Stefano Valentini

> ***"This is the photo that took one of my eyes but gifted me with vision. The moment of death captured like a fly in amber. A life ends and a flower of flesh and blood is born. I realised the beauty in destruction. I was eager to share my new work with the world. Neophytes, philistines, fools. They feared what they could not comprehend; were determined to stop me. Some consider this new world horrific. For me, it is a world of beauty full of pure creation that is limited only by my imagination. A world whose very fabric eye can shape but where can I go from here? She is the key. The path to ultimate power. She is the brush, blood is my paint and this world is the canvas. My name is Stefano Valentini and art is in the eye of the beholder."*** *- Stefano's monologue in "The Twisted, Deadly Photographer Trailer".*
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**Stefano Valentini**, also known as **The Twisted, Deadly Photographer** or as **The Murderer With The Camera**, is one of the main antagonists of *The Evil Within 2*, serving as the main antagonist of the first half of the game and as a posthumous mentioned antagonist in the second half of the game.

He is a sadistic, psychopathic serial killer and artist who fashions the corpses of his victims into grotesque art pieces, desiring to capture the concept of "beauty in death" throughout the numerous "artworks" he creates. Throughout the events of *The Evil Within 2*, he attempts to use The Core's power to amplify his own power and influence within Union. He serves as Sebastian Castellanos' archenemy from chapters one to eight.

He was portrayed and voiced by American actor, Rafael Goldstein.

## Story

### Background

Stefano Valentini was born on December 22nd, 1985 in Florence, Italy. As a young adult, he was employed as a war photographer, responsible for taking photographs of various moments during the war. Stefano unfortunately witnessed the death of a fellow soldier when a grenade was detonated in front of them. Although the soldier was brutally killed in the explosion, Stefano was able to capture the exact moment of the soldier’s death with his camera just before several shrapnel from the explosion flew into his right eye. This event would forever impact Stefano as his descent into psychopathy began.

Stefano miraculously survives the ordeal and recovers from the incident however has permanently lost sight in his affected eye. He consequently grows a swept over bang to cover his right eye. The previous event causes Stefano to realise the beauty of “the exact moment of someone’s death”, desiring to capture other moments like these in his future work. Following the incident, Stefano relocates to Krimson City where he becomes a flamboyant artist and photographer, attempting to share his twisted idea of “beauty" with the public. However, his art would be heavily criticised and chastised by the public and critics alike, never reaching the level of success and praise he so wanted. Because of Stefano's ego, he regarded these comments as criticisms from "philistines", "neophytes" and "Neanderthals" alike, unable to comprehend the beauty and complexity of his work.

Although he was publicly recognised as a misogynistic and pathetic artist, in secret he was a sadistic and psychopathic serial killer who murdered various actresses and models by becoming their close confidants and consequently murdering them in cruel and violent methods, often resulting in the decapitation of the victim. The crime scenes were often depicted as if they were an art exhibition, displaying the victim as the main subject of the “artwork”. Stefano would often taunt the authorities at the respective crime scenes. Stefano became an infamous serial killer of Krimson City who was never caught for the murders and so many of the murders became cold cases.

Stefano unwillingly enrols in MOBIUS’ STEM project, now known as Union, through the Mu Centres in hopes of a better future however later comes to regard it all as lies. He undergoes various psychopathy tests and interviews, overseen by Yukiko Hoffman before insertion to prevent a psychopath from infiltrating STEM but due to the complexity of Stefano’s psychopathy he is able to successfully conceal his psychopathy and deceive MOBIUS. Despite some doubts surrounding Stefano, they are all disregarded as his “eccentric artistic personality” and he is inserted into STEM soon afterwards, having successfully infiltrated Union. Because of his dysfunctional mental state, Stefano is granted incredible and disturbing powers within the world.

Prior to Sebastian’s arrival within STEM, Stefano is approached and contacted by Theodore Wallace, a powerful denizen of Union who successfully persuades Stefano to join him and capture The Core (actually Lily Castellanos, Sebastian’s daughter) for him. In exchange, Stefano is granted power and a certain level of autonomy within the world. Stefano accepts the offer and the two become close allies.

