Andrew Ryan's Rapture

Lore & Background

Rapture was founded by Andrew Ryan after he became disillusioned with governmental and religious interference in his business affairs. Drawing inspiration from figures like Ayn Rand, Howard Hughes, and Walt Disney, Ryan envisioned a city where no man could be shackled by another's hand. The city's design reflected the Art Deco movement, symbolizing a belief in human dominance over nature. However, the rigid adherence to these ideals proved fragile when faced with resource scarcity and social stratification.

Frank Fontaine, initially a partner in Rapture's genetics industry, exploited these weaknesses. When Ryan attempted to control Fontaine's growing power, the con man faked his death and reemerged as Atlas. This triggered a civil war that plunged the city into chaos. Ryan emerged victorious but ruled with increasing ruthlessness, using genetic pheromones to control the populace and impaling the bodies of traitorous former allies outside his office as a warning.

Reader's Guide

Rapture functioned as a unique blend of corporate governance and philosophical utopia under Andrew Ryan's absolute rule. The city was populated by founders, executives, scientists, and artists who subscribed to Objectivist principles. Key figures included the eccentric artist Sander Cohen and Frank Fontaine, whose betrayal sparked the civil war. To maintain order during the conflict, Ryan utilized genetic pheromones to control citizens and established a private police force.

The city's infrastructure included "Ryan Amusements," a theme park designed to instill Ryan's ideology in youth and warn against surface dangers. In BioShock 2 multiplayer, set shortly before the main events, players witness Ryan delivering a 1958 New Year's Eve speech and later ordering the populace to hunt down Jack. The city's decline is marked by the ADAM addiction crisis and the rise of Atlas, leading to a state where Ryan's remaining control was maintained only through fear and genetic manipulation.

Did You Know?

• Andrew Ryan's birth name was Andrei Rianofski, and he hailed from a village near Minsk in modern-day Belarus.
• The character's name is a deliberate semi-anagram of Ayn Rand's name to establish a connection to her philosophy.
• Ryan's physical appearance was based on actor Vincent Price, while his voice was provided by Armin Shimerman.
• The phrase "Would you kindly?" was used to mentally compel Jack to obey any command, including killing Ryan.