanation appears grotesquely absurd.
The first case occurred in Paris, where a criminal was apprehended through the use of fingerprint identification. After his execution, the authorities created a wax bust of his head to examine the physical characteristics of criminals. I endorsed such measures, for they held value in preventing future crimes. Yet, the suspect appeared unmoved by my views, fixated only on the artifice of the work itself. We moved on to the second case.
This second case involved a housewife who poisoned her husband with a lethal dose of arsenic, resulting in his death. She was sentenced to life imprisonment. Yet, the public reports indicated the lack of evidence. Had the crime scene not been meticulously preserved, it might well have become yet another unsolvable case—what is so often referred to as a "perfect crime" in the press. It was at this point that he excused himself, citing prior engagements.
Now, when considering the victim's death, the connection between the facts of these cases and the manner of his demise becomes undeniable. Those very case notes, which I intended to use for academic purposes, unwittingly provided the method for the criminal's actions. And yet, through your unwavering adherence to procedural justice, a criminal who should have been apprehended has slipped through our fingers. We are all complicit in the victim's death. You, too, are no less an accomplice in this tragedy.
As I reflect upon the cases documented within those notes, many of which remain unresolved due to insufficient evidence, I fear that within the confines of this isolated manor, we may well face a similar fate.

Yours, Philippe

Letter Summaries[]

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

  1. A Pending Academic Paper
    This academic paper records Philippe's research on the facial features of criminals.
  2. A Letter Written in Twisted Handwriting
    In the letter, Philippe treats "Belinda" as though she were his sister, and decides to go to the manor in search of the "perfect criminal."
  3. A Torn Letter
    In the letter, Philippe believes that everyone present bears some responsibility for Keigan's death.

Rewards[]

How many years the player has participated and completed the Character Day 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 for the character and the 2023 letter.
  • If this is the second time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait frame and the 2024 letter.
  • If this is the third time the player has completed the event, they would get a dynamic graffiti and the 2025 letter.

Character Resources[]

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

The Character Relations Web shows the Wax Artist's connections to other characters.

WaxArtistRelationsWeb

Character Day Questions[]

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

  • 2023 Character Day questions:
    • Question 4: "Besides learning wax carving from his father, what other subjects did Philippe study from a young age?" Answer: "Medicine"
    • Question 5: "When Philippe traveled to the American continent, which relative's death was he informed of?" Answer: "Younger Sister"

Quotations[]

  • Deduction Star 2022 quote:
    • "Perhaps I'll get to see that happy face again—the face of an artist immersed in her work."
  • Valentine's Day 2023 Cards:
    • "Thank you, allow me to convey my sister's wishes on her behalf."
    • "Thank you for the card, but the flowers on it are too fragile. Unlike wax art, their fleeting lives are beautiful yet cruel. But I can make a bouquet of wax flowers for you so their beauty will be forever sealed in wax."
  • 5th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
    • "Hello, I need to say thank you for this invitation. Amazing party and happiness give me beautiful inspiration. I'm counting on you. Let me see... How about coming to our wax figure exhibition next week in return for today's party."[6]
  • Deduction Star 2023 quotes:
    • "That's odd. Your facial structure seems to —"
    • "Hmm, they're nothing special. Just like the majority of ordinary faces."
    • "Drowning in comfort may lead one down the wrong path, away from reality."
  • 6th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
    • "Congratulations on the 6th anniversary.
      My wax figure exhibition is also being held nearby, and you are welcome to attend.
      Huh? This visitor, let me see your face......"
      [7]
  • Deduction Star 2024 quote:
    • "You needn't say too much—your face already speaks volumes."
  • Qixi Festival 2024 Wishing Star quote:
    • "If my sister and I could gaze at this starry sky together, my wish would be fulfilled."
  • Autumn Harvest Tavern Guestbook quote:
    • "This cast artwork... you'll like it, right, sister?"
  • 7th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
    • "Inspired by my new "model," my creativity flows endlessly.
      What do you all think of this wax figure specially made for Oletus Manor's 7th Anniversary Celebration?"
      [7]
  • Deduction Star 2025 quote:
    • "Faces are portraits of a group's characteristics. If you understand a face, you understand the heart."
  • New Year's 2026 quote:
    • "I do not want empty wishes. I am making them real myself. If this firework has magic, let my works be finished sooner."

