# Simon Ordell
Simon Ordell is the confirmed playable protagonist of Silent Hill: Townfall, a first-person survival horror game developed by Screen Burn Interactive and published by Konami. Set in the fictional Scottish coastal settlement of St. Amelia in 1996, Simon's journey takes players through fog-laden streets, nightmarish Otherworld environments, and a deeply personal story of introspection and redemption.
Called back to St. Amelia to "put things right," Simon wakes near the docks with only a medical wristband bearing his name and no clear memory of the town. His age, nationality, and past remain largely unconfirmed at the start, adding layers of mystery to his character.
Background and Identity
Simon Ordell was born on October 15, 1959, as revealed by a medical wristband visible during gameplay. His blood type is A+. At the time of the game's events in 1996, Simon is approximately 36-37 years old.
The game opens with Simon arriving in St. Amelia, a seemingly quiet Scottish island town, with the stated purpose of returning to "put things right." What begins as a mission of resolution quickly spirals into a descent through layers of horror, mystery, and buried truth. Simon starts his journey with an IV bag and medical wristband, hinting at recent hospitalization or institutional care.
According to voice actor Jovan Adepo, Simon's story is "very much about introspection." Simon is not a typical action hero -- he is an everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, forced to confront both external horrors and internal demons.
Personality and Story Role
According to voice actor Jovan Adepo, Simon's story is "very much about introspection." Simon is not a typical action hero -- he is an everyman thrust into extraordinary circumstances, forced to confront both external horrors and internal demons.
Simon's narrative is deeply tied to the history of St. Amelia and the tragedy that befell the town. His connection to the Haldane Hotel and specifically Room 204 plays a central role in uncovering the truth behind the town's fate. The game's first-person perspective immerses players directly in Simon's psychological experience, making every discovery feel personal and immediate.
### Character Development Through Gameplay
Simon's character evolves through his interactions with the environment and other characters. His medical wristband and IV bag suggest recent institutional care, raising questions about his mental state and the reliability of his memories. As players progress, they discover that Simon's return to St. Amelia is not voluntary but compelled by a mysterious signal transmitted through the CRTV device.
The recurring line "I woke up in the water again, but... this time it's... different" hints at the cyclical, possibly looped nature of Simon's experience in St. Amelia, connecting to broader lore theories about time, repetition, and the town's supernatural properties.
Key Relationships
- Zoe Ellis -- A major character who accompanies Simon through portions of the game. Voiced by Kezia Burrows.
- Richard -- Another pivotal figure in Simon's story. Voiced by Terry O'Quinn, with motion capture performed by director Jon Mckellan.
- Dr. Glenn -- A character connected to the medical and institutional aspects of St. Amelia's history. Voiced by Anthony Howell.
Gameplay Abilities
Simon navigates the world of St. Amelia using a combination of stealth, evasion, and combat. The game emphasizes tense evasion over direct confrontation, with explosive encounters reserved for critical moments.
### Weapons
Simon can acquire and use several weapons throughout the game:
| Weapon | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revolver | Firearm | Standard ranged weapon |
| Plank | Melee | Improvised close-quarters weapon |
| Pipe | Melee | Another improvised melee option |
### Health System
Simon's health is represented through an IV drip mechanic, tying directly into the medical and institutional themes of the game. Health management is a core survival element.
### CRTV Mechanic
Simon interacts with the game's signature CRTV (Cathode Ray Tube Vision) system, which allows players to see through surveillance cameras and perceive hidden elements in the environment. This mechanic is central to puzzle-solving and navigation.
Notable Quotes
> "I woke up in the water again, but... this time it's... different."
This recurring line hints at the cyclical, possibly looped nature of Simon's experience in St. Amelia, connecting to broader lore theories about time, repetition, and the town's supernatural properties.
Key Locations
Simon's journey takes him through several important areas in and around St. Amelia:
- St. Amelia Town -- The fog-shrouded Scottish island town at the heart of the game
- Haldane Hotel -- A key location with deep ties to the town's history
- CEG Facilities -- Connected to the industrial operations that preceded the town's tragedy
- The Otherworld -- A nightmarish alternate dimension with a dominant red hue, filled with large metal pipes suggesting oil drilling operations
Terminology
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Otherworld | A nightmarish alternate reality that Simon enters |
| Fog World | The eerie, fog-covered version of St. Amelia |
| Monster | Hostile creatures encountered in the Otherworld and Fog World |
| Save Point | Specific locations where Simon can save his progress |
Voice and Motion Capture
Simon Ordell is brought to life through dual performances:
- Voice: Jovan Adepo
- Motion Capture: Durassie Kiangangu
This separation of voice and physical performance allows for nuanced characterization, with Adepo providing the emotional depth of Simon's internal monologue while Kiangangu embodies his physical presence in the game world.