The Handler

The Handler is a character in both I Expect You To Die and I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy And The Liar.

Character Description
The handler has no physical appearance. In Safe And Sound, Juniper switches into the Handler, which causes the mimic mask to turn black.

The Handler in the first game is aloof and doesn't seem to care much about the player. Most of his concern seems channeled towards the Zoraxis plans. He also likes saying "I told you so". His final monologue in IEYTD1 doesn't seem to be caring, but instead curious and intrigued at the player's survival.

In the second game, he cares more about the Agent. He shows concern for them when they're put in dangerous situations, evidenced by his relief at the Agent finally responding to his calls (Safe and Sound), and him trying to convince them not to waste their battery and shouting their name at Agent's descent (Rising Phoenix). In his final monologue, he seems saddened by recounting Phoenix's death.

Appearances
Throughout the first game, the Handler only appears over the earpiece, making comments about what the player does while giving some hints to the mission and its puzzles. The only time he seems to definitively move from his place is when the Death Engine fires. It seems to have aimed towards the Agency building he was in, although missing ever so slightly.

In the second game, he seems to take a bit more active strategy. He is in the audience in Stage Fright, above the player in Eaves Drop, and actively approaching your location in Safe and Sound. He seems to be sabotaged before Safe and Sound but after Party Crasher, although it is possible the player was just stolen instead of the Handler being directly harmed. Throughout all of the missions, though, he still comments on what the player does and hints towards the missions and their puzzles.

His final monologue seems to portray him as somewhat saddened by Agent Phoenix's death. He says that Agent Phoenix's body has not been found, and that there is potential for future Zoraxis interference into Agency work and that they should stay on alert.

Trivia

 * According to the new localization that IEYTD received, the Handler can speak both Spanish and Russian.
 * By holding a book from the first game and pressing a button on the player's controllers, the Handler will make a comment on the book. He will not repeat his comment, however, so the player will have to load a mission and leave to rehear the comment.
 * Defensive Driving: "Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, as they say."
 * Firearms: "Ah, another one of our proprietary training manuals."
 * How To Earn Your 00: Either, "Lesson 1: It's pronounced 'double-O'." or, "I hear you should always trust your Handler."
 * Seduction: Either, "No, Agent. There are no illustrations." or, "Ah, the most dangerous game."
 * The Handler is a fan of John Juniper (formerly).
 * According to the unused files in IEYTD1,
 * He prefers his alcohol chilled, and enjoys a cup of tea.
 * He claims fine art is his forte.