Who is the Lizard in Undertale?
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The lizard in Undertale is Dr. Alphys, a pivotal character in the game’s narrative. Alphys is a shy, nerdy, and socially awkward scientist who plays a significant role in the events of the Underground. She is primarily known for her position as the Royal Scientist, initially under King Asgore, and her complex relationships with other characters. Alphys is a reptilian monster, with a distinctive yellow skin, a lab coat, and large glasses that contribute to her nerdy aesthetic. She is a heavy otaku, deeply invested in anime, manga, and human culture, which are significant aspects of her character and interactions within the game.
Dr. Alphys’s Role and Significance
Dr. Alphys is much more than just a background character; her actions directly impact the storyline. Initially, she is depicted as reclusive and insecure, often hiding in her lab and avoiding social interactions. This is partly because of her past experiments, which haunt her. Her primary achievement, the creation of Mettaton, a robot with aspirations for stardom, is one of the things that drives the narrative forward and highlights her scientific genius, albeit an ethically problematic one.
Her love interest in Undyne is another crucial aspect of her development. The progression of their relationship is an engaging sub-plot, allowing Alphys to break free from her insecurities and grow as a character. Furthermore, she is also central to the game’s different endings. In the “Alphys Ending”, she even becomes the leader of the Underground, a testament to her capability.
Alphys’s Moral Ambiguity
Alphys’s character isn’t black and white, making her one of the most interesting characters in Undertale. While she seems gentle and unassuming, she has a complex history. She has made questionable ethical decisions in her past, particularly concerning experiments with determination. Her creation of Flowey by injecting a flower with determination using the dust of Asriel demonstrates that her scientific pursuits sometimes come at a high moral price. While she might not be evil in the conventional sense, her actions and the consequences they engender bring in a degree of moral ambiguity.
Alphys also struggles with guilt and regret. Her past experiments and mistakes weigh heavily on her, and she constantly battles with self-doubt. This internal struggle is a significant element of her character arc, and it contributes to her appeal. She is someone trying to navigate complex moral situations despite her flaws, making her both sympathetic and intriguing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alphys
What is Alphys’s occupation in Undertale?
Alphys is the Royal Scientist of the Underground, working for King Asgore. She is in charge of various technological and scientific projects.
Is Alphys a villain?
Alphys is generally not a villain, but her past actions have negative repercussions. She is more of an anti-hero or a character with complex morality, rather than a true antagonist. She makes questionable choices based on science but ultimately wishes to protect others. However, In the fan-comic NegativeTale, she is a secondary antagonist, portrayed as a sadistic mad scientist.
What kind of experiments did Alphys perform?
Alphys is known for experimenting with determination, which involved using monster souls. She is also responsible for the creation of the Amalgamates, monsters that were brought back to life but were left twisted and malformed. She attempted to bring monsters back from the dead using souls.
What is Alphys’s relationship with Undyne?
Alphys has a romantic relationship with Undyne. Initially, Alphys has a crush on her, and this develops into a significant part of their story as they grow closer.
Does Alphys have a crush on Asgore?
At the start of the game, Alphys does have a crush on Asgore, sometimes referring to him as “Mr. Asgore.” This is before she develops her relationship with Undyne.
Did Alphys create Mettaton?
Yes, Alphys created Mettaton, first as a ghost robot named MTT and then in his now known and iconic robot body. She did so at the cost of abandoning Mettaton’s cousin, Napstablook.
How did Alphys create Flowey?
Alphys injected a flower with determination using Asriel’s dust, which gave the flower sentience. This resulted in the creation of Flowey.
Does Alphys know that Flowey is Asriel?
It’s highly possible Alphys is aware that Flowey is Asriel. Given the information that she knows about Asriel’s death in the castle garden and her role in his reanimation, it’s suggested that she is familiar with his essence being within Flowey. However, Alphys never acknowledges this directly in the game.
What happens to Alphys in the Genocide route?
In the Genocide route, Alphys is killed when Chara destroys the Underground. In some neutral endings, she disappears, which is heavily implied to be a suicide due to her extreme guilt and remorse.
What is Alphys’s personality like?
Alphys is shy, insecure, and nerdy. She is also a heavy otaku, fascinated by anime, manga, and human culture. She is socially awkward and tends to overthink things, but she is also capable of great bravery and love.
What is the “Alphys Ending”?
The “Alphys Ending” is one of the neutral endings in Undertale. If the protagonist does not meet the criteria for the pacifist or genocide ending, Alphys, as a result of her actions, becomes the leader of the underground.
Is Alphys a female?
Yes, Alphys is female. She is consistently referred to using female pronouns and her character design is feminine.
Is Alphys pansexual?
Yes, based on game events, dialogue and lore, Alphys is implied to be pansexual, as she has attractions towards both male and female characters, most notably her romantic relationship with Undyne.
What happens to Alphys if you spare her in a neutral run?
If you spare Alphys in a neutral run, she survives, but her ending may depend on other choices made in the game. There are variations in the neutral endings, with some depicting her becoming more confident, or others detailing her hiding away again.
Can you date Alphys in Undertale?
Yes, you can date Alphys after completing certain requirements, which will lead to a romantic encounter with her. This leads to a deeper understanding of Alphys’s character.