Papyrus, one of the most iconic characters from Toby Fox’s Undertale, has cemented his place in gaming culture as a lovable and quirky
skeleton with big dreams. As the younger brother of Sans, Papyrus stands out with his strong sense of optimism, unwavering determination, and charming naivety, making him an unforgettable part of the Undertale world.
The Role of Papyrus in Undertale
Papyrus is introduced early in the game as an enthusiastic but somewhat misguided skeleton who aspires to become a member of the Royal Guard.
His main goal is to capture a human—specifically, the protagonist—so he can impress Undyne, the leader of the Royal Guard, and finally earn the recognition he believes he deserves.
Unlike other characters who may pursue this goal with malice, Papyrus’s approach is refreshingly innocent and almost comedic. He sets traps for the player, but they are often silly or ineffective, showcasing his lack of true menace.
Despite his ambition, it’s clear that Papyrus is not out to harm anyone. In fact, he shows genuine concern for the player, offering mercy even during battle.
His pacifist nature and kind heart add depth to his character, making him more than just comic relief. This duality—of being both ernest and humorous—is what has endeared him to fans around the world.
The Design and Personality of Papyrus
Papyrus is visually distinctive, with his tall, skeletal frame, a bright red scarf, and his confident stance. His dialogue is written entirely in uppercase letters, which Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, used to signify Papyrus’s loud and boisterous nature.
Papyrus is depicted as someone who is full of life (despite being a skeleton) and optimistic, always trying to be the best version of himself, even if his confidence exceeds his actual abilities.
He idolizes Undyne, the captain of the Royal Guard, and dreams of impressing her, but his kind nature often gets in the way of his ambitions.
His innocence is further reflected in his hobbies—Papyrus loves spaghetti and takes great pride in his (often poorly cooked) culinary creations.
The game even includes a memorable scene where Papyrus invites the player to a “date,” showcasing his awkward yet endearing personality as he tries to impress the protagonist with his cooking and charm.
The Famous Papyrus Battle
One of the most memorable moments in Undertale is the battle with Papyrus. True to his character, this fight is less about defeating the player and more about having fun. Papyrus’s attacks are relatively easy to dodge, and he even stops mid-battle to offer advice on how to avoid them.
If the player spares him enough times, Papyrus will express confusion, as he’s unsure how to deal with someone who refuses to fight back. Ultimately, he will spare the player, allowing the battle to end peacefully.
This battle encapsulates Papyrus’s character: he is ambitious but not ruthless, determined but not cruel. His willingness to spare the player, even after they’ve bested him in combat, highlights his compassionate nature. The battle is often cited as one of the most charming and humorous moments in the game.
Papyrus’s Relationship with Sans
Papyrus’s relationship with his older brother Sans adds another layer of complexity to his character. While Papyrus is the more energetic and driven of the two, Sans is laid-back and lazy, often shirking responsibilities in favor of taking naps or telling bad jokes.
Despite their differences, the bond between the two brothers is strong, and they care deeply for each other. This dynamic is a key part of what makes both characters so beloved by fans.
Sans often teases Papyrus for his enthusiasm and naivety, but it’s clear that he admires Papyrus’s determination. Their interactions, filled with humor and sibling rivalry, provide some of the game’s most heartwarming moments.
Even though Sans does little to help Papyrus achieve his dreams of joining the Royal Guard, he is always there to support him in his own laid-back way.
Papyrus’s Enduring Legacy in Fan Communities
Since Undertale’s release in 2015, Papyrus has become a standout figure in the game’s fanbase. His quirky personality and memorable lines have inspired countless fan art, animations, and memes. Fans often joke about Papyrus’s love of spaghetti or recreate his iconic battle in different art styles.
Toby Fox himself has acknowledged Papyrus’s popularity, with new merchandise and collaborations centered around the character being released as recently as 2024. For example, the upcoming Papyrus and Sans salt and pepper shaker set is set to launch in 2025.
These items, along with other Undertale-themed products, show that Papyrus remains a central figure in the game’s legacy and cultural impact.
Moreover, Papyrus continues to inspire new projects and fan games, with one notable update to a fan game in 2024 paying tribute to Papyrus’s belief in his abilities and his unwavering optimism.
This highlights how the character’s charm has transcended the original game and continues to influence creative projects in the gaming community.
FAQs
Q: Who is Papyrus in Undertale?
A: Papyrus is a major character in Undertale. He is a tall, energetic skeleton who dreams of joining the Royal Guard and capturing a human to earn respect and admiration. He is the younger brother of Sans and is known for his over-the-top confidence, quirky personality, and love for spaghetti.
Q: What are Papyrus’s main traits and personality?
A: Papyrus is characterized by his extreme enthusiasm, determination, and naivety. He is highly optimistic and has a strong desire to prove himself worthy of being a Royal Guard member. Despite his dreams, he is friendly and compassionate, always showing mercy to the player. His loud, confident personality is often reflected in his catchphrase, “NYEH HEH HEH!”
Q: What is Papyrus’s role in the game Undertale?
A: Papyrus’s role in Undertale is to serve as both a comedic figure and a pivotal character in the game’s narrative. He initially sets traps for the protagonist and challenges them to battle, hoping to capture them and join the Royal Guard. However, Papyrus’s encounters with the player are more lighthearted and humorous, reflecting his kind-hearted nature. He ultimately becomes a friend, regardless of whether the player fights or spares him.
Q: What is Papyrus’s relationship with Sans?
A: Papyrus and Sans are brothers, and their relationship is one of the most beloved dynamics in Undertale. Papyrus is the more energetic and goal-oriented sibling, while Sans is laid-back and lazy. Despite their differences, they share a deep bond. Sans often teases Papyrus, but it’s clear that he admires and cares for his younger brother. Papyrus, on the other hand, looks up to Sans, although he often tries to get him to be more serious.
Conclusion: Why Papyrus is Unforgettable
Papyrus’s enduring popularity can be attributed to his unique blend of humor, determination, and heart. His innocence and unwavering optimism make him a standout character in a game filled with complex personalities.
While he may not be the most skilled fighter, his compassion, determination, and quirky nature have left a lasting impression on players.
Whether it’s his love of spaghetti or his dream of joining the Royal Guard, Papyrus is a character who reminds us to never give up, no matter the odds.
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