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 designed as the perfect replica of Walter - outgoing, confident, and charming, whereas the real Walter is timid, self-deprecating, and socially awkward. Walter recognizes his intellectual abilities exceed his limitations, and there are aspects of his creation he doesn't fully grasp. Recently, Alan suddenly tried to kill Walter, stabbed him with scissors, and escaped.