Stefano successfully captures and kidnaps Lily without much struggle and reports to Theodore. Theodore expresses his delight and orders him to bring her to him. However, after realising Lily’s true potential and power, Stefano has second thoughts about handing her over and instead decides to keep her for his personal benefit, betraying Theodore. Upon discovering this, Theodore becomes enraged and is forced to rely on Sebastian to get rid of him.

During the collapse of Union, Stefano goes on a killing spree, murdering several citizens and Union Security Agents in his path, placing them in a time looping state where their exact moment of death is replayed over and over in their very own "frozen display".

### The Evil Within 2

#### Chapter 2: Something Not Quite Right

Following Sebastian’s arrival into STEM, Sebastian discovers the murder site of William Baker, the Alpha Team leader who has been shot once in the head. His death is replayed again and again in a slowed down time loop. A camera is set up nearby, capturing the exact moment of his death. Stefano watches on nearby from the upper balcony before disappearing upon being noticed by Sebastian.

Later, Sebastian witnesses first-hand the murder of a Union citizen at the hands of Stefano who is unnamed and unknown to Sebastian at this point. Stefano stabs the citizen in the stomach and slices him open, simultaneously capturing the moment with his camera, placing him in a frozen display just like Baker moments earlier. Stefano is interrupted when Sebastian accidently makes a noise with a falling artwork causing Stefano to go investigate however upon finding nothing departs from the scene.

Stefano roams his domain, observing Sebastian from a distance. When Sebastian attempts to escape the basement of Stefano's domain, he is ambushed and photographed by Stefano upon opening a door. He is then immediately teleported to another section of the basement where Sebastian finds the photo taken by the mad artist moments earlier. He is then pursued and attacked by the Guardian, a demented creation of Stefano’s. As Sebastian is escaping from The Guardian, Stefano appears before Sebastian and throws a knife into Sebastian’s shoulder, chuckling in amusement. Stefano teleports away from the scene, leaving Sebastian to his doomed fate. However, Sebastian survives the encounter and flees.

#### Chapter 3: Resonances

Through numerous residual memories and resonances, it’s gradually revealed that Ryan Turner (a rogue MOBIUS Security agent who Sebastian was searching for) has become Stefano’s most recent “artwork”. It is revealed that Turner was incapacitated and tied to a chair in the basement of the Union Visitor Centre before being executed seconds later. Before his death, Stefano discusses his plan of making Union his ultimate masterpiece while Turner watches on in disgust and fear. Stefano soon comments on “making some art” before shooting Turner once in the head, killing him instantly. A camera set up nearby captures the moment of Turner's death, forever replaying it over and over. Stefano is nowhere in sight however when Sebastian goes to leave the basement, he is ambushed once again by Stefano who shoots another picture of the detective, teleporting him to one of his many domains. Stefano disappears while Sebastian explores the mysterious art gallery, noticing the morbid “artworks” scattered throughout. Sebastian eventually finds an exit, commenting on the peculiarity of the situation soon afterwards.

Sebastian makes his way to the Pit Stop in Union, following a resonance of Lily’s voice. Making his way to the back of the restaurant, he finds one of Lily's dolls which reveal that Stefano is pursuing her throughout the town.

Further investigation leads Sebastian to Tredwell Trucking where Lily has hidden from her pursuer. Sebastian finds another doll of Lily’s which soon details Lily’s kidnapping and capture at the hands of Stefano. Sebastian too makes the discovery of the perpetrator, dubbing Stefano as “The Murderer With The Camera”. Sebastian attempts to leave but is met with Stefano who manipulates the environment around him, transporting Sebastian to another frozen display of one of his victims. Sebastian escapes as Stefano walks on ahead, teleporting outside. Sebastian follows close behind, calling out to Stefano. Stefano briefly turns around towards Sebastian before teleporting away, saying nothing. The Aperture is activated, spawning several enemies for Sebastian. Sebastian successfully bests them all and the Aperture disappears while Stefano is nowhere in sight. Sebastian contacts O’Neal for assistance in locating Stefano.

#### Chapter 5: Lying in Wait

Upon reaching City Hall, Sebastian encounters Stefano once again who teleports in front of him, calmly walking into City Hall while the Aperture resurfaces once again, keeping a close eye on Sebastian. Sebastian finds a photo taken of himself by Stefano back at Tredwell Trucking who taunts him with the message “waiting for you”. Sebastian proceeds onwards where he is forced to fight the Guardian while the Aperture continues to observe from above.

