Introduction
Is Undertale‘s world truly black and white, or are Frisk and Chara reflections of the player’s choices, forever intertwined in a dance of consequence? Undertale, the critically acclaimed indie RPG, captured hearts worldwide with its unique blend of humor, heart, and challenging moral dilemmas. At the center of this captivating narrative are two enigmatic figures: Frisk, the silent protagonist who falls into the Underground, and Chara, the ghost of the past whose presence looms large over the game’s most impactful moments. The common fan interpretation of Frisk as an innocent “anime Frisk girl” contrasts sharply with the often demonized portrayal of Chara Dreemurr, painting a picture of clear-cut good versus evil. However, a closer examination reveals a much more nuanced narrative, forcing us to question our assumptions and consider the complex interplay between player agency, character development, and the true nature of moral responsibility. This article will delve deep into the characters of Frisk and Chara, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and the impact they have on the Undertale universe, challenging the simplistic notion of one being inherently good and the other inherently evil. We will uncover how these figures are intrinsically linked to the choices of the player, showcasing the moral complexity embedded within the game’s design.
Who is Frisk?
Frisk arrives in the Underground after falling into it, a child of ambiguous gender, presented with a striped shirt, short brown hair, and a stoic expression. In the game, Frisk’s appearance is rather minimalistic, consisting mostly of a simple sprite, lending themselves to interpretation. This interpretation is very often one that takes on the visual cues of Japanese anime and manga. The “anime Frisk girl” portrayal typically depicts Frisk as a young girl with large, expressive eyes, often emphasizing her supposed innocence and vulnerability. This image has become incredibly popular in fan art and cosplay, cementing itself as a dominant visual representation of the character.
Personality-wise, Frisk exists primarily as a silent protagonist, their actions and dialogue dictated entirely by the player. This lack of an explicit personality allows players to project their own values and intentions onto Frisk, further blurring the lines between player and character. Whether opting for mercy or violence, pacifism or genocide, Frisk becomes a conduit for the player’s decisions, their in-game behavior mirroring the choices made beyond the screen.
Frisk’s role within the story is to navigate the monster-filled world beneath Mount Ebott, interacting with the diverse cast of characters and ultimately determining the fate of the Underground. The journey presents a series of moral choices, each with profound consequences. Choosing to befriend the monsters and resolve conflicts peacefully leads to the Pacifist ending, where Frisk helps to break the barrier and bring harmony between humans and monsters. Conversely, embracing violence and systematically eliminating every monster results in the Genocide route, a path marked by destruction and despair.
Often viewed as a blank slate, Frisk’s character is more accurately described as a vessel, waiting to be filled by the player’s will. They are the embodiment of agency, their actions solely dependent on the player’s commands. Examining Frisk’s behavior across different playthroughs reveals the extent of this dependency. In the Pacifist route, Frisk displays kindness, compassion, and a willingness to understand and forgive. In the Neutral routes, Frisk demonstrates a range of behaviors depending on player choices, sometimes showing mercy and other times resorting to violence. The Genocide route, however, presents a stark contrast. Here, Frisk appears to be devoid of emotion, acting as a tool for the player’s destructive desires, raising the question of whether Frisk truly transforms or if they simply reflect the darkness lurking within the player.
Who is Chara Dreemurr?
Chara Dreemurr’s story begins long before Frisk’s fall into the Underground. Asriel recounts that they climbed Mt. Ebott with unhappy circumstances, and was then taken in by Toriel and Asgore, becoming a beloved member of the Dreemurr family. The details surrounding their past are intentionally vague, fueling much speculation and debate within the Undertale community.
Piecing together the narrative clues, Chara’s implied personality is one of complexity. Dialogue hints at a deep-seated resentment towards humanity, possibly stemming from a past filled with hardship and trauma. It is mentioned that Chara climbed the mountain with the sole purpose of never coming back. This is why many fans believe Chara to be the game’s villain. However, there are also moments of genuine affection and care for their adoptive family, particularly Asriel. This is evident in their plan to free the monsters by absorbing Asriel’s soul and crossing the barrier. However, Chara wanted to use their power to kill all humans, which Asriel refused to allow, resulting in the events that ultimately led to their demise.
