Unraveling the Enigma: What Type of Soul is Chara?
Chara, the first human to fall into the Underground in the world of Undertale, is one of the most discussed and debated characters in gaming. Determining the type of soul Chara possesses isn’t a straightforward answer, and that’s precisely what makes the topic so compelling. Based on in-game evidence and interpretations of narrative events, the most plausible answer is that Chara possessed a red soul, the trait of which is Determination. Despite what many think, there’s more to it than just the color.
Deciphering the Color: Why Red Matters
The Coffin and the Grave
The most immediate evidence cited for Chara having a red soul is the presence of a red heart symbol on the coffin and grave bearing their name in Asgore’s Home. The Underground society in Undertale has adopted many of the values and traditions of humans, so it is unsurprising that the heart symbol is used as a means of recognizing the soul. This connection is further strengthened by the fact that Frisk, the protagonist whose soul is unequivocally red, shares visual and narrative parallels with Chara.
Determination as a Defining Trait
While the coffin and grave provide a visual cue, the defining characteristic of a red soul is its unwavering Determination. This is the power that allows Frisk to SAVE and RESET the timeline, influencing events and shaping the narrative. While Chara’s direct control over these abilities is debated, their influence on the game’s various endings, particularly the Genocide Route, suggests a strong connection to the power of Determination.
The Complexities of Chara’s Character
More Than Just a Color
It’s crucial to understand that the Undertale universe isn’t simply defined by a color-coded soul system. While the seven human soul colors represent distinct traits, these are general categories. Characters like Frisk and Chara are defined by their actions, choices, and motivations, not just their inherent soul trait. The soul color only gives a piece of the puzzle to their persona. It doesn’t make up their entire character.
The Narrator and the Player
Chara’s role as a narrator, especially during the Genocide Route, further complicates the issue. The player’s actions in that route seem to awaken or influence Chara, making them complicit in the destruction. This raises questions about whether Chara’s “evil” is inherent or a product of the player’s choices, highlighting the themes of responsibility and agency that Undertale explores. This has been a topic of discussion in the Games Learning Society with many different interpretations and analyses.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Chara’s Soul
1. What if Chara’s soul was colorless or different?
The possibility exists, but is not supported as much. While Undertale never explicitly states that only seven soul colors exist, these are the only ones observed in the game. A colorless soul could imply a lack of defining traits, contradicting Chara’s powerful influence.
2. Is Chara purely evil?
The interpretation of Chara’s morality is subjective. In the Pacifist Route, Chara seems benevolent, while the Genocide Route paints a much darker picture. The truth likely lies in the middle, with Chara’s actions being influenced by the player’s choices and their own past trauma.
3. How did Chara die?
Chara became severely ill after Asgore poisoned them, and spoke about wanting to see the golden flowers from their village one last time. They died after convincing Asriel to absorb their soul, and carry their body to the surface.
4. Did Asriel absorb Chara’s soul completely?
Yes, Asriel fully absorbed Chara’s soul upon their death. This is how he was able to cross the barrier and travel to the human village.
5. Does Flowey have a connection to Chara’s soul?
Flowey doesn’t possess Chara’s soul directly. However, Flowey exists because of the power of Determination, which originally resided in Chara’s soul and subsequently influenced Asriel after he absorbed it.
6. Why is Flowey evil?
Flowey lacks a soul, preventing him from experiencing positive emotions like love and compassion. This absence leads to his nihilistic and sadistic behavior.
7. Is Frisk influenced by Chara?
This is a core point of debate. Some theories suggest that Chara influences Frisk’s actions, particularly in the Genocide Route, while others argue that Frisk is purely controlled by the player.
8. Can Chara be considered a demon?
Chara is not a demon in the traditional sense. They are a human, albeit a complex and morally ambiguous one.
9. What role does narration play in defining Chara?
Chara acts as the narrator at certain points, particularly in the Genocide Route, revealing their perspective and influencing the player’s understanding of events.
10. What other colors of souls exist?
Apart from the red (Determination) soul, other human souls include light blue (Patience), orange (Bravery), blue (Integrity), purple (Perseverance), green (Kindness), and yellow (Justice).
11. What is the difference between Frisk’s Determination and Chara’s Determination?
There is no definitive answer. It is implied that Frisk is using their determination to right what went wrong in the world, and Chara is using determination to wipe it all out.
12. How does the Genocide Route affect Chara?
The Genocide Route seems to awaken or empower Chara, making them more active and influencing their perspective. They become complicit in the player’s destructive actions, which is why fans perceive them as evil.
13. Is Chara responsible for the Genocide Route?
The player’s decisions drive the Genocide Route. It’s up for debate whether Chara’s influence is a pre-existing tendency or a direct result of the player’s actions.
14. What are the key themes associated with Chara’s character?
Key themes include responsibility, the nature of good and evil, the impact of player choice, and the consequences of violence.
15. Is there a definitive “true” interpretation of Chara?
Undertale‘s open-ended narrative encourages interpretation. There is no single “true” interpretation of Chara, as their character is designed to provoke thought and discussion.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ambiguity
Ultimately, determining the exact nature of Chara’s soul involves navigating the intricate narrative of Undertale and considering the implications of player agency. While the red soul of Determination seems most likely, it’s Chara’s complex character and ambiguous motivations that continue to captivate players, scholars, and the GamesLearningSociety.org alike, ensuring their place as one of gaming’s most intriguing figures.