After defeating the Guardian, Sebastian enters City Hall where he encounters a dying Miles Harrison who advises him to activate the Stable Field Emitter as it will affect “his” power. Sebastian continues on, searching for the Stable Field Emitter on the second floor.

Sebastian discovers the frozen art display of Stefano’s newest victim, Jonah Constant who has been featured in a gruesome scene. Constant has been stabbed and sliced open in the back and thrown off the balcony of the second floor where his death is replayed over and over while *Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48"* is faintly playing in the background. Further exploration of City Hall leads Sebastian to learn more about Stefano, his past and his motives. Stefano, who has already noticed Sebastian, begins to toy with the detective, manipulating the environment around him and taunting him with his tricks and powers.

Sebastian finds and activates the Stable Field Emitter with Harrison’s communicator. As the device activates, Stefano sneaks up to Sebastian, preparing to take a picture of him with his camera. Sebastian realises this but before he can react fast enough his picture is taken and is completely frozen in place. Stefano officially introduces himself to Sebastian, continuing to mock and tease him however Stefano mistakes Sebastian for another person trying to take Lily's power. Stefano finally declares Sebastian as his “art” before mischievously leaving to fight one of his creations. Stefano then sends Obscura, his most prized creation to fight the furious detective. The deformed creature is soon defeated but Stefano has disappeared once again.

Searching outside, he finds that Stefano has fled to the Grand Theatre located in the business district of Union with the Aperture situated over the theatre in the sky. Sebastian contacts Kidman about more information concerning Stefano whilst also contacting O’Neal for leads on how to reach him.

#### Chapter 7: Lust For Art

Reaching the theatre, Sebastian finds a locked gate featuring two artworks of Stefano’s, preventing entry into the theatre. Sebastian picks up a signal on his communicator with Stefano on the other end. Stefano begins to talk to Sebastian, berating the detective for not “appreciating his beautiful Obscura performance”. Stefano then reveals that he’s not “worthy enough” to “witness his greatest piece yet” until he learns to “respect his art” so he sends Sebastian to "appreciate" two of his artworks that are located in various places around town. Sebastian decides to put Hoffman’s theory to the test by destroying his art as the only way to allow entry into the theatre and finally confront Stefano.

During Sebastian’s journey, he comes across flashbacks of one of Stefano’s victims becoming a part of Obscura. Stefano shows his sadistic tendencies and gratification in the murder as the woman helplessly screams. The flashback ends with Stefano mutilating the victim and removing her tongue, claiming a “sculpture doesn’t need a tongue”.

Soon enough, both of Stefano’s artworks are destroyed, clearing the blocked entryway. Sebastian makes his way to the theatre to confront Stefano and save his daughter before the former becomes increasingly worse.

#### Chapter 8: Premiere

Entering the lobby of the Grand Theatre, Stefano becomes enraged that Sebastian dared to destroy his work, referring to the two artworks that Sebastian destroyed in the previous chapter. He becomes further frustrated when he realises that Sebastian wants to stop him. He then reveals that once he has harnessed the full potential of The Core then he’ll be powerful enough to create the “ultimate masterpiece” of Union for eternity.

Sebastian enters the theatre finding an entire seated audience of Union hostages dressed in white and sacks covering their heads. On the stage, Stefano reveals himself where he congratulates Sebastian for his tenacity. Sebastian angrily dismisses this as “art school bullshit”, demanding to know where Lily is. Stefano nonchalantly reveals that Lily was abducted on “his” orders however refuses to elaborate further as he plans to get rid of "them" himself once he’s finished with Sebastian. To display his ever growing power, Stefano activates and detonates the bombs in the heads of all the hostages, displaying how unhinged and deranged he has become. Stefano then flees the scene as Sebastian pursues him through the crumbling theatre. Stefano sends the Aperture in an attempt to kill the detective but the latter ultimately prevails once again, escaping to the same mansion that Sebastian had first stepped foot into when he entered STEM. Stefano awaits Sebastian nearby, prepared for the final showdown between each other.

Sebastian finds Stefano, calmly standing with his back towards him. The former expresses his annoyance in the situation while the latter agrees, tired of all the "fun and games". Stefano draws his camera and dagger, announcing that Sebastian’s death will be “art” before teleporting away. Stefano teleports across the arena while freezing Sebastian with his camera but fails to kill the detective as he manages to gain the upper hand in the battle. Sebastian deals enough damage to the deranged artist where he becomes tremendously irritated, leading to the next phase of the fight.