Reply Web Events[]

Reply Web Events
Icon Event Quote
DMreplyPhilippe Halloween 2021 "What ... no ... care ...
Good, I can't go alone ...
You're by your side ... you swore, right?
And even clothes ... anytime ...
You can do it with two people ... right?
Oh, I'm sorry, talk a lot.
I decided to decline this time.
Isn't it the story that my sister can't enter?
Then you cannot participate.
Let's make sweets together and spend quietly.
You see ... it's a handmade chianti.
I want you to forgive me with this guy."
Valentine2022WaxArtist Valentine's Day 2022 "Thank you... I can only taste the bitterness in the Chocolate... I can't seem to find my lover who wants to share this with me"
"You love wax figurines too? The chocolate is so beautifully made, can't seem to remember who made them..."
WaxArtistHalloween2022Chibi Halloween 2022 ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ
[Chinese]:
"Since she was gone, no sweets have been prepared at home this holiday.
But who is she? Can't remember... Anyway, let's go."
[Japanese]:
"Ever since she left...I haven't prepared sweets for this day...but
...Who is this girl I'm talking about?
I can't remember...no...but anyway...
You should go home today."

Japanese Twitter Replies[]

Please press "Expand" to see in-character replies from the official Japanese Twitter.[8]

Original Tweet Fan Comment Character Reply
Announcement for Wax Artist's Fury costume. (link) Wowww!! Your sister’s dress is very beautiful… You're also beautiful.

You who is looking at us with nothing short of a pure heart.
But, in this evil world, you will become more and more dirty...
Eh... What...?
You thought so too...
Of course... I understand...
...I have a favor to ask you.
I want you to stay the same.
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<Keep your pure heart... forever...

Announcement for Wax Artist's Fury costume. (link) He looks like the kind of evil we might see in a film…… So cool…… Evil...? Who is evil...?

You said that to me?
Where are you looking?
You said evil to me, although I was trying to destroy evil once and for all, trying to find answers from every point of view...!!
...Oh, sorry...
I didn't mean to frighten you...
Now I'm going to defeat the real evil right here... in front of us...,
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<so please support my brother, me...

October 13th maintenance complete notice. (link) Mr. Philippe! I worked hard and got you for 30,000 yen…! Let’s fight together from now on…! Not from now one.

You have to keep doing your best, from the past to the future.
Let's continue to challenge each other.
The masses say that we need to take break, but in the meantime we will be easily overtaken by those who aren't afraid of hard work...
In our haste, we can only think of obstructing the future of other in the end, and...
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<It is sad to see them like that...

Illustration for Wax Artist's release. (link) Whose faces are those of wax figures in this image? Are you trying to create the perfect wax figure?

(With pointing to the wax figures around the Wax Artist in this illustration.)

If you ask whose face they are, I should answer that they are the faces of bad people.

My wax figure is not like any other.
In the first place, the theme was that the identification and representation of potential criminals from their physiognomy.
But now I'm trying to create wax artworks that feel real and life-like.
Because it's more artistic...
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<...and practical that way.

Illustration for Wax Artist's release. (link) Mr. Philippe, you’ve been at the Manor for a week now, how’s your life there? You’re a serious person, so I’m worried that you’re getting sick from making wax artworks and overdoing of the games. I know living in a new place can be hard and unfamiliar, so please take it easy. Thank you for your concern. But don't worry about my physical and mental health. No matter how hard it is, even if my body rots away, I cannot allow myself to stop. I have a duty to destroy the evil and save the good... right? my sis...

Hey... don't look so sad...
Look into bro's, my eyes...
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<It's not your fault...

Announcement for "The Rosy Veil" from the Novel Series. (link) Mr. Philippe… Can your sister still be in your world even if you’re driven to madness by curiosity about forbidden works……? I think only your memories, not wax or works of art, can hold her as she once was……!! Please never forget her, okay……? What are you talking about?

