Unveiling the Enigma: Why Does Kris Remove Their Soul in Deltarune?
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The act of Kris ripping their soul out in Deltarune is one of the game’s most perplexing and debated mysteries. It’s a recurring action that leaves players both intrigued and disturbed, prompting a deep dive into the motivations behind it. The simple answer is this: Kris removes their soul to reclaim a sense of control and agency when they feel overwhelmed by being controlled by an external force, primarily the player. This act is a desperate attempt to break free from the puppeteering nature of the player’s influence and reassert their own identity.
This theme of control, or the lack thereof, permeates Deltarune. From the very beginning, the player is thrust into the role of controlling Kris, making their choices and guiding their actions. This constant manipulation can be perceived as a form of violation, leading to Kris’s rebellious outbursts. Kris’s soul removal isn’t a single event but a recurring pattern, each instance seemingly tied to a different catalyst. In Chapter 1, this frustration manifests after a day of forced interactions and ultimately culminates in Kris consuming an entire pie to feel a sense of personal autonomy. This act of defiance is a precursor to the more dramatic scene where Kris removes their soul and throws it into the birdcage. These acts can be interpreted as a way of Kris declaring independence from their player-controlled fate.
The red gleam in their eye when holding the knife further adds a layer of complexity to Kris’s motivations. While it suggests a potential for violence and a darker side to Kris’ character, it also underscores the desperation and intensity of their need to escape control.
Kris’s Struggle with External Control
The central conflict in Deltarune revolves around the tension between the player’s control and Kris’s desire for autonomy. This struggle manifests in multiple ways throughout the game.
The Weight of Being a Protagonist
As the protagonist, Kris is constantly under the player’s influence, making every action, dialogue choice, and interaction feel preordained. This lack of control can be incredibly disempowering, potentially explaining the outbursts and drastic actions. It’s as if Kris is fighting against the very fabric of their own existence.
The SOUL as a Symbol of Control
The SOUL is not just a gameplay mechanic; it’s a symbol of the player’s control. By removing their SOUL, Kris temporarily breaks free from this control, attempting to reclaim their individual existence. The act of placing the soul in a birdcage further solidifies this, highlighting the desire for separation and liberation.
The Knife and the Red Gleam
The emergence of the knife with the red gleam raises intriguing questions. It could represent a growing frustration and perhaps even a darker intent that emerges when Kris’s control is strained. This scene suggests a transformation or a shift in their character, raising the possibility that Kris might be seeking more than just freedom from player control.
The Cycle of Violence
Another important aspect to consider is that the act of taking out the soul is also tied into a cycle of violence that the world may perpetuate. The last time this happens, the player is in danger of vanishing. The taking of the soul, may be to continue that cycle, and have the player still be apart of the game to perpetuate it.
Understanding Kris’s Actions
Ultimately, Kris’s actions are a complex mix of rebellion, self-preservation, and perhaps an attempt to exert their own will within the parameters of the game. Their soul removal isn’t just a random act but a deliberate choice driven by the desire to be an individual, rather than a mere puppet. It highlights a central theme of the game: the battle between control and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that further explore the complexities surrounding Kris’s soul removal and their character in Deltarune:
1. Is Kris the villain of Deltarune?
Kris is the main protagonist of Deltarune, a human Lightner, and the player’s avatar in the game. While their actions are sometimes unsettling, they are not inherently evil. Instead, they are a complex character struggling against external control and their own inner turmoil. Their actions are driven by a desire for autonomy and a complex internal state.
2. Does Kris take out the soul in Deltarune multiple times?
Yes, Kris removes their soul multiple times throughout the game, particularly at the end of Chapters 1 and at the end of the game when the player’s soul is almost vanquished. Each time, it’s linked to a feeling of frustration and a desire to break free from the player’s control.
3. Why does Kris put the soul back in?
After removing their soul, Kris ultimately replaces it because they don’t seem to have a functioning SOUL of their own. The SOUL is essentially a necessary component for their existence, even if it also means being subjected to the player’s control.
4. Is the soul evil in Deltarune?
The SOUL is not inherently evil, although, it can be used for both benevolent and malevolent actions, depending on the entity controlling it. In Deltarune, the SOUL is primarily a tool through which the player influences Kris and their actions.
5. Why does Kris look like Frisk from Undertale?
Kris shares a visual similarity with Frisk from Undertale, which suggests a deliberate design choice. It hints at a connection between the two games and might symbolize their shared role as a human in a world populated by monsters. It also highlights the theme of player control being tied to the player’s avatar in the game.
6. Is Kris mute?
Kris is often silent, leading to speculation about their ability to speak. While they are not fully mute, their speech patterns suggest they are selectively mute, perhaps a response to their environment and circumstances.
7. Who does Kris love in Deltarune?
While not explicitly stated in a romantic sense, there’s evidence to suggest Kris has a close and possibly deep relationship with Susie. There are instances where they are especially fond of Susie, and both share a bond throughout the game.
8. What is the significance of the red gleam in Kris’s eye?
The red gleam that appears when Kris holds the knife indicates the growing darker aspect to their character. It may signify a potential for violence, and a consequence of constant external manipulation, or that they are the Knight and this is their way to make dark fountains.
9. Is killing bad in Deltarune?
Unlike Undertale, killing doesn’t have a significant impact on the main storyline of Deltarune. Enemies usually run away when defeated. This makes the morality of killing less black and white in the game.
10. Is Deltarune a dream?
Deltarune is a separate story and world, distinct from Undertale. It is a standalone game with its own narrative and rules, with the idea for it coming to Toby Fox in a dream.
11. What happens if you call yourself Kris in Deltarune?
If you name the vessel “KRIS,” “SUSIE,” or “NOELLE,” the game responds with “
12. Who is Ralsei in Deltarune?
Ralsei is a Darkner and one of the deuteragonists. He claims to be the Prince from the Dark, and he acts as the party’s healer. He has no prior relationship with Kris, and he expresses the excitement of meeting a new friend.
13. Is Susie a girl in Deltarune?
Yes, Susie is a girl. She initially acts as a mean girl, but later becomes a valued member of the party and a close friend of Kris.
14. Is Frisk in Deltarune?
Frisk and Chara do not exist in the world of Deltarune. It’s a separate story with new characters and different rules.
15. Why was the birdcage added?
The birdcage in Kris’ room provides a visual representation of the player’s control over their SOUL. This adds to the underlying theme of control within the game, that is further expressed by the act of the soul being ripped out and caged.
By exploring these frequently asked questions, the many layers of the game can be understood. Kris’s act of removing their SOUL is not a simple act of rebellion, but a complex expression of their internal struggle and an important aspect of Deltarune’s engaging narrative.