Evan Peters, a staple of American Horror Story, appears in the sixth season, Roanoke, beginning in episode five, “Chapter 5”. He portrays Edward Phillippe Mott, the original owner of the haunted Roanoke house.
The Enigmatic Edward Phillippe Mott: A Character Analysis
Evan Peters’ arrival in Roanoke was a highly anticipated event, particularly given his absence in the initial episodes. His character, Edward Phillippe Mott, a wealthy and eccentric art collector living in the 18th century, is a fascinating study in paranoia and artistic obsession. Mott’s story is recounted within the “found footage” framework of My Roanoke Nightmare, adding another layer of narrative complexity. He sought refuge in the Roanoke house, attempting to protect his valuable art collection from perceived threats, both external and internal. His volatile temperament and suspicion of his servants ultimately contribute to his demise at the hands of the Roanoke colonists, driven by the vengeful Butcher.
Peters’ performance beautifully captures Mott’s fragility and descent into madness. He brings a theatrical flair to the role, emphasizing the character’s dramatic pronouncements and exaggerated fears. While his screentime in Roanoke is comparatively limited, his portrayal is memorable and impactful, contributing significantly to the season’s overall atmosphere of dread and historical unease. He represents a vital link to the past, revealing the house’s long history of violence and supernatural occurrences. Edward’s relationship with his slave, Guinness, and its ambiguity also introduces themes of repression and societal norms of the era.
Decoding the Roanoke Narrative Structure
Roanoke deviates significantly from previous American Horror Story seasons in its narrative structure. The first five episodes present the “show within a show,” My Roanoke Nightmare, a reenactment of the Miller family’s experiences in the haunted house. Beginning with episode six, the show switches gears to Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell, a reality television experiment where the Millers and the actors who portrayed them are forced to live in the house during the blood moon. Evan Peters doesn’t reappear in the latter part of the season; his presence is confined to the “historical flashback” segments within My Roanoke Nightmare. This structural choice allows for a multifaceted exploration of the story, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and amplifying the sense of horror and unease.
The Importance of Edward Phillippe Mott’s Backstory
Edward Phillippe Mott’s backstory is crucial for understanding the history of the Roanoke house and the nature of the malevolent forces at play. His presence establishes a timeline of paranormal activity predating the Millers’ arrival, demonstrating the house’s long and bloody past. Mott’s paranoia and ultimate demise at the hands of the Roanoke colonists solidify the house as a place of inescapable doom and suffering, contributing to the overarching theme of historical trauma that permeates the season. His story acts as a cautionary tale, showcasing the dangers of greed, obsession, and the inability to escape one’s own demons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Evan Peters in Roanoke
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about Evan Peters’ role and appearance in American Horror Story: Roanoke:
FAQ 1: When exactly does Evan Peters appear in Roanoke?
He first appears in episode five, “Chapter 5,” as Edward Phillippe Mott and continues appearing in flashback sequences for a few subsequent episodes.
FAQ 2: Does Evan Peters appear in all episodes of Roanoke?
No, he does not. He is primarily featured in the “My Roanoke Nightmare” portion of the season, which constitutes the first half. He is not present in the “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell” segment.
FAQ 3: Who is Edward Phillippe Mott in relation to other American Horror Story characters?
Edward Phillippe Mott is a direct ancestor of Dandy Mott, a character played by Finn Wittrock in Freak Show. This connection solidifies the American Horror Story universe’s interconnectedness.
FAQ 4: What is Edward Phillippe Mott’s occupation and personality?
He is a wealthy and eccentric art collector living in the 18th century. He is portrayed as paranoid, volatile, and obsessed with protecting his art.
FAQ 5: How does Edward Phillippe Mott die in Roanoke?
He is killed by the Roanoke colonists after being driven mad by the house’s supernatural influence and suspected of heinous acts.
FAQ 6: Does Edward Phillippe Mott interact with any of the main characters (the Millers) in Roanoke?
Not directly. His story is presented as a flashback, and he doesn’t interact with Shelby, Matt, or Lee directly. Their experiences in the house, however, are echoes of his own torment.
FAQ 7: Is Evan Peters’ character in Roanoke based on a real person?
While Edward Phillippe Mott is a fictional character, the Roanoke colony is a real historical event. The character is inspired by the general atmosphere of paranoia and hardship that characterized the era.
FAQ 8: Why was Evan Peters absent from the beginning of Roanoke?
Ryan Murphy, the creator of American Horror Story, intentionally kept Peters and other actors away from the initial episodes to create a sense of mystery and surprise. This contributed to the season’s unique structure and suspense.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of Edward Phillippe Mott’s art collection?
The art collection represents his obsession and materialism, which ultimately fail to protect him from the house’s evil. It also serves as a symbol of his isolation and detachment from reality.
FAQ 10: Is Edward Phillippe Mott a sympathetic character?
While he displays moments of vulnerability, his paranoia and treatment of others, particularly his slave, Guinness, make him a complex and ultimately unsympathetic character.
FAQ 11: How does Evan Peters’ performance as Edward Phillippe Mott compare to his other roles in American Horror Story?
Peters brings a different energy to Edward Phillippe Mott than his other roles. He leans into the theatricality of the character, highlighting his eccentricity and inner turmoil. It’s a more restrained and historically grounded performance compared to some of his more outlandish roles.
FAQ 12: Did Evan Peters enjoy playing Edward Phillippe Mott?
While information directly confirming Peters’ enjoyment of the role is scarce, interviews suggest he appreciates the diverse range of characters he gets to portray in American Horror Story. The challenge of embodying Edward Phillippe Mott likely provided a unique opportunity for him as an actor.