Does Papyrus Love Mettaton? A Deep Dive into Undertale Relationships
The answer, in short, is no, Papyrus does not canonically love Mettaton in a romantic sense. While Papyrus admires and idolizes Mettaton, particularly his Mettaton EX form, this affection is more akin to fan adoration and aspiration than romantic love. Papyrus sees Mettaton as a figure of glamour, success, and confidence – qualities Papyrus himself strives to embody. His admiration is pure, enthusiastic, and stems from a desire for friendship and recognition. The game provides no evidence suggesting romantic feelings from Papyrus towards Mettaton, or vice versa. Their relationship is one of admiration and potential friendship, not romantic entanglement.
Understanding Papyrus’ Affection
Papyrus’ personality is characterized by his unwavering optimism, naiveté, and desire for connection. He craves popularity and acceptance, and he sees Mettaton as someone who has achieved those things. This leads him to idealize Mettaton, often expressing his admiration in hyperbolic terms.
The “Sexy Rectangle” Remark
The infamous “sexy rectangle” comment, made when calling Papyrus from Hotland, is often cited as evidence of romantic interest. However, this is a misinterpretation. The phrase is delivered in Papyrus’ signature over-the-top style, showcasing his enthusiastic, if somewhat naive, perception of beauty and glamour. He isn’t necessarily expressing sexual attraction but rather admiring Mettaton’s form in a comical, exaggerated way. It is vital to remember that Papyrus struggles with social cues and expressing himself in a way that aligns with societal standards, making his comments often humorous rather than suggestive.
The Desire to Live in Hotland
Papyrus’ statement about wanting to live in Hotland to be closer to Mettaton is another point of contention. While seemingly suggestive of deep affection, this statement is primarily motivated by Papyrus’ desire to be closer to fame and excitement. He is drawn to Mettaton’s lifestyle and persona, believing that proximity to his idol will bring him closer to his own aspirations. He might feel that Hotland, as Mettaton’s place of residence, will help him capture a human and enter the royal guard.
Mettaton’s Perspective
Mettaton, on the other hand, doesn’t explicitly express feelings about Papyrus one way or another. He is focused on his performance, his audience, and achieving stardom. He’s more aware of the potential benefits of having Papyrus as a fan, using his adoration to further his career.
Lack of Reciprocity
Throughout the game, there are no instances of Mettaton reciprocating Papyrus’ admiration in a romantic way. While he may appreciate Papyrus’ enthusiasm as a fan, his focus remains firmly on himself and his own ambitions. He may value his relationship with Papyrus due to the latter’s popularity and connection to Sans, the gatekeeper.
The Role of Fan Interpretations
The lack of canonical romantic relationship between Papyrus and Mettaton does not prevent fans from imagining one. Fan fiction and fan art often explore the dynamic between these two characters, offering interpretations that range from platonic friendship to romantic love. These interpretations are valid expressions of creativity and offer different perspectives on the characters’ personalities and relationships.
Shipping Culture
The practice of “shipping” – pairing characters together in romantic relationships – is common in fandoms. Fans may ship Papyrus and Mettaton due to their contrasting personalities, the potential for comedic scenarios, or simply because they find the pairing appealing. It’s important to remember that these ships are not canon and are based on personal preferences and interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Mettaton a guy or a girl?
Mettaton is male. His pronouns never change throughout the game, and while his design is sometimes perceived as feminine, he identifies as a man.
2. Is Papyrus a good guy?
Yes, Papyrus is overwhelmingly good-natured and kind. He is characterized by his optimism, his desire to help others, and his belief in the inherent goodness of everyone.
3. What is Mettaton’s real name?
Mettaton’s original name is not explicitly stated in the game. Papyrus refers to him as “Happstablook, the happy ghost.”
4. Does Mettaton have a soul?
Yes, Mettaton possesses a soul. It is implied that Alphys created the robotic body for Mettaton around his ghost form.
5. Is Mettaton EX female?
No, Mettaton is male in both his regular and EX forms. The perception of him as female is based on his design, which incorporates some typically feminine features.
6. Why is Mettaton shipped with Papyrus?
Fans ship Mettaton and Papyrus for several reasons: their contrasting personalities, the potential for comedic scenarios, and the belief that their large egos are compatible.
7. Can you date Mettaton in Undertale?
No, you cannot date Mettaton in Undertale. While you can interact with him, there is no romantic option available.
8. Why is Mettaton sometimes considered feminine?
Mettaton’s design incorporates some typically feminine features, such as long hair and a curvaceous body. However, this does not negate his male identity.
9. How old is Papyrus?
Papyrus’ exact age is not specified. However, based on assumptions about the game’s timeline, it is estimated that he is at least 20 years old.
10. Is Papyrus autistic?
While not explicitly stated, many fans believe Papyrus exhibits traits associated with autism, such as specialized knowledge, difficulty detecting sarcasm, and picky eating habits.
11. Is Alphys evil?
Alphys is not inherently evil. While she makes questionable decisions and struggles with her own insecurities, she ultimately has good intentions.
12. Can Mettaton be killed?
Yes, Mettaton can be killed in the game, though the method varies depending on the route you take.
13. Is Mettaton really a ghost?
Yes, Mettaton was originally a ghost, similar to Napstablook. He later inhabited a robotic body created by Alphys.
14. Is Mettaton in Deltarune?
While not directly present, it is heavily implied that Mettaton is present in Deltarune. Fans believe that the ghost living behind the locked door in Napstablook’s house is Mettaton.
15. Who does Papyrus have a crush on?
Papyrus seems to have a crush on the protagonist, Frisk. This is evident from his interactions and dialogue throughout the game.
Conclusion: Admiration vs. Romance
In conclusion, while Papyrus holds Mettaton in high regard, his affection is rooted in admiration and the desire for friendship, not romantic love. His “sexy rectangle” comment and desire to live in Hotland are expressions of his over-the-top personality and his yearning for acceptance and success. Mettaton, on the other hand, remains focused on his own ambitions, with no indication of romantic feelings towards Papyrus. The beauty of Undertale lies in its open-endedness and the ability for fans to interpret the characters and their relationships in their own way. Exploring these characters is a fun way to learn about character development and how to create compelling stories. Learn more about game design and storytelling with Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.