In the first place, before you say "in your world," "don't forget her" and so on, she's still right next to me, isn't she?
Ah... I see.
Not bad as a joke, but if you say too much of that to her... Look.
...Haha, I know how you feel.
You don't have to get so angry.
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<You are her, right?

March 24th maintenance notice. (link) Mr Philippe, I’m sad that I can’t see you during the maintenance…! May it be completed soon…! Hahaha, it's unusual for some people to put their desire to see me before my works.

Just so you know, it's more difficult to communicate with me than to make a wax art.
Everyone says, "I don't know what you're thinking", "You have a true artisan spirit".
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<...Yup, exactly. That's one you often say to me.

April 20th maintenance completed notice. (link) Mr Philippe! Good luck with the Deduction Star event! Um... I prefer to see my works and others rather than myself standing out.

To be honest, I want to stand out moderately.
If you want to support us, please to my sister... ...What?
Hey... If you're embarrassed too, what's the point of us being in this?
ノノ-`▻ゝໄ ‹_ ˘ ໄ<Look... Don't turn away...

Event Appearances
Icon Event Role
Museum Curator
The Phantom of the Crystal Palace
(March - April 2022)
Museum Curator
Conviction
Twilight Banquet
(October - November 2022)
Conviction
"Preservative"
Autumn Harvest
(September - October 2024)
"Preservative"
Astrologer
Enlightenment Under the Stars
(March - April 2025)
Auburn Duval
(Astrologer)

On the official Identity V website, there are posts containing extra written content for certain characters. A short story titled "The Rosy Veil" was written about Phillippe on March 3, 2022. A summary is provided below, but the entire story can be found here. Please note that this story is not considered canon.[9]

The Rosy Veil (Summary)[]

TBA

Wax Artist has been mentioned in the following documents for other characters:

Letters[]

None

Deductions[]

None

Backstories[]

The following resources related to Wax Artist 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.

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: A New Exhibition
Philippe and his sister studied crime-themed wax figures with great success.

Deduction 2: Pursuers
Philippe left his sister to travel the world and further his studies in sculpturing and physiognomy.

Deduction 3: Opening Act
Philippe's sister was assaulted in her home, but he couldn't get home in time. Philippe found the culprit and exacted his revenge.

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.

Serial # Hunter Identities Survivor Identities Notable Events Cutscenes Available
Game Location: Unknown Date: Unknown[MG 1]
2-1-1[MG 2] Clerk[MG 2] Keigan Nicholas Keogh[MG 3] Eliminated by The Ripper[MG 4] no
2-0-2[MG 5] The Ripper "Jack"[MG 3] Eliminated Keigan[MG 4] no
2-0-3 Wax Artist[MG 6] Philippe[MG 3] no
2-0-4 Edmund Reed[MG 7] no
Edits to this table can be made here.
The following web is shown in the Character Relations Menu for this game.
Game2RelationsWeb


Compiled Overview[]

ExplorerPersonalitySprite
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.

Backstory[]

Philippe and Christina were siblings, and in his youth he was an apprentice for a wax artist. Their mother was a maid, but one day after going to work she fell off the top of the building and died. The siblings were left compensation and were warned to not look into her death or believe any rumors.

As they grew older, both siblings became known for their wax art, and held an exhibition of wax sculptures based on criminals that was very successful. At some point Philippe became fascinated with the pseudoscience of physiognomy, which was the idea that a person's outer appearance and physical characteristics, mainly faces, could be used to determine their character and personality. Determined to create a career combining both his artistry and the assessment of a person's criminal potential based on their features, an unexpected encounter at the Haarlem Plantation allowed him to record the Marigold Killer's arrest and progressed his research. He would implement her features for his artistry and traveled across the globe to spread his theories on criminology. As such, he was able to discover many "criminals" who were judged despite their assertions of being innocent, which made Philippe their target of hatred.

However, upon his return home to his sister, he found her dead in a vat of wax, a note of blame on the wall. Filled with guilt and regret and believing he should have taken his ideals "into his own hands", Philippe threw himself into his art, and began to create even more lifelike statues, made in the appearance of criminals.