Chara’s presence is most pronounced in the Genocide route. Having seemingly been awakened by the player’s destructive actions, Chara emerges as a guiding force, urging the player to continue their path of extermination. As the player relentlessly slaughters every monster in the Underground, Chara’s influence grows stronger, their dialogue becoming increasingly assertive and their control over Frisk’s actions more apparent.
Understanding Chara’s perspective requires a willingness to look beyond the surface and consider the possible motivations behind their actions. While the Genocide route paints them as a purely malevolent entity, some argue that their behavior is a consequence of the player’s choices. In this interpretation, Chara is not inherently evil but rather a reflection of the darkness unleashed by the player’s relentless pursuit of violence. They become a manifestation of the player’s bloodlust, their actions driven by the desire to fulfill the player’s destructive fantasies.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Chara’s character is their relationship with the player. Many believe that Chara is not simply a character within the game but rather an entity that is aware of the player’s presence. Dialogue in the Genocide route often breaks the fourth wall, with Chara directly addressing the player, commenting on their actions, and even thanking them for their guidance. This direct connection blurs the lines between player and character, forcing us to confront our own role in shaping the narrative and determining the fate of the Undertale world.
Comparing and Contrasting Frisk and Chara
While seemingly distinct, Frisk and Chara share certain similarities. Both possess a strong will, shown in their ability to shape the narrative. More prominently, both Frisk and Chara have a unique relationship with the player, acting as vessels through which their influence can be exerted.
The differences between them are stark. Frisk enters the Underground with no clear past or predetermined agenda. Frisk is driven by the player’s choices, while Chara’s personality already has prior context as a character in the world of Undertale.
The player’s influence is the decisive factor that sets Frisk and Chara apart. Frisk’s actions are dictated by the player throughout all routes, while Chara takes over in the Genocide route. The two characters are not defined by inherent goodness or wickedness.
The “Anime Frisk Girl” Interpretation and Its Implications
The prevalence of the “anime Frisk girl” interpretation within the Undertale fandom has significant implications for how we perceive Frisk as a character. Its origin can be traced to fan art and cosplay. This stylized portrayal often emphasizes Frisk’s youth and innocence, softening their features and exaggerating their eyes to create an image of childlike purity.
This “anime Frisk girl” image can influence our perception of Frisk by reinforcing the idea that they are inherently good. It makes it easier to view them as a victim, manipulated by the player or corrupted by Chara. It also creates a stark contrast with the often unsettling depictions of Chara, solidifying the narrative of Frisk as the innocent protagonist and Chara as the malevolent antagonist.
However, the “anime Frisk girl” trope is not without its critics. Some argue that it simplifies Frisk’s character, reducing them to a one-dimensional representation of innocence. It neglects their ambiguous nature and the potential for darkness that exists within them, particularly in the Genocide route. Furthermore, it can be argued that the “anime Frisk girl” image contradicts the themes of player agency and moral responsibility that are central to Undertale. By portraying Frisk as inherently innocent, it absolves the player of responsibility for their actions, shifting the blame onto Chara or external forces.
The image of “anime Frisk girl” can be argued to enhance the characters, making them more relatable to audiences unfamiliar with the game. However, it remains to be seen if they truly encapsulate Frisk’s ambiguous nature.
Conclusion
Frisk and Chara are two of Undertale‘s most enduring and enigmatic characters, their actions and personalities shaped by the player’s choices and the complex moral landscape of the Underground. While the simplistic narrative of Frisk as the hero and Chara as the villain is tempting, a deeper examination reveals a more nuanced reality. Both characters are reflections of the player, their actions mirroring the decisions made beyond the screen.
Undertale‘s enduring message lies in its exploration of responsibility and the consequences of our actions. It challenges us to confront our own moral compass and to consider the impact our choices have on the world around us. It forces us to ask ourselves: Are we truly in control, or are we merely puppets dancing to the tune of our own desires?
The world of Undertale and the characters of Frisk and Chara invite further exploration of complex themes, such as moral ambiguity, the nature of choice, and player agency, for years to come.
