Holden Wilder

“
The winds of change are blowin'. And change is a dangerous animal.
”

— Holden Wilder

Holden Wilder (mostly referred to as "Mr. Wilder") is a minor character in Beacon Pines. He runs and is the editor-in-chief at the "Beacon Beacon" (Beacon Pines' paper of record) in Town Square.

## Profile

### Appearance

Holden is a dog with brown fur, a dark gray snout and brown eyes. He wears a brown, buttoned-up sweater vest over a white-collared shirt with a dark red tie around his neck. He also has brown trousers alongside black shoes and is always depicted with a cane in his hand, a cigar in his mouth and a monocle over one of his eyes (depending on the direction he's facing).

### Personality

As the editor-in-chief of Beacon Beacon, one of his biggest priorities is the success of the paper (even if it means irking Heiress Valentine). He also demonstrates care for the town's residents and attempts to make what he says sound profound.

## Story

### Chapter 2: Welcome to Beacon Pines

As the “Change” Charm is mandatory, the player is forced to speak to Mr. Wilder before progressing to the warehouse. Luka and Holden greet each other before Luka asks for news, though he is initially cut off by Wilder reciting The Beacon Beacon’s slogan: “The Beacon Beacon knows the news that needs knowing”. After this, the boy finishes his request, though is disappointed when he denies having any news regarding the warehouse. Luka then shares how Rolo saw some light there the night prior, causing Holden to warn against going around that part of town, stating that “The winds of change are blowin'. And change is a dangerous animal”, which gives the player the Change Charm.

### If “Struggle” Was Chosen at “Warehouse of Horrors”

Heiress approaches Mr. Wilder to make a complaint about the History Museum's opening being absent on the front page of that morning's paper, and how it was instead primarily about the upcoming festival Perennial Harvest was holding. Apologizing for what he was about say, Mr. Wilder informs her that his readers are more interested in the town's future, rather than her family. Hearing this causes her to bring up how her family used to be the talk of Beacon Pines, though Holden replies that things change, but just before delivering the line "change is a dangerous animal", Heiress threatens him midway through. The man then ends the conversation, much to her annoyance.

### If “Rumble” Was Chosen at “Whether Weather”

Found in town square talking with Mrs. Nelson during the festival, he claims to have never seen so many smiling faces since The Foul Harvest. Mrs. Nelson shares that, despite the doubts she had about Perennial Harvest, she has to admit they know how to throw a celebration.

### If “Hard” Was Chosen at “A Beginner’s Guide to Hostile Interrogation”

During William Kerr's speech, Holden is seen in the crowd and gets trapped in ice along with the rest of the residents of Beacon Pines (a fate that most likely befalls him whenever the town becomes frozen in other endings).

### If “Hum” Was Chosen at “Fire and Ice”

Mr. WIlder is seen in the crowd when Sharper Valentine makes his return.

### If “Malice” Was Chosen at “Windows to The Soul”

He is seen in the crowd of Sharper’s speech and witnesses his ultimate fate.

### If “Change” Was Chosen at “The Vile Vial”

In Epilogue, Luka can ask him if he has any news to share. Mr. Wilder reports that William Kerr (now revealed to be Patrick C. Montesquieu) had just played a rendition of “The Iceman Cometh” at the State Correctional Facility. According to Wilder, not a single eye there was dry, causing Luka to comment that he likely had time to hone his skills as an actor.

## Cut Content

In the game’s first demo, as the Beacon Beacon building was changed from what is now town hall to the building furthest right in town square between the first demo and final game, Mr. Wilder’s position has also been adjusted appropriately.

In Chapter 2: Dead Ends (later renamed Chapter 3: Finding a Friend), Mr. Wilder can be interacted with and states that he hasn’t seen Rolo since the day prior while also promising to look out for him. As he doesn't appear in this chapter in final game, this interaction never takes place.

## Trivia

* Holden Wilder is the only non-backer character without a dialogue portrait to have a known first name.