Who is Lapo in Martha is Dead?

Lapo is a character we see in the periphery of the gameplay in Martha is Dead. Many players wonder who this enigmatic character is and if he represents anything historically important. Keep in mind that, because of the nature of the subject matter, there will be spoilers in this article!

Who is Lapo to Guilia?

Lapo is first mentioned the day after Martha's death when Guilia is searching around their shared room. She mentions that she needs to hide a photo of them because her mother would throw it away. Lapo is mentioned several more times, through a similar tone. It is hinted by Guilia, her mother, the local priest, and more think that Lapo and Guilia are more than friends but that things may have not been official.

The day before Martha's burial, Guilia rides through the woods and overhears a commotion with German soldiers and someone else. There is shouting and shots. If you go to investigate, you'll find Lapo dead with graphic injuries. You can find the red handkerchief he always wore and a note to Guilia. Guilia only gets to read the note partially (where Lapo says he knows she is pretending to be Martha) before she is also shot by German soldiers.

Related: Are there jumpscares in Martha is Dead?

What group is Lapo a part of?

The next morning after being shot, in the chapter The Burial, Guilia retrieves her bag and finishes reading the letter. In it is a mystery number he tells Guilia to use if he dies. You can call the number as Guilia and be offered the opportunity to help thwart the Germans by cutting the phone line to Guilia's father's secret base. If you accept, a lengthy side mission will play out.

This interaction, coupled with the red handkerchief that he always wore, tells us Lapo was part of the Italian resistance to the Nazis occupying their country. He was likely part of the Brigrate Garibaldi, or a very similar group. Mostly made of Communists, but also some other smaller political groups, this organization fought off both Nazis and Italian Fascist control through both violent and covert means.

Want to read more about Martha is Dead? Check out How to take photos in Martha is Dead on Pro Game Guides.