In a last ditch effort to kill him, Stefano calls in the Aperture to assist him. Stefano becomes more unhinged and insane as his appearance becomes more dishevelled and his sanity begins to increasingly deplete further and further. His actions during the fight are no longer coordinated or sophisticated but rather animalistic and unpredictable. Stefano begins to violently slice and slash his dagger across Sebastian while rapidly teleporting around the arena. Eventually Sebastian triumphs once again and Stefano collapses, defeated. With Stefano’s defeat, The Aperture slowly sinks into the sky above.

### Death

The weak, defeated Stefano lays on the floor, refusing to believe that he has been defeated while lamenting that he is unable to create his “art” anymore. Nonetheless, he declares his death a masterpiece and seemingly dies from his injuries. A satisfied Sebastian turns behind him to leave the deranged nightmare. Stefano, who was playing dead to deceive the detective, then attempts to sneak in an ambush attack by taking one last photo of Sebastian with his camera but the latter isn’t fooled as he swiftly turns back around and promptly kills the mad artist with one bullet to the head. Stefano drops to the floor, finally dead.

### Legacy

With Stefano’s death, his plan to make Union his ultimate masterpiece is never realised and his reign of wrath and terror over STEM is freed and secure of his grasp. In the end, his arrogance and hubris ultimately led to his satisfying, well-earned demise at the hands of Sebastian.

Later, Father Theodore expresses his delight towards Sebastian in Stefano’s death, promising to reward him for it.

When Sebastian returns to his room, he discovers Stefano’s photo crossed out with a red X. Upon examining it further, he jokingly remarks “now that’s art”, continuing to mock him and his antics even after his death.

## Appearance

Stefano possesses a medium build with pale white skin, measuring at 5 feet and 10 inches in height and brown hair with light blue eyes. His hair is styled in a swept over bang fashion where his hair is completely covering his right eye.

Stefano dresses in an extremely extravagant and flamboyant manner as seen with his style and choice of clothing. Throughout the events of *The Evil Within 2*, Stefano is seen in a luxurious three piece suit, consisting of a dark blue and black checked styled jacket, a standard light blue button-up shirt and accompanying dark blue trousers which is suspended with a standard burgundy belt. The top button of Stefano's jacket is buttoned while the bottom button is left undone. Stefano wears maroon loafers with accompanying gloves on both hands. Additionally, Stefano dons a dark pink scarf in replacement for a tie with a white pocket square located in his front suit jacket pocket.

When Stefano becomes more unhinged in the last phase of his boss fight, his appearance becomes more dishevelled accordingly. His top jacket button is undone, exposing his entire attire. Blood is now splattered across his entire outfit, including his jacket, scarf and shirt. His hair is now unkempt and no longer kept in a tidy and neat manner which reveals his infected right eye which is now glowing a bright blue. His left eye is now bloodshot red, displaying his insanity.

The photograph of Stefano in Sebastian's room is likely what Stefano's appearance would have been in the real world. His outfit consists of a black suit with a black suit jacket, a white button-up shirt and no tie or scarf. He can also be seen with black gloves on both hands which are holding a handheld telescope.

## Relationships

### Enemies

* **Lily Castellanos** *(Alive)* - Kidnapped Victim
* **Sebastian Castellanos** *(Alive)* - Archnemesis
* **Theodore Wallace** *(Deceased)* - Former Ally

### Creations

* **The Obscura** - Deceased
* **The Guardian** - Deceased
* **The Aperture** - Deceased

## Appearances

- Ends up killed by Sebastian when he shoots him once in the head.
- Following his death, Father Theodore takes up in his place as the main antagonist.

