<P> Dylan Massett ( portrayed by Max Thieriot ) is Norma 's estranged son and Norman 's half - brother . Having grown up largely on his own , he is resourceful , strong - willed and independent . He genuinely cares about Norman , but has a difficult relationship with Norma . He believes that Norma seeks out conflict and drama , and that her treatment of Norman will damage him . When he arrives to White Pine Bay , after recently being laid off , Dylan bonds with Norman and encourages him to have a life outside of Norma . He gets involved in the town 's illicit marijuana business , and quickly rises up the ranks as he wins favor with his superiors . His world comes crashing down , however , when he learns from Norma that he is the product of an incestuous rape -- his true father having been Norma 's brother , Caleb -- and distances himself from the family , moving out of the Bates ' house . He eventually reconnects with his mother and brother in the second season finale . In season three , he becomes increasingly concerned with Norman 's behavior , and tries to convince Norma to seek help for him . He also facilitates a reconciliation between Norma and Caleb after reconnecting with his father and starting a legal medicinal marijuana farm of his own , following a DEA raid which wipes out the town 's cannabis trade . Throughout the season , he starts to grow close to Emma as she assists in looking after Norman , and attempts to raise the funds for her lung transplant , and the two subsequently form a romantic attachment . Dylan leaves for Seattle with Emma and the two subsequently get married and have a daughter . He finds out online that his mother committed suicide and is furious that Norman did not tell him . He returns to White Pine Bay after fearing for Norman 's mental health . Norman later confesses to murder ; Dylan visits Norman 's hearing but is unable to listen to the charges against his brother . After Norman is freed , he goes to the motel and finds Norman in the kitchen with Norma 's corpse . Norman attempts to stab Dylan but is fatally shot by his brother , whom he thanks as he passes away . Dylan then returns to Seattle to be with Emma and their daughter . </P>
who is dylan 's father in bates motel
Norma 's brother , Caleb