Is Papyrus a Bad Guy? Unpacking the Innocence of Undertale’s Skeletal Sweetheart

No, Papyrus is unequivocally not a bad guy in Undertale. He is, in fact, one of the most genuinely good-hearted and innocent characters in the entire game. His unwavering belief in the good in others, his desire for friendship, and his overall naivete make him a beacon of positivity in the sometimes-dark world of the Underground. Any suggestion to the contrary stems either from early development concepts that never made it into the final game or from interpretations of fan-created alternate universes (AUs) that should not be confused with the canon character.

The Essence of Papyrus: Innocence and Ambition

Papyrus is defined by his aspirational nature. He dreams of joining the Royal Guard and becoming a hero, constantly seeking the approval of Undyne, the captain. This drive, however, is tempered by his inherent kindness. He genuinely wants to help others and believes in second chances, even for the protagonist, Frisk, who may be on a path of destruction. His unwavering optimism, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to his pure heart.

His relationship with his brother, Sans, further emphasizes his goodness. While Sans often teases Papyrus and seems somewhat lazy, Papyrus never holds it against him. He loves and supports his brother unconditionally, showcasing a strong sense of familial loyalty and acceptance. This unwavering love, even when faced with Sans’s apparent apathy, solidifies Papyrus’s role as a force for good.

Debunking the Myths: The “Evil” Papyrus

The notion of Papyrus as a villain largely stems from two sources:

1. Early Development Concepts: As revealed by Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, Papyrus was initially conceived as a much darker character named “Roman,” a creepy, fedora-wearing individual obsessed with a fictional cartoon. This concept was abandoned early in development, and the Papyrus we know and love is a stark contrast to this original idea. It’s crucial to remember that these are simply discarded concepts and have no bearing on the final character.

2. Alternate Universes (AUs): The Undertale fandom is vast and creative, and numerous AUs exist that reimagine the characters in different roles and scenarios. Some of these AUs depict Papyrus as evil or corrupted, such as in Horrortale. However, these are fan-made interpretations and should not be considered part of the canon Undertale storyline. Confusing these AUs with the original game can lead to misconceptions about Papyrus’s true nature.

It’s important to distinguish between canon and fan-made content. The official Undertale game consistently portrays Papyrus as a benevolent and innocent character. Any deviation from this portrayal is a product of fan interpretation and creative license.

The Neutral Ending and Papyrus’s Belief

Even in the neutral endings, where Frisk has killed other monsters, Papyrus’s innocence shines through. He believes Sans’s lies that the slain monsters went on vacation. This isn’t malicious naivety, but rather a manifestation of his unwavering trust and refusal to believe the worst in people. Even when thrust into a position of power as the ruler of the Underground in some neutral endings, Papyrus still holds on to his desire to be everyone’s friend, solidifying his role as a force of good even amidst chaos.

The Games Learning Society and Character Interpretation

The study of characters like Papyrus can offer valuable insights into morality, storytelling, and the impact of character design. The Games Learning Society, at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores how games can be used as tools for learning and understanding complex themes. Examining Papyrus’s unwavering goodness in the face of a morally ambiguous world provides a compelling case study in character development and the power of innocence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Papyrus

1. Was Papyrus ever intended to be evil?

Yes, in the very early stages of Undertale‘s development, Papyrus was initially conceived as a character named Roman, who was intended to be creepy and unlikable. However, this idea was scrapped early on.

2. What is the significance of Papyrus’s name?

Papyrus is named after the Papyrus font, fitting the naming convention of Undertale characters being named after fonts. His brother, Sans, is named after the Sans-Serif font.

3. Why does Papyrus want to join the Royal Guard?

Papyrus believes that joining the Royal Guard will make him a hero and bring him closer to his dream of being popular and appreciated. He seeks the approval of Undyne, the captain of the Royal Guard.

4. How does Sans feel about Papyrus?

Sans deeply cares for Papyrus. While he often teases him, he is also very protective of him and tries to shield him from the harsh realities of the Underground.

5. What is Papyrus’s reaction to the Genocide Route?

In the Genocide Route, Papyrus is spared by Frisk if the player chooses not to kill him. He remains optimistic even after witnessing the atrocities committed by the player, demonstrating his unwavering belief in the good in others.

6. What happens to Papyrus in the Neutral Endings?

In many Neutral Endings, Papyrus becomes the ruler of the Underground. However, his reign is often characterized by his naivete and inability to make difficult decisions.

7. How does Papyrus’s belief in others affect the story?

His belief in others is a key theme in Undertale. It contrasts with the more cynical views of characters like Flowey and Sans and serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and forgiveness.

8. Does Papyrus have any special powers?

While not as overtly powerful as Sans, Papyrus possesses bone-based magic, as seen in his battle. He also demonstrates a knack for puzzles and cooking, though his creations are often questionable.

9. What is Papyrus’s relationship with Undyne?

Papyrus idolizes Undyne and desperately seeks her approval. Undyne, while initially dismissive, eventually recognizes Papyrus’s potential and begins to train him.

10. How do Alternate Universes (AUs) affect the perception of Papyrus?

AUs can significantly alter the perception of Papyrus. Some AUs depict him as evil or corrupted, which can lead to misconceptions about his true character in the original game.

11. What is the significance of Papyrus’s spaghetti?

Papyrus’s spaghetti is a running gag in Undertale. He is a terrible cook, yet he is incredibly proud of his spaghetti and constantly tries to feed it to others.

12. Does Papyrus ever realize the truth about the player’s actions in different routes?

In the Genocide Route, it’s heavily implied that Papyrus remains blissfully unaware of the player’s true nature, clinging to his belief that they can still be good.

13. How does Papyrus represent the theme of innocence in Undertale?

Papyrus embodies innocence through his naivety, optimism, and unwavering belief in the good in others. He provides a stark contrast to the cynicism and moral ambiguity that permeates other aspects of the game.

14. Why is Papyrus so popular among Undertale fans?

Papyrus’s popularity stems from his genuine goodness, his humorous dialogue, and his endearing personality. He is a lovable and relatable character who brings a sense of joy and hope to the game.

15. How does Papyrus’s character contribute to the overall message of Undertale?

Papyrus’s character contributes to the game’s message of mercy, forgiveness, and the power of belief. He demonstrates that even in the face of darkness, it is possible to maintain hope and see the good in others. This aligns with the core themes explored at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, Papyrus is far from being a bad guy. He is a character defined by his innocence, his unwavering belief in others, and his desire for friendship. While early development concepts and fan-made AUs may offer alternative interpretations, the canonical Papyrus remains a shining example of goodness within the world of Undertale.