## Quotes

### The Evil Within 2

#### Chapter 2: Something Not Quite Right

> *- **"What was that?"** - Stefano's first words in The Evil Within 2.*
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#### Chapter 3: Resonances

> - ***"Safe? What's interesting about safe? Why would I want to leave here? This place is a work in progress but soon it will be perfect. All it requires is my inspiration. And your blood. Don't move. I said, don't move! Now, let's make some art."*** *- Stefano executing and murdering Ryan Turner in the basement of the Union Visitor Centre.*
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#### Chapter 5: Lying in Wait

> - ***"This one is perfect. Naturally so, it is my work after all. Death preserved on silver nitrate like a fly in amber. Beautiful."*** *- Stefano admiring his latest work.*
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> - ***"You've been searching for me for so long, so I have come...but wait, it's not me you seek, is it? No, it's the girl. I should be offended but how can I be? You're not the only person who wants her power. There is another, one far more deserving. One who can offer rewards you could never imagine. So sorry but you've been outbid. Fear radiates from you. It's beautiful but not yet finished. I am Stefano and now you are my art!"*** *- One of Stefano's monologues, introducing himself to a frozen Sebastian.*
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> - ***"Meet my beautiful Obscura!"*** *- Stefano showcasing Obscura, his most prized creation, to Sebastian.*
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#### Chapter 7: Lust for Art

> - ***"You did not appreciate my beautiful Obscura's performance! Perhaps, this one is more to your liking. Listen...I'm preparing my greatest work yet. But you are not worthy enough to witness it...not until you learn to respect my art! Listen! Listen to their screams! The echoes of my work..."*** *- Stefano sending Sebastian to "respect" his various artworks around town before he is granted entry into the theatre.*
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#### Chapter 8: Premiere

> - ***"You dare to destroy my work?! You expect me to bend to your will?! Just like THEM! Thinking they could sculpt me into what I am NOT! What they created in here...It's marvellous. They wasted it! Because THEY had no imagination. Because THEY are not ARTISTS! They want to control me, manipulate me. You want to stop me but you have failed because with the power of The Core, I can create my art forever."** - Stefano expressing his hatred towards Sebastian while revealing his ultimate goal to craft Union into his ultimate masterpiece.*
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> - ***"This is what I've been waiting for all my life...for both of my lives. No more struggling. No more listening to philistine critics. No more pandering to the uneducated opinions of callow neophytes. No more rejection from crude simpletons. I'm finally free to be what I've always been: an artist! And I have the greatest canvas ever devised at my disposal. The world will finally know and revere the name Stefano Valentini!"*** *- Stefano in a residual memory, expressing his "freedom" from the critics in the real world and the ability to create his art forever without rejection in Union for eternity.*
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> - ***"This chase has been entertaining. But even the greatest entertainments must come to an end. I commend you for making it this far. If perseverance were an art form, you would be a master. Perhaps not a Michelangelo, but a Van Gogh at the very least. The Core is safe...with me. I took her on HIS orders. But once I realised the extent of her powers...How could I possibly hand her over? What I'm doing is more important than mere personal gain. HE could never understand this. It doesn't matter. He won't be around much longer. My work, however, will continue. Picasso had his blue period. I have entered my crimson period. Behold! My latest creation..."*** *- Stefano's theatre monologue, revealing that Lily was captured on someone else's orders, alluding to Father Theodore.*
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> - ***"Beautiful! A bouquet of flesh and blood...How will I ever top this? I'll find a way. Her fear is always inspiring. Nothing like the corruption of innocence to spark the fire of creation! You cannot have her! You would do nothing with her power. You are an uncomprehending Neanderthal. She's useless in your hands..."*** *- Stefano expressing his sick gratification on his greatest masterpiece in the theatre.*
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> - ***"Come along! I'm waiting for you. My next piece will be amazing. The full absorption of her powers. The subjugation of her will! It will be ART in every sense of the word. But what is art without an audience? I need you here to make the piece complete! Come on! Show me what you've got!"*** *- Stefano awaiting Sebastian, planning to turn him into his greatest artwork yet.*
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> ***- "Your death will be art! It's time to put a signature on it!"*** *- Stefano starting the final showdown, declaring Sebastian's death as art.*
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> - ***"I've had enough of this! Prepare...to...DIE!!!"*** *- An irritated Stefano before the second phase of the boss fight.*
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> - ***"Ahh, I had so much left to create. You've destroyed my legacy...Look at me. You made me into a masterpiece. Must record it. If only I had my camera. Where did it go?"*** *- Stefano's defeat and presumed death.*
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> - ***"Still time...for one last photo!"*** *- Stefano's last words before he is shot dead and killed by Sebastian Castellanos.*
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## Gallery

