Theory:West Rosen

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The following fan theories are about West Rosen.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
West is the hooded individual who killed Kaito.	None	+ When West looked in Claire's window before he flew away, he wore a similar sweatshirt, with an unzipped hood, to that worn by the killer before he attacked Kaito. + Like Nathan, West has the ability to fly. A reasonable explanation for the disappearance of the hooded killer after he dragged Kaito off the roof is that he flew away before hitting the ground. + This possibility is strongly implied in Lizards, when Detective Fuller says that either the killer fell along with Kaito 20 feet to the ground, got up, and walked away, or he flew off. - The killer could simply have used another power to survive the fall, such as a healing ability. This is possible, as there is more than one person to an ability (Kensei and Claire can both heal, for example). + West and the hooded killer have similar physiques. + West is an evolved human, so his parents might be evolved humans as well, and they might be connected to the group of elder evolved humans. Kaito mentioned that one of the elders could be connected to the assassinations, so it could be West's parents, sending him to kill Kaito, or West himself trying to avenge the possible death of his parents. - The ages of the original 12 (from what we have seen) seem to be in the mid to late 60's, so it would be unlikely that they had a 16-year-old child. • West may be one of the older generation of heroes. Before Kaito was killed he said "Of all of them, I never thought it would be you." This suggests that the killer was one of the older generation of heroes (but doesn't do anything to disprove this theory, as the killer looked as young as West). • If this theory is true, then it is possible that West has multiple powers, as he was able to travel from California to New York in a short length of time, and appears to be a teenager, despite Kaito's statement indicating the killer was one of the older generation of heroes. • West may simply be able to fly at supersonic speeds, like Nathan can. - Some clues during the season premiere suggest that the hooded killer might be Nathan, but the clues seem to be too obvious, possibly indicating that Tim Kring is trying to misdirect viewers. + In Kindred, Mohinder discovers one of Isaac's paintings which depicts Noah's death. In the background of the painting, Claire can be seen kissing a man hidden in the shadows. It is likely that this man is West. + West has already somewhat gained Claire's sympathy by telling her about Noah abducting him when he was younger. It is possible that he could turn her against her own father, hence why Claire is kissing West (assuming the man in the shadows is indeed West) over Noah's dead body in Isaac Mendez's painting. + When West was chasing down Debbie in "The Line", he bore a striking resemblance to the hooded killer.
West is working for Angela and/or the Company.	None	+ West's power is flight. Angela knows Claire would relate to a boy her age with her biological father's ability. + In Kindred, we see a scar on West's neck, like those of other evolved humans taken by the company; West could have made a deal to work for them, like Eden. + Taking orders from the Company would be too "robotic" for him.
West has multiple powers. Notably, enhanced hearing and reflexes in addition to flight.	None	+ Reflexes: He was able to brake on split second notice when Claire stepped in front of his car. - It does not take superhuman abilities to quickly step on the brakes. Also, it isn't hard to notice a person who is front of you. + Hearing: When Claire cried out after breaking her leg in the first episode, he appeared almost immediately, as if he has heard her and came to help. - West has been "stalking" Claire a lot, so it isn't unusual that West appears after Claire jumps. - Only empaths and Sylar have been shown to use more than one power.
Nathan Petrelli is the biological father of West.	None	+ They both have the power of flight. - Other parent/child relationships have yet to show any powers shared. • Claire is Nathan's daughter, but she cannot fly. - Matt Parkman and his father share telepathy (Fight or Flight). - It is unlikely that West and Claire would be written in kissing each other if they were siblings. + However, in Star Wars, Luke and Leia kiss twice even though they later find out they are brother and sister, so some precedent would exist.
West was not kidnapped by Mr. Bennet (and the Haitian).	None	+ People who were kidnapped by Mr. Bennet do not remember anything about the kidnapping, but West remembers that he was kidnapped by a man with horn-rimmed glasses. West may have made this up so Claire wouldn't tell her father about him. - Both Matt and Ted remembered a little of their respective kidnappings; they particularly remember the Haitian. + Bob is also affiliated with the Company and also wears horn-rimmed glasses, so he may be the person West remembers. + West has been spying on Claire's house and it is likely he has seen Noah. If Noah were the same man with horn-rimmed glasses, West would have taken action somehow.
West is a sociopath and possible Solipsist.	He displays many characteristics of a sociopath. (Flying Blind)	+ He refers to himself as a breed apart from humanity. While others with abilities try to retain their humanity, characters like West and Sylar revel in their separateness and superiority. + His observations on the two types of humans (robots and aliens) are snide. West probably doesn't have much love for humans. His disgust does not originate from injustice (like being picked on), but because he sees himself as superior.
West knew about Claire's powers before seeing her cut off her toe	West left a copy of Activating Evolution at Claire's house after seeing her cut off her toe. (Lizards)	+ If West were "stalking" Claire out of mere lust or romantic interest, he would have no reason to carry Activating Evolution with him. + West showed up almost immediately after Claire jumped off the "tower," injured herself, and regenerated (Four Months Later). He could have seen her power then.
West will become a villain	West uses his and Claire's powers to play a prank on Debbie and get her suspended (The Line).	+ West has shown he is willing to use his powers for petty and even harmful goals. This sets him apart from characters who use their powers for harmless or unselfish purposes. + In the episode commentary for The Line, the writers explain that West views his powers as making him separate from and above humanity (in the scene where he tells Claire that he doesn't really care what his parents think, because he can fly). + In the episode commentary for The Line, the writers describe Claire's participation in West's scheme as ultimately self-destructive for Claire.