Is Kris Canonically Non-Binary?
In the popular video game franchise Deltarune, created by Toby Fox, the character Kris has sparked controversy and debate among fans about their gender identity. In this article, we’ll delve into the available information and explore whether Kris is indeed canonically non-binary.
What does "canonically non-binary" mean?
Before we dive into the discussion about Kris, let’s define what "canonically non-binary" means. In the context of Deltarune, a canonically non-binary character is one whose gender identity is explicitly established by the game’s creators, Toby Fox, through the game’s story, dialogue, and visuals.
Kris’s Character Introduction
Kris is the protagonist of the first chapter of Deltarune. During the character creation process, players are presented with the option to choose Kris’s pronouns, with the option to select "they/them" or "he/him/she/her". This initial encounter with Kris sets the tone for their character and may lead some fans to assume that Kris is non-binary.
Characteristics that Support Kris as Non-Binary
Several traits and behaviors exhibited by Kris may be interpreted as evidence of their non-binary gender identity:
• Using They/Them Pronouns: As mentioned earlier, Kris allows players to choose "they/them" as their pronouns during character creation, indicating that they are comfortable with the gender-neutral language.
• Non-Gendered Appearance: Kris’s character design, especially their attire, lacks distinctively male or female features, which might contribute to an androgynous appearance.
• Confusion and Rejection of Gender Roles: Kris’s dialogue and interactions with other characters reveal their confusion and discomfort with traditional gender roles. For instance, in one scene, Susie refers to Kris as "onii-chan" (a term of affection for an older sibling), which Kris misinterprets as a gendered title, illustrating their struggles with gender categories.
• Independence and Self-Determination: Throughout the game, Kris makes decisions that defy gender stereotypes and assert their independence, indicating a sense of self-determination that may be associated with non-binary individuals.
Characteristics that Do Not Explicitly Confirm Kris as Non-Binary
While these traits could be interpreted as supporting Kris’s non-binary gender identity, there are also aspects of the character that do not explicitly confirm or contradict it:
• Lack of Public Statements by Toby Fox: As the game’s creator, Toby Fox has not publicly addressed Kris’s gender identity, leaving interpretation to fans and fansites.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics of Deltarune, including Kris’s abilities and equipment, do not inherently rely on a specific gender identity.
• Other Non-Binary Characters in the Series: Deltarune’s sequel, Chapter 2, features a character named Ralsei, who is explicitly stated to be non-binary in an interview by Toby Fox. This could raise questions about the potential implications for Kris’s gender identity, but does not provide explicit confirmation.
Conclusion
While there are valid arguments for and against Kris being canonically non-binary, it is essential to recognize that the game’s narrative and characters are open to interpretation. The availability of they/them pronouns for Kris and the character’s androgynous appearance and behavior may lead some to believe that Kris is non-binary, but without explicit confirmation from the creator, this remains a topic of ongoing debate among fans.
What Do You Think?
Share your thoughts about Kris’s gender identity in the comments section below. Do you believe Kris is canonically non-binary, or do you think their gender identity remains ambiguous?