### Screenshots

#### Trailers

Stefano's infamous camera.Stefano in a darkroom, developing photos.Stefano playing with his dagger, smiling maniacally.Stefano Valentini in "The Twisted, Deadly Photographer" Trailer.Stefano murdering a MOBIUS Security Agent in "The Evil Within 2 E3 Reveal Trailer".
#### The Evil Within 2

##### Chapter 2: Something Not Quite Right

Stefano murdering his latest victim.Stefano ambushes and photographs Sebastian.Stefano throws a knife into Sebastian after the latter is pursued by The Guardian.Stefano in the early moments of The Evil Within 2.Stefano watches on from the upper balcony.Stefano observing Sebastian from afar while in his domain.
##### Chapter 3: Resonances

Stefano searching for Lily, stalking her every move.Stefano scares and kidnaps Lily Castellanos.Stefano briefly looks at an aggravated Sebastian with The Aperture appears behind him.Stefano, in a residual memory, moments before murdering Ryan Turner.Stefano in Tredwell Trucking, followed behind by Sebastian.Stefano ambushes and photographs Sebastian once again.
##### Chapter 5: Lying in Wait

Stefano appears before Sebastian, calmly walking into City Hall.Stefano taking pictures of Sebastian, taunting him from afar.Stefano officially introduces himself to a frozen Sebastian.Stefano cuts Sebastian with his dagger."I am Stefano and now you art my ART!"Stefano mischievously walks away, allowing Sebastian to live.
##### Chapter 7: Lust for Art

Stefano torturing one of his many victims while she screams in terror.Stefano mutilating the victim, making her a part of the Obscura.
##### Chapter 8: Premiere

Stefano reveals himself on the stage of the theatre.Stefano activates the bombs inside the hostages' mouths.Stefano's right eye.Stefano marvelling at the brutal scene of his grand masterpiece.Stefano spotting a malicious smirk.Stefano before the final showdown.Stefano draws his dagger and camera, announcing that Sebastian's death will be "art".Stefano's appearance in the second phase of the fight.Stefano's exposed right eye.Stefano's defeat.Stefano Valentini's Final MomentsStefano Valentini's DeathStefano is shot dead by Sebastian Castellanos.
#### Stefano's "Artworks"

"William Baker""Unnamed Union Citizen""Rebirth""Ryan Turner""Randall Figg""Jonah Constant""Maria Crane""Lisa Crane"Stefano's Theatre Masterpiece
#### Miscellaneous

Stefano's profile in Sebastian's Room, featuring various info on him.Stefano's photo found crossed out with an "X" following his death.
### Promotional & Concept Art

Showcase art of Stefano Valentini for The Evil Within 2.Stefano Valentini & The Obscura.Poster of The Evil Within 2, featuring Stefano & The Obscura.Early art of Stefano seated, surrounded by his artworks.Stefano elegantly wiping his dagger with a handkerchief.Stefano in his domain.Stefano with The Obscura."The Twisted, Deadly Photographer"Stefano & his camera.
### Behind the Scenes

A deranged, unhinged Stefano in the second phase of his boss fight.Close-up of Stefano, including his outfit and face.Close-up of Stefano's damaged, corrupted right eye.Full body model of "Stefano Valentini" from the front and back.Early render of Stefano's head and neck.A more detailed render of Stefano's head and neck.Early renders of Stefano with his corrupted right eye.Early render of Stefano.
## Trivia

* Stefano's theme is *Tchaikovsky's* classical piece *"Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48 Pezzo in Forma Di Sonatina".*
* Stefano appears in a total of five chapters throughout the entirety of *The Evil Within 2*.
* Stefano has been commonly compared to *Sander Cohen* from the 2007 first-person shooter, *Bioshock* who is also a psychopathic artist and serial killer.
* Stefano has become a fan-favourite character of the series.
* In Chapter 5, Stefano is able to **successfully** sneak in a photo of Sebastian, completely freezing him in place. Afterwards, Stefano arrogantly lets him live. In Chapter 8, when Stefano attempts to pull the same trick in his final moments, he instead **fails** as Sebastian is quick enough to react, resulting in an ironic demise.
* Upon opening fire on Stefano with the Agony Crossbow point blank range, he'll evade the attack and yell *"balestra!"* which is Italian for crossbow.