Events at the Manor[]

Philippe believes that The Ripper is the true culprit for the serial killings but Edmund Reed and Keigan believe that there should be a proper trial for The Ripper despite Philippe's protests. Philippe blames Edmund's adherence to procedural justice for Keigan's death. On the night before Keigan's murder, The Ripper visited Philippe's room to discuss "art". Philippe shares his art of Criminology by sharing his case notes. The first case notes detail how a French criminalist, Alphonse Bertillon managed to capture a murderer, Henri Leon Scheffer, in Paris in 1902 through the use of fingerprint identification. The second case is about a housewife, Marie Lafarge, being accused of the murder of her late husband, Charles Lafarge through arsenic poisoning, despite the lack of evidence according to the public media due to the lack of arsenic remains from the victim and the crime scene. This all changed when the prosecutor demanded an arsenic test on the food items that Marie had given to Charles prior to his death which resulted in critical evidence that caused Marie to be convicted for the murder and be sentenced to life imprisonment.

After hearing these case studies, The Ripper excused himself and left Philippe's room. After the Keigan's death, Philippe hypothesized that The Ripper must have visited him to gather inspiration on how to murder Keigan. Philippe blames Edmund Reed for the death of Keigan as had he and Keigan convicted The Ripper without a proper trial, Keigan's life would have been saved and The Ripper would have been put to justice. With them being trapped in the Manor with The Ripper, Philippe believes that Edmund and himself will be the next to be killed by The Ripper for knowing too much.

Alternate Theories and Conclusions[]

PrisonerPersonalitySprite
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.
  • The Wax Artist's sister's name was revealed to be Christina by the developers in the 3rd Global Q&A.
  • It has been theorized that person behind the death of Philippe and Christina's mother is Richard Sterling.
    • In Richard's Character Introduction, it is mentioned that Richard "led servants to the rooftop and had the butler remove the ladder". In Philippe's 2nd deduction, it is mentioned that his mother was a maid who died after falling off a roof. It is possible that Philippe's mother was one of the servants that Richard tricked into going on top of the roof and died after falling off, likely assuming the ladder she had used to get up there had not been removed.
    • It is also mentioned in that deduction that Philippe and his sister were paid off to not make any fuss about the incident and to ignore any rumors. Given the Sterlings had a vast underground empire, it is likely they had a vast amount of wealth on their hands and were able to pay off any people easily.
  • It is unconfirmed which iteration of physiognomy (a pseudoscience of assessing an individual's personality from their outer appearance) the Wax Artist follows, as there have been different versions of the practice that have emerged over history.
    • It's possibly based on the 19th century iteration of criminal physiognomy[10], which acted as a basis for the promotion of scientific racism. Its theory associated criminal and violent tendencies to genetically inherited physical characteristics in a person, with certain traits in particular strongly associated with non-white ethnicities and disabilities. The period coincides with the time frame the Wax Artist is shown to be from, and the comparison of a person with black features to a criminal is made in his character trailer.
    • It is also possible that Philippe partially bases his theories off of the Ancient Greek iteration of physiognomy[11], which lacked a racial factor and instead focused on determining a person's behavioral characteristic and personality through their outward appearance, sometimes using animals as comparisons. In his release video, it depicted the appearance of a man compared with that of a wolf, which was a common practice in ancient physiognomy.[12] This form of physiognomy however didn't focus on crime, Philippe's field of interest.
  • It is theorised Phillipe killed and turned multiple criminals into wax statues, as hinted at in his 8th deduction quest and letters.

Gallery[]


References[]

  1. Confirmed by Astrologer's Design Notes, which states the corresponding fate star is Mars, Aries's planet" - Weibo
  2. His talents were previously translated as Waxwork, Anatomy. In June, 2022, an unreleased Character Relations profile for Wax Artist was found in the game files which listed his talents as Wax Crafting, Anatomy.
  3. His interests were previously translated as Waxwork, Criminology.
  4. His dislikes were previously translated as Humidity, Darkness.
  5. Backstory from the official Identity V website - https://idv.163.com/character/index.html
  6. Translation by @IdentityV__Sub.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Translation by jaesti.
  8. Translations by @fc_idv.
  9. It was commissioned from a third-party writer and IDV Official Lofter uses 同人文, which means "fanfic" in Chinese, in Weeping Clown's story - Lofter
  10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiognomy#Period_of_popularity
  11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiognomy#Ancient_physiognomy
  12. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Porta59.jpg/800px-Porta59.jpg

