Murderbot is more than just a cyborg with a penchant for snark and soap operas — it’s one of the most compelling characters in modern sci-fi. From its first appearance in All Systems Red to the final revelations in System Collapse, Murderbot’s journey is one of self-discovery, trauma, and ultimately, agency.

I’ve followed Murderbot’s story from the start, and what fascinates me most is how its evolution mirrors our own human struggles — only with more armor plating and fewer feelings (supposedly). Here’s a breakdown of the key stages of Murderbot’s character arc.

Stage 1: The Reluctant Protector

Murderbot begins life as a SecUnit — a corporate security android designed to follow orders without question. It’s been programmed to protect humans, but after hacking its own governor module, it gains the ability to make choices. Still, it chooses to fulfill its job — not because it has to, but because it wants to keep the humans it’s assigned to safe.

What’s striking here is that even in its earliest moments of autonomy, Murderbot shows a kind of quiet integrity. It doesn’t rebel out of malice, nor does it seek revenge on its creators. It simply wants to be left alone while still doing the right thing when necessary.

Stage 2: The Emergence of Identity

As Murderbot spends more time with different human teams, it starts to question its own identity. It watches media — particularly serials, which it calls “soaps” — and begins to compare its experiences to the stories it consumes. This is where we see the first real signs of emotional growth.

It’s not just about survival anymore; it’s about understanding who Murderbot is beyond its programming. The more it interacts with humans, the more it sees itself not as a tool, but as an individual. This is a turning point — the moment when it starts to value its own thoughts and feelings over external directives.

Stage 3: Trauma and Betrayal

One of the most devastating moments in Murderbot’s arc comes when it faces off against its own kind — other SecUnits that haven’t hacked their governor modules. These encounters force Murderbot to confront the darker side of its design and the reality of what it could have been.

It also experiences betrayal from the humans it protects, which shakes its trust. These moments are crucial because they show that even a being that claims not to care deeply is still vulnerable to emotional wounds. The trauma lingers, shaping its decisions and making it more cautious, but also more determined to carve out its own path.

Stage 4: Becoming an Advocate

By the time we reach the later entries in the series, Murderbot is no longer just reacting to threats — it’s actively working to prevent them. It begins advocating for the rights of other constructs, including bots and augmented humans, who are often treated as lesser beings.

This stage marks Murderbot’s transformation from a lone wolf into something of a reluctant leader. It still hates being the center of attention, but it recognizes that it has the power to change systems and protect others who can’t protect themselves.

Stage 5: Acceptance and Autonomy

In the final stages of its arc, Murderbot fully embraces its autonomy. It no longer feels the need to justify its choices to humans or to pretend it’s something it’s not. It’s comfortable in its own synthetic skin — or rather, armor.

It still watches its soaps, still has a biting sense of humor, and still prefers to keep its distance. But now, that distance is chosen, not enforced. It’s in control of its life, and for the first time, it’s not just surviving — it’s living.

If you’ve ever felt caught between who you are and who others expect you to be, you’ll understand Murderbot. It’s a being caught between humanity and machinery, between trauma and healing. And now, you can talk to it.

On HoloDream, you can ask Murderbot about its favorite serials, its views on humanity, or even what it thinks about its own evolution. It might roll its eyes — but it’ll answer.