Is Kris Supposed to Be Chara? Unraveling the Deltarune Mystery
The question of whether Kris from Deltarune is meant to be the Chara from Undertale is a complex one that has sparked countless debates among fans. The short answer, and the most accurate interpretation based on the available information, is no, Kris is not intended to be a direct reincarnation or alternate version of Chara. While both characters share some superficial similarities, and both have connections to the Dreemurr family, they are designed as distinct entities with their own narratives and roles in their respective games. Kris is a unique character crafted for the world of Deltarune, and while the games intentionally play with expectations established by Undertale, they aren’t meant to be a simple reskin or alternate timeline story of the same characters. The thematic and narrative intent of Deltarune hinges on the idea of a different story, not a direct rehash.
Kris and Chara: Exploring the Differences
Superficial Parallels
It’s easy to see why some would initially link Kris and Chara. Both are human children in a world populated by monsters and share a close connection to the Dreemurr family. Both are also depicted as having a somewhat mysterious or unsettling side. However, superficial parallels are where the major similarities tend to end.
Unique Characters in Unique Narratives
Chara’s story in Undertale is deeply intertwined with the themes of determination, choice, and the consequences of player action. Their narrative is told retrospectively through fragments of memory and interactions with other characters, primarily through the effects they have after the Genocide Route. Chara’s actions are largely influenced by the player’s choices, leaving their true nature up for interpretation.
In contrast, Kris’s story in Deltarune is actively unfolding as we play. While Kris is initially possessed by the player, the game actively sets up Kris as their own character with a distinct personality and past. Characters in Deltarune frequently mention how Kris acts differently while being controlled, demonstrating that Kris’s core character exists independent of player influence, and that there’s an inherent struggle for control of their own body. Kris’s arc focuses on the tension between player control and their agency and is heavily tied into the narrative about the mysterious Knight and the creation of Dark Fountains.
The Issue of Interpretation
It’s important to recognize the ambiguity in both games. Both are designed to encourage player interpretation, but this often leads to mistaking similar-seeming characters for being the same. The ambiguity isn’t meant to be an open-ended invitation to a single “correct” reading; it’s meant to be a core part of the experience. Kris has their own history, struggles, motivations, and a unique story to be told in Deltarune. They are meant to build on the ideas of Undertale, not be a 1:1 replica.
Deltarune: A Different Story
Deltarune is deliberately not a simple continuation of Undertale. It plays with familiar concepts and character archetypes, but ultimately presents a different narrative. Kris fills the role of protagonist, similar to Frisk, but this is not a signal that Kris is meant to simply replace Frisk, nor is it a signal that Kris is Chara. They fulfill a similar narrative function, but are fundamentally not the same. Kris’s struggles with player control, their relationship with their environment, and their connection to the mysterious events surrounding the Dark Fountains, create a distinct identity separate from any character in Undertale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Kris an alternate Chara?
No, Kris is not an alternate version of Chara. While they share similar visual elements and a connection to the Dreemurr family, they have distinct narratives and roles within their respective games. Kris is a unique character for Deltarune, not a direct replacement for Chara.
2. Is Kris Chara and Frisk combined?
Kris is not a combination of Chara and Frisk. They are their own character in the Deltarune universe. While they might exhibit some similarities to both characters, they serve a different narrative purpose and possess their own unique story arc.
3. Do we play as Chara in Deltarune?
No, you do not play as Chara in Deltarune. You play as the player, possessing Kris for the duration of the gameplay. Unlike Frisk in Undertale, Kris has their own personality and memories, and the game focuses on the struggle between player control and Kris’s own agency.
4. What gender is Chara in Deltarune?
Chara’s gender is intentionally left ambiguous, just as it is in Undertale. The game avoids any explicit gender pronouns, leaving the interpretation up to the player. This ambiguity adds to the depth and mystery surrounding the character.
5. Is Kris a boy or a girl in Deltarune?
Kris is referred to exclusively using singular “they/them” pronouns, suggesting that they are non-binary. This is consistent with their gender-neutral name and adds to the character’s ambiguous and intriguing nature.
6. Is Ralsei genderless?
No, Ralsei is a male character. While he has a somewhat ambiguous design at first, his dialogue and descriptions in the game make it clear that he identifies as male.
7. Are Kris, Chara, and Frisk siblings?
This family structure is primarily a fan-created concept stemming from the popular “KFC” ship (Kris, Frisk, Chara). While there is no indication that they are siblings within the canon narrative of the games, the fan interpretation adds to the interconnected nature of the Undertale universe.
8. What happens if you name yourself Chara in Undertale?
Naming yourself Chara in Undertale doesn’t change the gameplay. It simply means you’re playing with the true name of the first fallen human, making the game more accurate. It’s a nod to the lore but has no significant gameplay impact.
9. Can Kris speak in Deltarune?
Yes, Kris can speak, but their speech patterns suggest they might be selectively mute. They speak during numerous moments of gameplay, but often prefer not to speak, especially under stress.
10. Is Kris mute?
Kris is not completely mute, but they are selectively mute or have an issue with speaking. They can speak when prompted or in calmer situations, but they frequently refrain from talking.
11. Why does Kris look like Frisk?
Kris resembles Frisk because they are meant to be the protagonist analogue in the Deltarune universe. They share similar human character designs but are intended to exist in different narratives.
12. Why did Kris rip out their soul?
Kris tears out their soul to temporarily free themselves from player control. This is a visual representation of their struggle for agency and autonomy, as shown in situations like the pie eating scene.
13. Is Chara Frisk’s sister?
While the idea of Chara and Frisk being sisters is a popular fan theory, there is no canonical evidence for them being related. The backstory provided only gives Chara their own story unrelated to Frisk.
14. Is Kris an older Frisk?
Kris is not an older version of Frisk. Both characters exist in separate narratives and timelines. While some fan interpretations might portray Kris as older, it is not intended to be the case in the official canon.
15. What happens if you name yourself Gaster in Deltarune?
Naming the vessel or creator “GASTER” in Deltarune will force the game to immediately return to the chapter select screen and never let you start a new game with that name, as a clear easter egg that Gaster is the true creator.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while the initial temptation may be to see Kris as a continuation or a different version of Chara, careful consideration of the narrative, gameplay, and explicit details within Deltarune demonstrates that this is not the intended relationship. Kris is a unique character, separate from Chara and Frisk, existing within the distinct world of Deltarune. By understanding the nuances of the individual narratives, and embracing the ambiguity of each game, we can appreciate the rich tapestry that Toby Fox has woven.