Shadowhunters season 2 breakout star, Will Tudor, chats with Hypable about the emotional depth in genre storytelling and what to expect as the finale draws near!

Sebastian, err, Jonathan, causes a bit of drama in Shadowhunters season 2. Because Clary and Jace don’t have enough to worry about this season — what with the Soul Sword missing, their kiss in the Seelie Court ending a relationship, and a criminal parental figure going rogue — on top of it all Clary’s long lost brother, Jonathan, is still alive.

As a result, both Clary and Jace have another task on their plates — tracking down this mysterious brother.

Enter Will Tudor. No stranger to the genre-driven worlds of Game of Thrones and Humans, Tudor currently brings Sebastian to life each week on Shadowhunters. His role is a hard one to step into as fans of the books know. You either love him as a foil or you hate him.

Related: Shadowhunters cast, crew talk the power of fandom at SDCC 2017

With Tudor, it’s truly a tossup. He brings vibrant energy to the role that makes you hate him in the moment, but instantly long for his presence when he is not on screen. Tudor speaks with Hypable about coming into the Shadowhunter world, fan reactions, and what to expect as season 2 winds down.

’Shadowhunters’ season 2 Will Tudor interview

Jonathan’s emotional state is starting to crack as he spends more time with Valentine. Take us into his state of mind right now.

Obviously at the beginning he seemed to have the lid on. And we all thought, “Oh, here’s this nice chap who’s come in and he is helping Izzy out.” But underneath he’s had all of these big issues regarding his father and how he mistreated him as a child. Now, as he’s with Valentine, his plan is finally coming to fruition, those pressures are really starting to show.

He can’t control that. It’s the first time in a long time, maybe even 20 years, that he’s been able to confront this man and allow all of those ideas that he’s been ruminating on his own — finally they are allowed to escape.

The way his mind has been twisted is really on show at the moment. Which is really exciting as an actor, trying to find a way to portray that.

What’s fascinating about Jonathan/Sebastian’s story is that even though it is being told through this very heightened world, it’s one of the more grounded stories in the series. What do you find most appealing about playing a character in a genre show?

What I’ve been blessed with is a story which, at its heart, is a very human story. It’s a very heightened version of it, sure. But it’s a very human story of neglect and trying to prove one’s self and trying to make one’s father proud.

A lot of people can relate to it at its purest level. I’m very lucky in being able to look at the story in that way. It’s been great coming to a genre show. It’s very exciting to come into this very vivid world and to explore it.

I was aware of the books before, but I hadn’t read them. When I came into the show and was learning all of this backstory to the show and how the characters intertwine. I was amazed at the depth of it and how this was a patchwork, a quilt of ideas.

That was really wonderful. This is the first time I’ve really been able to do stunts. And I don’t know if this is a spoiler, but some fights, which is very exciting. It was a great learning experience for me as well, especially being able to work with such a complex character as Sebastian/Jonathan. I feel very, very lucky.

One thing I always like to speak to the Shadowhunters cast about is the unbelievable fan community. What has been your takeaway stepping into a role with such an active and dedicated fanbase?

It’s been extraordinary, unlike any other job experience. The fans are right there and they care so much. They are so welcoming and so loving. It’s extraordinary to see.

As you say, it’s this community and they have this great passion. To come in with a character such as Sebastian, which is a fan-favorite from the books, there is a great pressure on my part to do the part justice and to please the fans.

I felt so welcomed in at the beginning. I was amazed really. People were wondering about this character and the character himself is split right down the middle — there are people who love him and people who loathe him. I was very interested to see how people would respond to that and respond to me.

But they were so welcoming and people have been so, so kind in their comments after watching the episodes thus far. It has been wonderful. I think they are incredible, good people. We’re lucky to have them as the show’s followers.

Can you tease anything else about the end of season 2?

We see Jonathan becoming more unhinged. Perhaps some plans coming to fruition? And some interactions that we haven’t seen yet? And that’s probably all I should say!

Watch Shadowhunters season 2, episode 18, “Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen,” Monday, July 31 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Freeform.