Alan was designed to be a perfect version of Walter - to be outgoing, bold and charming, while the real Walter is shy, self-pitying and socially awkward. Walter admits his scientific reach exceeded his grasp, and there are aspects of his creation which he does not understand. A week ago, Alan suddenly tried to kill Walter, stabbed him with a pair of scissors, and ran away.
Alan was crafted to be an idealized version of Walter - confident, assertive, and charismatic, whereas the actual Walter is introverted, melancholic, and socially inept. Walter acknowledges his intellectual prowess surpasses his capabilities, and there are aspects of his creation he doesn't comprehend. A week ago, Alan unexpectedly attempted to harm Walter, attacked him with scissors, and fled.