Why is Papyrus Not in Deltarune?
Papyrus, the lovable, hapless skeleton from the cult classic game Undertale, has been absent from Deltarune, Toby Fox’s latest and seemingly spiritual successor. Given Papyrus’s significant presence in Undertale, it is natural to wonder where he is in Deltarune. In this article, we will dive into the reasons behind his absence and explore the context of his character in Deltarune.
Possible Reasons for Papyrus’ Absence
At present, there are two possible reasons for Papyrus’ absence in Deltarune:
• Deltarune Takes Place in a Different Dimension or Timeline: Deltarune is set in a different dimension or timeline from Undertale. According to Toby Fox himself, Deltarune is not a direct continuation of Undertale and operates in a separate space (Source: Toby Fox Interview). This could indicate that Papyrus, a significant character in Undertale, may not exist or has not been transported to the Deltarune world.
• Focus on New Characters and Stories: Deltarune seems to be focused on telling new stories and featuring new characters. While Sans, another beloved character, makes an appearance, Papyrus’ omission can be attributed to a deliberate choice to explore other stories and characters in this game.
Context for Papyrus’ Character
Although Papyrus is absent in Deltarune, his character still finds resonance in the game’s lore and themes.
- Papyrus and the Concept of Hope and Rebirth: Papyrus represents the concept of hope and rebirth in Undertale. His storyline focuses on his desire to learn more about humans and gain the ability to be loved, despite being a skeleton. This theme is subtly carried over in Deltarune, where Ralsei’s story centers around the concept of human relationships and the power of self-sacrifice (H2: Ralsei’s Storyline). The absence of Papyrus underscores the idea that growth, hope, and new experiences can come from engaging with new characters and exploring unfamiliar worlds.
Did the Developers Intentionally Avoid Papyrus?
- Toby Fox: "I wanted to show that Sans is independent…": In an interview, Toby Fox mentioned, "I wanted to show that Sans is independent of Papyrus, who has become a part of many people’s hearts." He aims to demonstrate that Sans’ character can stand alone without relying on Papyrus, emphasizing the importance of this character’s development and backstory (Source: Toby Fox Interview).
Key Points to Remember
Before Deltarune:
- Papyrus dies multiple times in the original game.
- Sans is left mourning and searching for Papyrus’ remains.
What would happen if Papyrus existed in Deltarune?
- A potential retread on themes and storylines previously explored.
- The risk of alienating new players unfamiliar with Papyrus’ character development in Undertale.
- An emphasis on Papyrus’ ongoing journey, potentially overshadowing Ralsei’s unique narrative.
Final Thoughts
Papyrus’ absence in Deltarune is a deliberate design choice, allowing the story and characters to evolve naturally while maintaining the spirit of the original game.
By exploring new characters, world, and themes in Deltarune, Toby Fox maintains his creative freedom and challenges player expectations. Additionally, the absence of Papyrus highlights the significance of exploring new experiences and discovering personal growth, emphasizing Deltarune’s commitment to its own unique storyline.