Introduction
In the Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) universe, a cast of characters shrouded in mystery keeps players engaged with intriguing backstories and nail-biting survival horror elements. Among these characters is Jeremy Fitzgerald, a name familiar to fans who have journeyed through the nightmarish halls of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Jeremy’s role, though limited, has sparked much speculation and conversation within the FNAF fanbase. This article delves deep into who Jeremy Fitzgerald is, his significance in the FNAF series, and the various fan theories surrounding his character.
Who is Jeremy Fitzgerald?
Jeremy Fitzgerald appears as the protagonist and playable character in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, which is the second installment of the highly popular survival horror game series created by Scott Cawthon. He is employed as the night guard for Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza during the year 1987, where the game takes place.
As the new security guard, Jeremy’s main task is to watch over the establishment from 12 AM to 6 AM for five nights while trying to survive against malfunctioning and malevolent animatronics. Jeremy is one of several night guards throughout the FNAF timeline, and much of his story is told through gameplay rather than traditional dialogue. His presence is often overshadowed by the looming threat of the animatronics, and it is through the player’s experience that we understand Jeremy’s role in the grand scheme of the FNAF world.
Jeremy’s Role in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
In FNAF 2, Jeremy takes up his night shift duties amidst heightened tension surrounding the animatronics. In this installment, the toy animatronics are introduced alongside the older ones. What was supposed to be a simple job of overseeing animatronics at a pizzeria quickly turns into a nightmare as Jeremy realizes that these robotic creatures are hostile at night.
As the protagonist, the player controls Jeremy, guiding him through each night while managing security cameras, lights, and a Freddy Fazbear mask that helps blend in with the animatronics. His job may seem like standard security guard fare, but his role turns into a survival mission as the animatronics actively try to kill him.
The Significance of Jeremy Fitzgerald in FNAF Lore
One of the most significant aspects of Jeremy Fitzgerald is his association with the infamous “Bite of ‘87” — an incident that left one of the employees severely injured and became one of the most talked-about moments in FNAF history. Many fans speculate that Jeremy might have been involved in this event, either as the victim or as someone who was present during the attack.
In Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Jeremy’s employment ends on Night 6 when he is promoted to the day shift — a rare occurrence, considering most night guards either disappear or meet grim fates. The final Phone Guy call on Night 6 congratulates Jeremy and informs him that he will work the day shift, where he would be closer to the animatronics.
Some fans believe that Jeremy may have been the victim of the Bite of ’87. This is supported by the fact that the day shift would bring him in close proximity to the animatronics, who were malfunctioning and violent. The Bite of ‘87 is a key part of FNAF lore, as it led to restrictions being placed on the animatronics and tarnished Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza’s reputation. While it remains ambiguous whether Jeremy was the one bitten, his presence during that fateful moment remains a major point of discussion.
Fan Theories Surrounding Jeremy Fitzgerald
The FNAF series thrives on its community-driven lore and fan theories, and Jeremy Fitzgerald is no exception. His relatively quiet presence in the series has fueled a number of intriguing fan theories. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones:
1. Jeremy is the Victim of the Bite of ‘87
One of the leading theories is that Jeremy Fitzgerald was the victim of the Bite of ‘87. The Bite was mentioned in the first game, and although it occurred in 1987, the details surrounding it are unclear. Jeremy’s promotion to the day shift, combined with the aggressive nature of the animatronics, makes him a strong candidate for being the victim of the attack. Many speculate that his head injury was caused by an animatronic, likely Mangle, who plays a prominent role in FNAF 2.
2. Jeremy’s Connection to Other Guards
Some fans believe that Jeremy could be connected to other night guards featured in the series, particularly Mike Schmidt from the first FNAF. The theory suggests that Jeremy may be Mike’s predecessor or even a relative, such as a brother. This theory hinges on the idea that both characters are night guards at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, and their experiences parallel each other in strange ways. Additionally, both characters share a stoic nature, never expressing much fear or panic despite their horrific situations.
3. Jeremy as a Placeholder Character
Another theory is that Jeremy Fitzgerald is less of a fully developed character and more of a narrative device. In this interpretation, Jeremy serves as a way to immerse players into the terrifying world of FNAF 2. The lack of detailed backstory or personal details allows players to project their own experiences and emotions onto him, making him more relatable as they face the nightly onslaught of animatronics. This theory explains why Jeremy’s character is never revisited in later installments of the series.
Jeremy Fitzgerald’s Legacy in FNAF
While Jeremy Fitzgerald doesn’t reappear in subsequent games, his legacy remains a vital part of the FNAF universe. His name is synonymous with the chilling atmosphere of FNAF 2, where players first experienced the chaotic yet addictive thrill of managing malfunctioning animatronics. Additionally, his possible connection to the Bite of ‘87 continues to stir up conversation among fans. Whether Jeremy was simply a night guard caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, or if he had a larger role in the disturbing events of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, his character has earned a lasting place in the FNAF mythos.
Conclusion
Jeremy Fitzgerald is one of the more enigmatic characters in Five Nights at Freddy’s, leaving much of his story to fan speculation and interpretation. Despite only being the protagonist of a single game, his significance in the overarching lore of FNAF is undeniable. From his survival through a horrifying week to his potential involvement in the Bite of ‘87, Jeremy continues to captivate fans and fuel theories about the twisted world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. As the FNAF universe continues to expand, Jeremy Fitzgerald’s mysterious role remains a key point of interest for players and theorists alike.
