Is Sans a Bad Guy? Unpacking the Morality of Undertale’s Skeletal Jester
The question of whether Sans, the seemingly laid-back skeleton from the indie sensation Undertale, is a “bad guy” is complex and ultimately depends on the player’s actions. In short, no, Sans isn’t inherently evil. He’s a reactive character, motivated by a sense of responsibility and, in the face of repeated Genocide Routes, a desperate attempt to prevent further suffering. He only becomes an antagonist when the player relentlessly chooses the path of violence and destruction. His actions, even the extreme ones, are driven by a desire to protect the timeline and its inhabitants from a player-controlled entity spiraling into cruelty.
Understanding Sans: More Than Just a Pun-Loving Skeleton
To truly understand Sans, we need to look beyond his initial impression of a lazy comedian. He possesses a keen awareness of the game’s mechanics, including the ability to remember resets. This meta-awareness sets him apart from other characters and significantly impacts his motivations.
The Pacifist Route: A Guardian
In a Pacifist Route, Sans is a supportive, albeit enigmatic, presence. He judges the player’s actions and offers guidance, albeit often in a cryptic manner. He even plays a crucial role in the final confrontation against Asriel, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of the Underground. Here, he’s far from a villain; he’s an ally and a friend.
The Neutral Route: A Judge
In the Neutral Route, Sans serves as a judge of character, calling the player to account for their actions, whether good or bad. His phone calls after the final boss battle provide commentary on the player’s choices and their impact on the Underground, reinforcing the theme of consequences. He may not actively fight the player, but his judgment is a crucial element in understanding the moral implications of their playthrough.
The Genocide Route: A Last Stand
It’s the Genocide Route where Sans’s character is most challenged and, arguably, where the “bad guy” label is most tempting to apply. However, even here, his actions are rooted in desperation. He isn’t inherently evil, reveling in destruction. Instead, he witnesses the player systematically eradicating every monster in the Underground, including his brother Papyrus.
His seemingly unfair fight, characterized by Karmic Retribution and relentless attacks, is a desperate attempt to stop the player from completing their destructive rampage. He is fighting to protect what little remains of his world. He’s not a sadist; he’s a defender pushed to his breaking point.
The Morality of Choice in Undertale
Ultimately, the question of whether Sans is a “bad guy” highlights one of Undertale’s core themes: the power of choice and its consequences. The game forces players to confront the moral implications of their actions, and Sans serves as a crucial figure in this process. He isn’t a static character; his behavior changes depending on the player’s choices, reflecting the impact of their decisions on the world and its inhabitants. The Games Learning Society explores the ways in which video games can be used to teach and reinforce ethical decision making, and Undertale is a perfect example of this principle. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Sans: A Complex Anti-Hero?
Perhaps the most accurate description of Sans is that of a complex anti-hero. He isn’t a paragon of virtue, and he certainly isn’t always likable. He’s flawed, jaded, and often resorts to questionable tactics. However, his motivations are ultimately rooted in a desire to protect others, even if it means resorting to extreme measures.
He’s a product of his environment and the choices made by the player. In the end, Sans’s morality is a reflection of the player’s own, making him one of the most compelling and thought-provoking characters in video game history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sans
1. What are the “Bad Sanses”?
The term “Bad Sanses” refers to various fan-created AUs (Alternate Universes) featuring versions of Sans with darker personalities and abilities. These are not canon to the original Undertale game. Examples include Killer Sans, Horror Sans, and Dust Sans.
2. Is Sans truly lazy, or is there more to it?
While Sans presents himself as lazy, his dialogue hints at a deeper understanding of the game’s timeline and the potential for resets. His “laziness” could be a coping mechanism or a strategy to conserve energy for when he truly needs to act.
3. What is “Karmic Retribution”?
Karmic Retribution (KR) is a unique effect used by Sans during the Genocide Route fight. It deals damage over time, punishing players who have accumulated high levels of EXP (Execution Points) through killing monsters. It visually looks like their soul is slightly damaged and purple.
4. Why does Sans remember resets?
The exact reason why Sans remembers resets is never explicitly stated in the game. Theories suggest it’s connected to his connection to Gaster or his inherent meta-awareness of the game’s mechanics. He’s not the only one to remember it.
5. How strong is Sans, really?
Sans’s strength is often debated. While his stats are initially low, his ability to manipulate gravity, teleport, and inflict Karmic Retribution makes him a formidable opponent, especially in the Genocide Route. He is not physically strong, but he’s very powerful with magic.
6. Does Sans have a relationship with Gaster?
The connection between Sans and Gaster is heavily implied but never explicitly confirmed in the game. Dialogue and hidden content suggest a shared past or connection to the mysterious figure.
7. Is Sans’s eye glowing during the fight?
Yes, during the Genocide Route fight, Sans’s left eye glows blue and yellow. This is often interpreted as a display of his power and determination.
8. Why is Sans so popular?
Sans’s popularity stems from his relatable personality, his unique abilities, and the mystery surrounding his character. His role in the Genocide Route also makes him a memorable and impactful figure.
9. Is Sans evil in any AU (Alternate Universe)?
Yes, there are many fan-created AUs where Sans is depicted as evil or villainous. However, these are not part of the original Undertale canon.
10. What is Sans’s relationship with Papyrus?
Sans and Papyrus are brothers, and their relationship is a central theme in Undertale. Sans is protective of Papyrus and cares deeply for his well-being.
11. What is the significance of Sans’s smile?
Sans’s constant smile is often interpreted as a facade or a way to hide his true feelings. It could also be a reflection of his meta-awareness and his knowledge of the game’s events.
12. What are Sans’s weaknesses?
Sans’s main weakness is his low HP. He also gets tired relatively easily, particularly when using his teleportation abilities.
13. Can Sans be spared in the Genocide Route?
No, Sans cannot be spared in the Genocide Route. The only way to proceed is to defeat him.
14. What is the meaning of Sans’s final words in the Genocide Route?
Sans’s final words, “Well, guess that’s it, huh? Just… don’t say I didn’t warn you,” are a direct address to the player, acknowledging their destructive actions and foreshadowing the consequences of completing the Genocide Route.
15. How does Sans know about the timeline resets?
The game doesn’t explicitly explain how Sans knows about the timelines, but many theories suggest he’s either connected to Gaster, remembers timelines through an ability, or is aware through some meta reason.