Theory:Knox

This article was nominated for deletion because all theories are about the character's ability, not the character himself. To discuss the proposed deletion, see the discussion page.

Main Article Theories about Knox Main Discussion

The following fan theories are about Knox.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
Knox may also be able to convert fear to enhanced speed.	There appears to be some sort visual change in speed when he attacks the German and Peter.	- It seems unlikely that his ability would also have the effect of granting him enhanced speed such as the ability Daphne has. At the most it would probably only grant him some form of enhanced reflexes. Though it was more likely just a visual effect to show the level of strength he was granted from being near so many frightened people. - It is most likely he moves faster because his body's weight is minimal in comparison to his strength when fear is around him so he moves quickly.
Knox's ability also allows him improved reflexes.	None.	+ He is able to reach up and break the neck of Daphne's illusion despite her running at super speeds. (Eris Quod Sum) - Matt presumably wanted Knox to believe that both he and Daphne were dead, so his success at "killing" the Daphne illusion is not necessarily an indication of what would really happen.
Knox's ability involves a limited form of telepathy.	None.	+ There are no significant physical changes in the human body when a person is scared. Knox's ability to detect fear must be limited to the mind and not the body. - On the contrary, there are numerous physical changes in the human body when a person is scared. A change in heartbeat and breathing pattern, sweating, eye movement changes. There are lots of things he could be basing it off. It seems clear he smells fear. + These factors don't hold true for everyone. + Matt and Maury can hear thoughts, yet those sounds aren't actually real. The "smell" of fear could just be manufactured by Knox's brain. - He seems to smell fear, like a dog can. + Perhaps his ability to smell fear is a result of his fear-detecting telepathy, which would probably be located in the olfactory part of his brain, causing him to smell things that are intangible and don't actually give off any odors. • There is a difference in smell of fear and work sweat, that anyone can train themselves to detect. This requires no special ability, as he could have learned to after he discovered the cause of his strength. • Animals such as dogs and horses do have an olfactory sense developed to the point the can smell fear, the human body releases chemicals that these animals can detect. - This would be closer to empathy (sensing emotions) than telepathy (detecting thoughts). - He mostly likely notices when he gets stronger, and therefore knows someone around him is afraid.
Knox's ability is weaker than Niki's strength.	None.	+ In a one on one fight between them, Niki would have her strength completely and Knox would only have it if she was afraid of him. - The more people there are, the stronger he would be. - It could depend on the situation. Niki has proven to be a somewhat timid individual, so Knox would probably make her scared. + Niki was no longer timid after defeating Candace Wilmer. • Niki may be timid but there is a difference between being timid and being scared. + Niki, as of Powerless, is a brave and courageous person. She would wipe the floor with Knox. • If Niki were in trouble, not-so-timid-Jessica would take over and snap Knox like a twig. • Niki is likely not timid. In How to Stop an Exploding Man, Niki was brave enough to help Peter against Sylar. • Knox has demonstrated incredible strength with only one scared person near him at the time. • It depends on how many people are afraid and how much afraid each of them are. Noah Gray was mortified during when Knox, Daphne and Claire broke into his home. The fifty something people at the bank were mortified too. • Though normally, Niki would probably be stronger than Knox, her strength is static and has no potential to increase. Therefore, it is very possible that Knox's strength could, under certain circumstances, surpass Niki's. - If Niki was aware that Knox's strength was enhanced by fear, she might become afraid in spite of herself, and the more his power grows the more frightened she would become.
Knox's power has something to do with his body somehow absorbing the energy released from the body caused by the specific emotion of fear (fight or flight imperative).	None.	+ Rather than latent telepathy, Knox's body might have the ability to somehow absorb the energy produced by people who're experiencing fear. This energy is produced by the body's release of extra adrenaline which then supplies people extra energy. + Knox's body moght only be able to absorb the specific energy produced by fear and not other adrenaline-enduced scenarios. The specific fight-or-flight status of the brain, the level of energy the body produces, and the other hormones associated with fear are the particular mix that Knox's body is capable of drawing energy from. + This energy could be stored in his muscles which somehow grants him durability (against the application of his strength so that the reaction from the action he applies doesn't affect him also)and also the actual strength to accomplish the feat. + Knox only knows that people around him are afraid because he begins gaining strength. He can also sense the direction where the energy is coming from. (One of Us, One of Them)
Knox's ability to detect fear literally comes from his sense of smell.	None.	+ He told Claire that he could "smell" her fear. (I Am Become Death). + People can in fact smell fear. + He breathes in deeply through his nose when he uses his ability.
Knox wouldn't be able to use his ability if he got choked.	None.	+ It seems like he needed to inhale people's fear in to become super strong.