Is Susie From Deltarune a Boy or a Girl? Unpacking the Character’s Identity
The question of whether Susie from Deltarune is a boy or a girl is one that often arises due to the character’s complex and somewhat unconventional presentation. The direct answer, based on the information available within the game and the context of her name, is that Susie is a girl. However, her character design, assertive behavior, and the specific pronouns used to refer to her in the Japanese version of the game add layers of nuance to this answer. This article will delve into the reasons behind the confusion and explore the various facets of Susie’s identity.
Susie’s Gender: A Closer Look
Name Origin and Feminine Association
First, let’s consider her name. Susie is a common feminine given name, a short form (hypocorism) of Suzanne, Susannah, or Susan. It’s derived from the Hebrew word meaning “lily,” a flower often associated with femininity and beauty. This alone strongly suggests a female character. While nicknames can sometimes be gender-neutral, in this case, the direct etymology and cultural usage overwhelmingly point to Susie being female.
Character Design and Presentation
Susie’s character design can initially mislead some, given her tall stature, reptilian appearance, and aggressive demeanor. She is a tall, purple, vaguely reptilian monster with freckles, often perceived as intimidating. Her initial persona as a “Mean Girl” who “Won’t do anything but fight” does not fit the typical portrayal of a feminine character in many narratives. Her choice of weapons, including the Mane Ax, further contributes to this perception of strength and aggression, traits that are sometimes stereotypically seen as more masculine.
However, these aspects don’t define her gender; rather, they highlight her unique personality within the game’s world. Characters, especially in modern storytelling, often subvert expectations, and Susie is a prime example of this.
Pronoun Usage and Cultural Nuances
The use of the pronoun “ore” by Susie in the Japanese version of Deltarune is a significant point of discussion. “Ore” is a first-person pronoun generally used by very assertive or aggressive characters, particularly in Japanese media. While this pronoun can be, and often is, used by male characters, it is not exclusive to them. Its use by female characters, while uncommon, tends to signify strength, independence, and a refusal to conform to societal expectations. The choice to have Susie use “ore” therefore reinforces her rebellious nature and powerful persona rather than signifying she is a boy.
This nuanced choice within the Japanese language is lost in translation to other languages where a single set of pronouns is used for both male and female, often obscuring this character depth. The use of “ore” showcases Susie’s unique characterization and is essential to understanding her complex identity.
Character Development and Relationships
Over the course of Deltarune, Susie undergoes significant character development. She evolves from the initial “Mean Girl” into a Dark Knight and, eventually, a Healing Master, showing both combat prowess and a capacity for healing. These developments further establish her as a complex character with diverse skills and deep feelings.
The relationships she forms also provide insight into her gender. While Noelle’s crush on her might not be reciprocated at the present, this adds a layer to Susie’s character that implies she is perceived in a romantic sense by another female character, often a relationship that implies the person is seen as female. Furthermore, the fact that Susie cares about Kris is also shown, in her own way. Her reactions when sharing moss, and the healing tea they share also point to an understanding of care and friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Susie
To further clarify any remaining questions about Susie’s character, here are 15 FAQs:
1. What is Susie’s full name?
Susie is the full given name, not a short form. However, it is a short form (hypocorism) of names like Suzanne, Susannah, or Susan.
2. Is Susie short for anything?
No, Susie is not typically a shortened version of another name within the Deltarune context. The name itself has origins as a diminutive form.
3. What kind of creature is Susie?
Susie appears to be a dragon-type monster, as referenced by her Mane Ax weapon in the Dark World. This is largely based on her appearance and her weapon choice.
4. Does Susie have any powers?
Yes. Initially, Susie is a powerful combatant in the Dark World, utilizing “dark energy” as a Dark Knight. Later, she learns healing powers, becoming a Healing Master.
5. Does Susie have any close relationships?
Yes, she forms close bonds with Kris and Ralsei. There’s also a hinted-at (and somewhat overt) crush from Noelle on Susie, although the feelings are not confirmed to be mutual.
6. Who has a crush on Susie?
Noelle has a crush on Susie, which is evident in her dialogue and actions throughout the game. Berdly also develops a crush on Susie at some point in the story.
7. What does Susie’s “ore” pronoun usage mean?
In the Japanese version of the game, the pronoun “ore” signifies a strong, assertive, and rebellious character. While primarily used by male characters, its use by female characters in Japanese media highlights their unique strength and refusal to conform.
8. Why did Susie bully Kris?
Susie was initially a bully to Kris. She bullied Kris about having apple-scented shampoo. Kris was generally oblivious to Susie’s actions.
9. Does Susie care about Kris?
Yes. Susie displays her care for Kris through actions such as sharing moss, and the healing they share with the tea. Susie is also surprised to find that Kris had waited to share the moss.
10. Is Susie a villain?
Initially, Susie is portrayed as a bully, but she is not a villain. She fights against shared enemies and becomes a key member of the party.
11. What is Susie’s appearance like?
Susie is a tall, purple, vaguely reptilian monster with freckles. In Hometown, she has messy aubergine hair, wears a purple jacket, a white and blue shirt, torn jeans, and black shoes.
12. Did Ralsei hug Susie?
Yes, Ralsei hugs Susie to heal her after landing in the Trash Zone, using a healing spell. This highlights Ralsei’s compassionate nature.
13. Does Susie bleed?
There are some unused sprites within the game files that show Susie bleeding, possibly from an earlier version of the game.
14. Is Kris a boy or a girl?
Kris is a gender-neutral name, and the character is generally interpreted as non-binary.
15. What is Susie’s personality?
Susie is initially portrayed as a mean, aggressive, and intimidating character, but she evolves into a caring friend with a strong sense of loyalty. She can still be assertive but shows great compassion to those she is close to.
Conclusion
In summary, Susie from Deltarune is a girl, despite the initial confusion that may arise from her character design and assertive behavior. Her name, her relationships, her role in the narrative, and her use of pronouns (particularly within the context of the original Japanese version), all point to her being a complex and powerful female character. Her story showcases the importance of looking beyond stereotypes and appreciating the multifaceted nature of character development in storytelling. Through this analysis, the question of Susie’s gender is not about a simple label, but about understanding and appreciating a character who breaks norms and subverts expectations, making her a truly memorable and compelling figure in the Deltarune universe.