Written by Old Bluffer 16th Apr 2007

Written by the Countess of Ole

As the result of a long and violent rivalry between fellow magicians Robert Angier and Alfred Borden (for more information see Robert Angier), Angier has ultimately killed himself and set it up so that Borden would be blamed for his murder (this is all done by Angier to avenge his dead wife, whose death he is convinced was Borden's fault). This plot, unfortunately for Borden, succeeds. Borden is placed in jail and forced to watch as Angier makes off with his daughter with the intent to raise her as his own. He attempts to beg for his life, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. And later, in a dark and sullen scene, he is lead to the gallows. When asked if he had anything to say, the devoted magician simply utters, "Abracadabra." No sooner does this word pass from his lips does the trap door in the gallows let loose and he drops down to the end of his noose, where his neck breaks, and his life ends. Borden is not the sort to let himself be killed off without revenge though. All throughout the movie, Borden has been portrayed as being very dualistic. Sometimes he loves his wife, sometimes he doesn't. Two halves of him argue over many things. That's because, he is really one of a set of identical twins, both of whom go by Alfred Borden. No one ever knew that there were two of them though because always one would be dressed as Borden's loyal sidekick Fallon while the other would be Borden (though which one was which would alternate regularly). So while this Borden was hanging, his twin went off to find Angier and kill him to avenge his brother.

Comments:
As with Angier, I'm not exactly sure what to put with Borden, archetype-wise. For so much of the movie, Borden is villified as most of the movie is set from Angier's point of view. But then, as Angier becomes more and more twisted toward the end, Borden seems more and more innocent. I would put him as a goody, but he did do some downright nasty things to Angier. So, ultimately, I've put him down as a baddy. If you disagree with this judgement, it's entirely up to you to change it.
Also, I've put him down for cheating death. Though technically, that twin doesn't survive, Alfred Borden does continue on through the other twin, and he survives the movie. Once again, if you disagree with the judgement, it's entirely up to you.

Editor Note - I've just finished the novel, and have the film adaptation ready to watch on DVD - so I'll publish this once I've seen it! - Old Bluffer