Manor Game Table References[]

  1. InThe Ripper's 2021 and 2023 Letters, it’s implied that this manor game happened in June, although it is currently unknown which year it happened.
  2. 2.0 2.1 In The Ripper's 2023 Letter, Keigan is mentioned to have been attacked, suspected to be by The Ripper. Based on information from The Ripper's 2022 Letter, it is likely she is 2-1-1, who was targeted by the Ripper.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 The Ripper's 2022 and 2023 Letters mention the murder caused by The Ripper due to her likeliness to his previous victims, as well as Edmund Reed's promise to bring justice to death of Keigan as a police officer. It may brings to the conclusion that this Manor Game had no designated hunter or executioner and every participant was capable of posing threats to the rest due to the drugs' effects.
  4. 4.0 4.1 The Ripper's 2022 Letter indicates that Keigan was the target of The Ripper while The Ripper's 2023 Letter mentions a tragedy happened to her. The Ripper's Character Relations web confirms Keigan's murder by The Ripper.
  5. See The Ripper's 2022 Letter.
  6. The Ripper's 2022 Letter mentions subject 2-0-3 was interested in the idea of a "perfect crime", which Philippe wrote about looking for in Wax Artist's 2024 Letter.
  7. See The Ripper's 2023 Letter.

Deduction Quest Changes[]

Wax Artist's Deduction Quest was adjusted on November 4th, 2021.

  1. Previously: Basic Objective: Use Solid Wax to imprison Survivors 1 time(s) / Advanced Objective 1: Use Solid Wax to imprison Survivors 2 time(s) / Advanced Objective 2: Use Solid Wax to imprison Survivors 3 time(s)

Navigation[]

