Toby Fox's sophomore release, Deltarune, has already proved to be a massively popular and engaging RPG among fans. However, there is a lot of mystery surrounding every part of it - not least of all its protagonist, Kris Dreemurr.
The Worst-Selling Console From Each Generation That Deserve More Love
With so many little details scattered throughout the game's chapters, it can be difficult to ascertain who the sullen, quiet Kris really is. Here are ten of the most relevant details found thus far, which may be able to help paint a fuller picture of Deltarune's silent protagonist.
They're Canonically Nonbinary
Some fans still mistakenly refer to Kris using the wrong pronouns. In the game, Kris is constantly referred to with they/them pronouns, and Toby Fox himself confirmed that Kris is canonically nonbinary.
This is a refreshing change of pace for a mainstream RPG title, especially considering Kris' identity is never challenged throughout the game. Every character accepts and respects their pronouns, which has made them a popular Deltarune character to cosplay among LGBTQ+ fans of the series.
They Separate From Us
Most games don't call into question the dissonance between player and protagonist, but that dissonance is made front and center in Deltarune. There are multiple instances where Kris' agency as their own being is called into question, from the faces they make at other players, to the strained way they may say things they wouldn't ordinarily say.
Infamously, at the end of each chapter, Kris will remove their heart, which prevents the player from controlling them. They will then act on their own accord, doing what they'd rather do - namely stealing homemade pies and slashing tires.
Their Thoughts On Ralsei Tea
Although Ralsei has thus far been framed as a sweet, cuddly companion to the Lightners, Kris doesn't seem to have a high opinion of him. In Chapter 2, the player can buy "person-inspired" teas from a specific vendor, and one such tea is a "Ralsei Tea."
Each tea heals based on the selected character's relationship with the selected tea. For instance, Noelle has a crush on Susie, so drinking Susie Tea will heal her completely. Conversely, Kris gets the least amount of HP from Ralsei, which seems to betray a hidden disdain or apathy for the Darkner that we as players can't otherwise explore further.
They're Especially Fond Of Susie
Conversely, there is quite a bit of evidence to suggest that Susie is Kris' absolute favorite person during the events of Deltarune. Regarding the tea, Susie Tea will heal Kris the most.
But even aside from that, Kris is very enthusiastic about their friendship with Susie. They will act on their own accord to defend her from King, and when asked who they'd rather go to the carnival with, Kris' most natural response will be "Susie." This makes it clear that she's the best Deltarune companion to Kris.
They're A Speedrun Enthusiast
When Queen kidnaps the crew, she sticks them in rooms that she designed just for them, based on their internet search histories. If the player has Kris investigate their various decorations, they will learn that Kris is something of a speedrun fanatic.
Apparently, Kris has looked up speedrun stats and tips for various different games, which shows just how dedicated to the grind they are.
They're A Professional Clown
The townsfolk all seem to have clashing opinions of Kris, ranging from quiet and nice, to just plain creepy. But it seems that everyone can agree that Kris is a notorious prankster, especially when it comes to Noelle.
From tomato-blood pranks, to jumping out and scaring people, Kris has always been somewhat of a troublemaker in the town, which makes some of the player's more comedic Deltarune decisions stand out less (such as zapping Noelle during a lightning puzzle). They've even pranked their poor mother Toriel, as evidenced when she asks them if they put a fire-cracker in the toilet again.
They're A Decent Pianist
The church in town seems to be of great significance to the monsters, and some will comment on how Kris used to play piano there, instead of singing with their brother Asriel. As it turns out, Kris is something of a talented pianist.
Unfortunately, their playing is hampered by the player's control. If they try to play the piano in the hospital waiting room, the receptionist monster will comment that they don't sound as good as they usually do. Hopefully, player and protagonist will come to an understanding over this in later chapters!
They Have A Sweet Tooth
There are multiple references to Kris' penchant for sweets in Hometown. At QC's Diner, the server will comment on how Asriel used to order them hot cocoa all the time. And if Kris explores their fridge, they'll note how much chocolate is available at all times.
This is somewhat concerning, as it's a connection between them and Chara, a hidden antagonist in Undertale, who worked behind the scenes in the "genocide route." But maybe, just maybe, Kris is just a normal kid with a love for sweets and a commitment to them at all times.
They're The Sole Human In Their Hometown
In many ways, Kris is an outcast in Hometown. But the most significant way is that they are the only human being in a town otherwise made up entirely of monsters.
This seems to be Kris' biggest insecurity, as they have made more attempts to fit in with their family than to try and act more "normal." For instance, they have a pair of fake horns, and their internet search history suggests an attempt to learn magic - a natural talent of the Dreemurr family. Thankfully, they are deeply loved by their family, and have been given no reason to think otherwise.
They're The First Save
Many players might miss the fact that their first save is, in fact, an overwrite of a pre-existing save. And that save is under the name "Kris." This only happens during the player's first run of the game, and never appears again.
The implications here are quite unnerving, as they might suggest that Kris loses their willpower as soon as the player starts playing the game. The ways in which this might resurface in later chapters might ultimately result in a confrontation between Kris and the player, which will be interesting, to say the least.