Who is Temmie Based On in Undertale?
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Temmie, the quirky and beloved character from the indie hit game Undertale, is based on Temmie “Tuyoki” Chang, one of the main artists who worked on the game. Specifically, the in-game Temmie character is essentially a playful doodle of the real-life Temmie, created as a joke by Betty Kwong. This doodle was then incorporated into the game as a unique monster with its own distinct personality and quirks. Temmie Chang’s personality traits, likes, and interests heavily influenced the character’s design and dialogue, making her one of the most memorable and endearing parts of the game. The character acts as a cameo of sorts, making it very unique.
The Genesis of Temmie
From Doodle to Digital Darling
The story of Temmie’s creation starts with a simple doodle. Betty Kwong, a friend and fellow artist, initially created the Temmie doodle as a lighthearted jest inspired by Temmie Chang herself. This doodle captured aspects of Temmie Chang’s personality, and her fondness for specific animals, which all culminated to the odd, yet endearing, look of the in-game Temmie.
This doodle, originally meant to be just a joke among friends, eventually found its way into the game. It’s a testament to the collaborative and fun-loving environment that existed during the development of Undertale. Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, saw the potential in the doodle and decided to make it a part of the game, giving it a role within the world of monsters, particularly in Temmie Village.
Temmie Chang: The Real-Life Inspiration
Temmie “Tuyoki” Chang, born on April 3, 1993, is a freelance animator and illustrator. She graduated from the Pratt Institute with a degree in 2D animation. Her work isn’t limited to Undertale; she’s also a key artist for the sequel Deltarune, further cementing her significance within the Undertale universe. This not only highlights her important role in game development, but also gives insight on the level of care she has for her own character in the game.
Her work with Studio Yotta showcases her range and skills as an animator. This rich background in animation and illustration played a critical part in shaping Temmie’s look in the game. The character’s design, down to her unusual features like the two sets of ears and the overall quirky vibe, directly reflects Temmie Chang’s distinctive artistic style and personality.
The In-Game Temmie: Quirks and Characteristics
Unique Design and Dialogue
The in-game Temmie is instantly recognizable with her grey hair, two pairs of ears (one resembling cat ears and the other dog ears), a white body, four legs, and a white tail. She also sports a blue and yellow striped shirt. This unique design helps her stand out among the other monsters in Undertale. The design was directly influenced by Temmie Chang’s real life interests in various animals.
Temmie’s dialogue is just as distinctive. Known for her broken English and the tendency to use “hOI” and “temmie” as common phrases, she adds an element of humour to the game. The way she speaks, along with her actions, gives a clear sense of her character.
Temmie Village and its Inhabitants
Most Temmies can be found in Temmie Village, a hidden area in Waterfall. This village is exclusively inhabited by Temmies, who all share the same unique quirks and speech patterns. However, one Temmie, Bob, stands out by speaking in perfect English, creating a comedic contrast within the Temmie community. Bob is not like the others, as the game hints that he is the smartest of the bunch.
The Temmies are portrayed as being somewhat naive and easily distracted, often more interested in petting or defeating humans than engaging in complex interactions. This provides a humorous experience for the player. It also demonstrates the lighthearted nature of Temmie Chang, as the character was not created to be taken seriously.
Temmie’s Role in the Game
While Temmie may not be a crucial character in the overarching storyline, she has become a fan favorite. She is featured in a shop that sells very powerful armor. Temmie Armor, while not the most powerful, is the best obtainable outside of the genocide route, making Temmie’s place in the game impactful for many players. The ability to sell items to Temmie in her shop to obtain valuable items is also very valuable to players.
Her unique dialogue, design, and the special area she inhabits make her a memorable part of the Undertale experience. Temmie serves as a reminder of the playful spirit of the game and the close-knit team of artists behind its creation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Temmie Chang her real name?
Yes, Temmie Chang is her real name, though she is also known as Tuyoki Chang. Both names are used professionally within the gaming community.
2. Is Bob a Temmie?
Yes, Bob is one of the Temmies in Temmie Village. He is unique because he speaks perfect English, unlike the other Temmies, who use broken English. He is one of the most notable Temmies outside of the main character.
3. What is Temmie’s gender in Undertale?
In Undertale, Temmie is referred to using male pronouns and even called a prince. However, her gender is often questioned due to inconsistencies, especially since all Temmies in other materials are portrayed as female. The inconsistency itself is part of the joke surrounding the character.
4. Is Frisk allergic to Temmies?
According to the game, humans are indeed allergic to Temmies, as are Temmies to each other. This is just one of the many humorous tidbits of lore in Undertale.
5. Why was Temmie named “Temmie”?
Temmie was named after “temporary.” The idea was to take out the middle part of a long word, usually an adjective, that ends in “y.” For example, “melancholy” became “Melly,” and “temporary” became “Temmie.” This is a nod to the whimsical spirit of the character.
6. Why does Temmie vibrate in the game?
If the player idles for too long while encountering Temmie, her face will begin to vibrate away from her main sprite. This is a visual quirk that adds to her odd and humorous character.
7. Who is Tem in Underswap?
In Underswap, a fan-made AU of Undertale, Temmie is swapped with Flowey, becoming the main antagonist. This swap changes the whole dynamic of the story.
8. Where is Frisk from?
Frisk is actually the name of a mint-flavoured candy invented in 1986 by a Belgian entrepreneur. In the context of Undertale, Frisk is the name of the human protagonist, not a brand of candy.
9. What is Temmie’s last name in Undertale?
Temmie Chang herself worked as the main artist for Undertale, and her last name is Chang. Therefore, the Temmie character’s last name, within the game world, would also be Chang.
10. How old is Cray Sans?
Cray Sans is technically three and a half years old, but due to strange magic, he ages up fast, giving him the appearance of a seven-year-old. Now, his age rate is normal. He is not related to the main game.
11. Is Temmie armor the best in Undertale?
Temmie armor is the second most powerful armor in Undertale, and it is the most powerful armor available outside of the Genocide Route.
12. Who is the Annoying Dog in Undertale?
The Annoying Dog is a small, white, smiling dog that is Toby Fox’s self-insert character in the game. He often shows up around Papyrus and comically ruins characters’ plans.
13. Does Temmie have two sets of ears?
Yes, Temmie has two pairs of ears, one resembling dog ears and the other resembling cat ears. This is one of her distinct visual features.
14. Is Temmie Lily’s dog?
Temmie is the name of LilyPichu’s pet Pomeranian, but is not the in-game Temmie. This can be a source of confusion.
15. Do Temmie Flakes exist in real life?
Temmie Flakes are part of Undertale lore, specifically a breakfast cereal produced by Kellogg’s, coming both as a boxed cereal and as pet food. They are not a real-life product, but are a fun reference to the game.