What Happens When Kris Acts Without Their Soul in Deltarune?

In the captivating world of Deltarune, the player controls the heart-shaped SOUL that resides within Kris, a seemingly ordinary teenager. However, the game’s narrative takes a dramatic turn when Kris, at the end of both Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, forcefully removes their own SOUL. This action raises a significant question: what does Kris do without their soul? The answer is unsettlingly clear: without the player’s influence, Kris acts autonomously, often in ways that are violent, disturbing, and ultimately unpredictable. Kris’s behavior is characterized by a sudden and stark shift, indicating a potential darkness or an inherent nature that was previously suppressed by the player’s control. They are not a puppet anymore; they are autonomous and unpredictable.

Without the SOUL, Kris appears to have no sense of self preservation, or general concern for the world around them. At the end of Chapter 1, Kris tears their SOUL out of their chest and throws it into a birdcage, the action punctuated by their red glowing eye and disturbing smile. They then pull out a knife, implying they might do something dangerous. In Chapter 2, this process is repeated, with Kris again ripping out their SOUL, discarding it, and then proceeding to open a new dark fountain at night, indicating an ongoing trend of violent and destructive behavior. This also means that Kris can make a dark fountain without the SOUL, suggesting there is no link to the player at all in making new fountains, and it was never the player who could do this. In summary, without the SOUL, Kris:

• Exhibits disturbing behavior: Smiling ominously and acting in a manner that is far from the seemingly docile character observed during the main gameplay sections.
• Engages in potentially violent actions: This is heavily implied by the knife wielding seen at the end of each chapter, and the opening of a new dark fountain.
• Demonstrates agency: Kris acts independently, suggesting a desire to control their own fate and break free from the player’s control.
• Seeks out darkness: Instead of opting for a peaceful sleep, Kris chooses to perpetuate the cycle by opening a new fountain.

Kris’ actions without their SOUL are a stark contrast to the cooperative hero the player guides during the game. This sudden change in behavior serves to highlight a duality within Kris, hinting at a deeper complexity and a narrative that delves into themes of control, identity, and the nature of good and evil. It is not clear whether these actions are purely malicious, or if they are a result of being controlled. This makes Kris a far more intriguing character for the player to figure out.

The Significance of the SOUL in Deltarune

The SOUL in Deltarune is not just a gameplay mechanic; it’s a core element of the story and Kris’ identity. Throughout the game, the SOUL represents the player’s control over Kris, allowing for movement, combat, and interaction with the world. When the SOUL is removed, this control is lost, revealing a different side of Kris. The SOUL is a representation of free will, and by removing the SOUL, Kris is asserting themselves outside of the player. The fact that Kris can move and act without the soul also raises the questions: what is the SOUL’s purpose? The SOUL seems to only provide the player to control Kris, but the player has not affected much of the narrative apart from battle.

Why Does Kris Remove Their SOUL?

Kris removes their SOUL for several speculated reasons:

• To break free from player control: The most straightforward interpretation is that Kris seeks to regain autonomy and escape the influence of the player, who represents an external force dictating their actions.
• To perpetuate the cycle: Kris may have their own hidden agenda, using the removal of their SOUL to facilitate actions that would not be permissible under the player’s influence. Specifically, the creation of Dark Fountains, suggesting that the events of Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are only a small part of something much larger.
• To express suppressed emotions: Kris’ actions could be seen as a release of pent-up frustration, anger, or confusion stemming from a desire for their own freedom and identity. The SOUL has an effect, and Kris’ negative actions could be a result of the SOUL suppressing the true self, not necessarily being the true self.

The Implications of Kris’s Actions

The actions Kris takes without their SOUL have far-reaching implications for the story:

• Narrative uncertainty: The player is now unsure of Kris’ motives and the overall direction of the story, creating a sense of intrigue and unease.
• Character ambiguity: Kris’ character is no longer fully defined by the player, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of their personality and internal conflicts.
• Theme of control: It emphasizes the recurring theme of control and manipulation throughout the game, with Kris’ actions demonstrating the consequences of an individual seeking autonomy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Kris and their SOUL in Deltarune, with detailed answers:

1. Does Kris have their own soul? Yes, Kris has their own SOUL that exists independently of the player. The player uses their SOUL to control Kris during gameplay. When Kris removes it, it is evident the soul was always there, and not something that the player added.

2. What happens if you name yourself Kris in Deltarune? Naming the creator “KRIS,” “SUSIE,” or “NOELLE” results in the game responding with the same name back, suggesting a connection between the characters and the player character. This makes the player more of a participant of the world, and not the controller.

3. Why is Kris acting “evil” at the end of each chapter? It’s not yet clear if Kris is “evil,” but their actions without the player’s SOUL are violent and unsettling. This could be due to suppressed feelings or a darker nature being unleashed when free from player control.

4. Who is Kris’s crush in Deltarune? While not explicitly stated, there is strong evidence to suggest Susie is Kris’ favorite person in the events of Deltarune.

5. Is Kris a boy or a girl in Deltarune? Kris is referred to using they/them pronouns, and has a gender neutral name. The character is suggested to be non-binary.

6. Why is Frisk not in Deltarune? Deltarune is a separate universe from Undertale, and Frisk is not a character in the Deltarune world. The characters are their own entities, entirely unrelated.

7. Why can’t I name myself Gaster in Undertale? You cannot name your character Gaster, as it results in the game restarting. It implies that Gaster is not intended to be part of the player experience.

8. Who is the secret character in Deltarune? The “Man” is a mysterious figure who appears in Deltarune, but is always hidden from view. It is unknown who this character is.

9. What is Kris’s real last name? This has no relevance to Kris the character in Deltarune. It has been confused with Kris Jenner, who has the last name Houghton.

10. How is Kris so rich? Again, this has no relevance to the Deltarune character, and is again confused with Kris Jenner.

11. Why did Kris’s SOUL turn yellow? In the Spamton NEO battle, Kris’s SOUL turns yellow to facilitate a shooting mechanic, a unique battle feature.

12. Why is Papyrus not in Deltarune? Papyrus’s name has never been said in Deltarune. It is unknown what has happened to Papyrus in the Deltarune world, but his brother has made a mention that “his brother needs a friend”.

13. Is Kris a mute? Kris is strongly implied to be selectively mute, which is often seen in autistic people, as they generally only speak when prompted.

14. Is Gaster canonically Sans’ dad? No, Gaster is not canonically Sans’ dad. The game reveals very little about Gaster, and this interpretation is purely fan theory.

15. Is Asriel alive in Deltarune? Yes, Asriel is alive in Deltarune, and is Kris’s older brother. He has left for university and no longer lives at home.

This exploration into what Kris does without their SOUL reveals the complex and intriguing nature of Deltarune. The game challenges player expectations, and asks players to question their role within the narrative. The true nature of Kris and their motives remains a mystery that will likely unfold in future chapters.