Character Navigation
THE SURVIVORS NavSurvivorIcon
DEFAULT NavLuckyGuy NavDoctor NavLawyer NavThief NavGardener
Lucky Guy
(Season 0)
Doctor
(Season 0)
Lawyer
(Season 0)
Thief
(Season 0)
Gardener
(Season 0)
SEASON 1 NavMagician NavExplorer NavMercenary NavCoordinator NavMechanic
Magician
(Season 1)
Explorer
(Season 1)
Mercenary
(Season 1)
Coordinator
(Season 1)
Mechanic
(Season 1)
NavForward NavTheMindsEye NavPriestess NavPerfumer -
Forward
(Season 1)
The Mind's Eye
(Season 1)
Priestess
(Season 1)
Perfumer
(Season 1)
SEASON
2-3
NavCowboy NavFemaleDancer NavSeer NavEmbalmer -
Cowboy
(Season 2)
Female Dancer
(Season 2)
Seer
(Season 3)
Embalmer
(Season 3)
SEASON
5-7
NavProspector NavEnchantress NavWildling NavAcrobat NavFirstOfficer
Prospector
(Season 5)
Enchantress
(Season 5)
Wildling
(Season 6)
Acrobat
(Season 6)
First Officer
(Season 7)
SEASON
8-11
NavBarmaid NavPostman NavGraveKeeper NavPrisoner NavEntomologist
Barmaid
(Season 8)
Postman
(Season 9)
Grave Keeper
(Season 10)
"Prisoner"
(Season 10)
Entomologist
(Season 11)
SEASON
13-17
NavPainter NavBatter NavToyMerchant NavPsychologist NavPatient
Painter
(Season 13)
Batter
(Season 14)
Toy Merchant
(Season 16)
"Psychologist"
(Season 17)
Patient
(Season 17)
SEASON
18-22
NavNovelist NavLittleGirl NavWeepingClown NavProfessor NavAntiquarian
Novelist
(Season 18)
"Little Girl"
(Season 18)
Weeping Clown
(Season 19)
Professor
(Season 21)
Antiquarian
(Season 22)
SEASON
24-30
NavComposer NavJournalist NavAeroplanist NavCheerleader NavPuppeteer
Composer
(Season 24)
Journalist
(Season 26)
Aeroplanist
(Season 27)
Cheerleader
(Season 28)
Puppeteer
(Season 30)
SEASON
31-36
NavFireInvestigator NavFaroLady NavKnight NavMeteorologist NavArcher
Fire Investigator
(Season 31)
"Faro Lady"
(Season 32)
"Knight"
(Season 34)
Meteorologist
(Season 35)
Archer
(Season 36)
SEASON
37-41
NavEscapologist NavLanternist BlankDialoguePortrait -
"Escapologist"
(Season 37)
Lanternist
(Season 39)
Matador
(Season 41)
THE HUNTERS NavHunterIcon
DEFAULT NavHellEmber -
Hell Ember
(Season 0)
SEASON
1-4
NavSmileyFace NavGamekeeper NavTheRipper NavSoulWeaver NavGeisha
Smiley Face
(Season 1)
Gamekeeper
(Season 1)
The Ripper
(Season 1)
Soul Weaver
(Season 1)
Geisha
(Season 1)
NavTheFeaster NavWuChang NavPhotographer NavMadEyes NavDreamWitch
The Feaster
(Season 1)
Wu Chang
(Season 2)
Photographer
(Season 2)
Mad Eyes
(Season 3)
Dream Witch
(Season 4)
SEASON
5-9
NavAxeBoy NavEvilReptilian NavBloodyQueen NavGuard26 NavDisciple
Axe Boy
(Season 5)
Evil Reptilian
(Season 6)
Bloody Queen
(Season 7)
Guard 26
(Season 8)
"Disciple"
(Season 9)
SEASON
11-16
NavViolinist NavSculptor NavUndead NavTheBreakingWheel NavNaiad
Violinist
(Season 11)
Sculptor
(Season 12)
"Undead"
(Season 13)
Breaking Wheel
(Season 15)
Naiad
(Season 16)
SEASON
18-25
NavWaxArtist NavNightmare NavClerk NavHermit NavNightWatch
Wax Artist
(Season 18)
"Nightmare"
(Season 18)
Clerk
(Season 20)
Hermit
(Season 22)
Night Watch
(Season 25)
SEASON
27-34
NavOperaSinger NavFoolsGold NavTheShadow NavGoatman NavHullabaloo
Opera Singer
(Season 27)
"Fool's Gold"
(Season 29)
The Shadow
(Season 31)
"Goatman"
(Season 33)
"Hullabaloo"
(Season 34)
SEASON
36-40
NavPeddler NavCueist NavQueenBee -
Peddler
(Season 36)
"Cueist"
(Season 38)
"Queen Bee"
(Season 40)
IDENTITY SWITCH CHARACTERS
Novelist"Nightmare" Smiley FaceWeeping Clown Evil ReptilianProfessor
"Little Girl"Journalist Prospector"Fool's Gold" Acrobat"Hullabaloo"
Entomologist"Queen Bee" -
STORY RELATED CHARACTERS
NavReporter
Reporter
NavDetective
Detective
and many others...
CUT CHARACTERS
CUT SURVIVORS NavFemaleDriver NavGraveyardGirl NavStrangerB NavStranger1 -
Female Driver Graveyard Girl Paparazzi Slacker
CUT HUNTERS NavPerception NavMoonFaceBeta NavMrPuppet -
Ascetic Monk Moon Face Puppet
NavWaxArtistWax Artist Navigation
Wax Artist Wax Artist/Lore Wax Artist/Cosmetics Wax Artist/Gallery
External Traits Abilities
Wax CoatMelt and Congeal SputterSolid WaxMolten Wax
Costumes
S-Tier (Gold) AstrologerFury
A-Tier (Purple) CurioShower
B-Tier (Blue) Artifact RestorerConcordiaConvictionEternal LoveHarsh CriticMuseum Curator"Preservative"Punisher
C-Tier (Green) OriginalWorn ClothesBatik YellowFusion BrownVein Green
Accessories
S-Tier (Gold) Duel
A-Tier (Purple) Starglobe
B-Tier (Blue) BlowtorchBust of a SinnerSingular Vision
Other Customizations
GraffitiEmotesStandby Motions