The picture of a perfect Layton
So I’ve read a few posts about how Layton’s personality is mostly attributed to the people he’s lost in his life. He got his name from his brother, his archaeology legacy from Randall and his gentlemanly standards from Claire.
The name-switch thing was kinda outside of his control because he was so young. But he strives to be an archaeologist and a gentleman in memory of Randall and Claire. On one hand, this is really touching. Rather than justifying extreme actions with his losses *coughBronevCliveDescolecough*, Layton’s losses make him a stronger character.
On the other hand, you can argue he developed none of these personality traits on his own, which diminishes his character in some ways. Would he have been less of an awesome hero if he hadn’t met Randall or Claire? Maybe. But we see Teenage Layton acting like a young gentleman way before he met Claire. As much as he dismisses Randall’s archeology ramblings, he’s cool chatting about archaeology with his Pa. In addition to these traits, he’s a skilled sword-fighter, a teacher, a detective, a father and a friend who would help you at the drop of a hat. I think one of his best moments is when Layton rejects the Bronev name at the end of AL. He isn’t defined by his past and he has made a name for himself as Hershel Layton.
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