Did Kris Slash the Tires in Deltarune? Unraveling the Mystery
Yes, the evidence strongly suggests that Kris Dreemurr, the main protagonist of Deltarune, is indeed the one who slashes Toriel’s tires. This act, along with other peculiar behaviors at the end of each chapter, points to a deeper struggle within Kris, a battle for control and autonomy against the player’s influence.
The game subtly hints at this through in-game dialogue, character actions, and the overall narrative framework. The most glaring instance of this is at the end of Chapter 2. After spending a day with Susie, and then being separated from the player’s control, Kris removes the player’s SOUL, then proceeds to slash Toriel’s car tires. The narrative directly implies that this action is to prevent Susie from leaving, thereby ensuring she remains to participate in the creation of another Dark Fountain.
Kris’s tire-slashing action isn’t an isolated incident, rather, it’s part of a pattern that develops throughout Deltarune. It’s a manifestation of their frustration and desire to make their own choices, free from external control, even the control of the player.
The Cycle of Control and Rebellion
The End-of-Chapter Pattern
Each chapter of Deltarune concludes with Kris removing the player’s SOUL, severing the connection that allows the player to influence their actions. This removal is a significant event, as it’s when Kris acts seemingly of their own volition. While under the player’s control, Kris is quiet and mostly compliant, but when they remove the SOUL, they become more active, even rebellious.
Chapter 1: The Pie Incident
In Chapter 1, this disconnect from the player is highlighted by Kris devouring an entire pie. This act is interpreted as a way for Kris to feel in control, demonstrating the character’s growing resistance to being controlled. This is a seemingly innocuous act compared to later ones but starts showing a pattern in Kris’s behavior.
Chapter 2: The Tire Slashing
Chapter 2 is where the tire-slashing incident occurs. Kris, after a day spent with Susie, removes the player’s SOUL, and proceeds to slash Toriel’s car tires. This action isn’t random; it has a direct purpose: to keep Susie in town so they can open another Dark Fountain. Kris seems to understand that keeping Susie around is important to their plans, indicating a level of awareness that goes beyond the player’s understanding of the situation.
The Motivation
Kris’s actions can be viewed as a fight for autonomy. Throughout the game, the player is presented with the illusion of choice, yet at the end of each chapter, Kris reclaims control, taking actions outside the player’s will. This could be interpreted as a critique of player agency in video games, highlighting the limitations of player-driven narratives. The tire slashing, therefore, becomes a symbol of Kris breaking free from the player’s narrative.
Unraveling Kris’s Character
Why Does Kris Remove Their Soul?
Kris’s removal of their SOUL is central to understanding the narrative of Deltarune. This action is not merely a narrative device, but an act of defiance, a symbolic gesture of their desire to control their own life, and not be a puppet of the player.
The recurring removal suggests a larger conflict. Kris seems to understand the existence of the SOUL, their connection with the player, and actively rejects this control. They are not just a vessel for the player’s actions, but an individual with their own agency and goals.
Is Kris a Villain?
While their actions, like slashing tires, might be interpreted as villainous, it’s important to understand the context. Kris’s actions are less about being a villain, and more about reclaiming autonomy from the player. They are not acting out of malice, but out of a need for freedom and self-determination. Kris is a complex character, not simply a good guy or a bad guy.
Kris’s Silence
Kris’s selective muteness, while not explicitly explained in-game, can be viewed as another layer of their complex personality. This silence could be a way to avoid confrontation or a manifestation of internal conflict. This trait further reinforces their desire to control their interactions and remain independent.
Kris’s Identity
Kris uses they/them pronouns, further cementing that they are non-binary, and not the generic silent protagonist often used in games. This choice emphasizes their individuality and challenges preconceived notions of gender identity. The character’s identity is intentionally nuanced, not meant to be easily categorized or labeled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the Knight?
The Knight is the main antagonist in Deltarune. It’s the entity responsible for creating the Dark Fountains around Hometown, aiming to unleash chaos upon both Light and Dark Worlds. Kris’s actions at the end of each chapter may be in some way connected to the Knight’s larger plot.
2. Why is Frisk not in Deltarune?
Deltarune is not a direct sequel or prequel to Undertale; it’s a separate story in a new universe. The characters in Undertale, like Frisk, do not exist in the Deltarune universe. The game is described as being made of new characters, with new circumstances. Deltarune is its own story with its own characters.
3. Is Asriel Alive in Deltarune?
Yes, Asriel is alive in Deltarune. He is Kris’s older brother, but he’s away at university.
4. How does the SOUL Mechanic Work?
In Deltarune, the player controls Kris through their SOUL. This SOUL mechanic ties player agency to the game’s plot, which is then subverted by Kris’s consistent soul removal.
5. What does Toriel call Kris?
Toriel often calls Kris “honey,” demonstrating her caring and motherly nature, despite Kris’s behavior at the end of each chapter. She sees their antics as endearing rather than malicious, highlighting her love for Kris.
6. Is there a Genocide Route in Deltarune?
Yes, there is a form of Genocide route in Deltarune, often called the Snowgrave route or the Weird route. This route focuses on pushing Noelle through some actions that can change her and the outcome of the game.
7. Who is the Killer Queen in Deltarune?
Queen, or Serial Number Q5U4EX7YY2E9N, is the main antagonist and final boss of Chapter 2 in Deltarune. She rules the Cyber World.
8. Does killing matter in Deltarune?
While you can engage in combat, the choices don’t matter that much for the game’s overall ending. Unlike Undertale, Deltarune’s narrative is largely fixed, and violence versus pacifism has minimal effect on the overarching plot, although some dialogue might change depending on your actions.
9. Why did Kris’s SOUL turn Yellow?
During the fight with Spamton NEO, Kris’s SOUL turns yellow and the player gains the ability to shoot bullets by pressing the [CONFIRM] button. These bullets are particularly effective against blue objects, adding a new combat mechanic.
10. Is Kris a Mute?
Kris is selectively mute. They rarely speak unless prompted and are often rendered unable to speak in high-stress situations, as seen during the first encounter with Susie. This selective muteness further highlights the complexities of their character.
11. Who does Kris love?
This question is often asked in reference to Kris Jenner rather than Kris Dreemurr. The answer for Kris Dreemurr is unknown, as the character has no explicit romantic relationship throughout the game, and this is not the focus.
12. Who has a crush on Susie?
Noelle has a crush on Susie. However, it’s unclear whether Susie is aware of or reciprocates these feelings.
13. What is Spamton’s gender?
Spamton is generally referred to with male pronouns. His design is inspired by ventriloquist dummies and puppets.
14. Is Susie a boy or girl in Deltarune?
Susie is a female character. She is referred to with she/her pronouns.
15. What is the difference between Undertale and Deltarune?
Deltarune is a separate story from Undertale, and takes place in an alternate universe with different characters and a new plot. While they share a similar style and some recurring characters, they are not sequels or prequels to each other. They are two distinct works from Toby Fox.
In conclusion, Kris’s act of slashing the tires is a clear example of their resistance to external control. It’s a pivotal moment that emphasizes the larger themes of autonomy, identity, and choice that run throughout Deltarune. It isn’t just a mischievous act but an intentional move within the complex narrative, and a direct answer to the question of “Did Kris Slash the Tires?”.