Undertale has a long list of loveable characters who all play an important part in the game’s story. The iconic RPG from the creator, Toby Fox is held in high regard by die-hard fans. A large part of this is due to how the characters each have their own unique identities, but none stand out quite like the witty and aspirational Papyrus.
The flamboyant and kind-hearted skeleton is one of the most optimistic characters in Undertale. He’s faithful and aims to set the protagonist down the right path, as well as convincing other characters to befriend the protagonist. Not only is Papyrus a chef who cooks spaghetti, but he is also a character with plenty of interesting qualities.
10 He’s Inspired By Helvetica Webcomic
In 2011, a webcomic was released by J.N. Wiedle called Helvetica which featured skeletons speaking in Helvetica typeface. Toby Fox was inspired by the comic and as a parody, created both Sans and Papyrus. As a parody, both characters were named after their respected typeface and would use them as their dialogue in Undertale.
Wiedle is referenced in the credits after you finish the true pacifist run as a special inspiration to the game. Papyrus’ conception also came from the minds of Toby Fox and freelance illustrator, Temmie Chang who was the main artist for Undertale.
9 A Glitch Can Change His Font
Whilst Undertale is considered one of the best modern retro games, it does have a couple of glitches. One of these involves Papyrus and speaking without using his papyrus font. This takes place just before Papyrus forces Undyne to befriend you. The way to do this is as follows:
Before befriending Undyne, stand on either side of Papyrus and confirm the hangout, then speak to the mad dummy and walk up to Papyrus from behind. This will cause the glitch to occur, but will only last until Undyne answers their door.
8 Lots Of Early Changes Were Made
In the early development of the indie game, Papyrus was going to be called Times New Roman and was going to speak in that typeface instead. Despite being one of the nicest characters in the game, Papyrus was originally going to be a creep who had no redeeming qualities.
This was changed during the game’s development as Fox believed this character style didn’t suit the game. On top of this, Papyrus was supposed to wear a fedora hat which can be seen in the Undertale artbook.
7 He Has Unique Dialogue
Whilst every character has an asterisk next to their dialogue when talking, Papyrus is the only character without one. His dialogue is also shaky which gives the implication he is one of the main characters in the game.
Papyrus’ dialogue includes breaking the fourth wall throughout the game such as his fight where he tells you to press C on your keyboard to bring up your Dating HUD. He is one of the only characters in the game to use all capital letters when talking. The other exception of this is Mettaton.
6 There’s A Lot of Mystery About His Past
Besides being the character with the most dialogue and plenty of things to say about the things he loves, there is not much known about Papyrus’ past. As you play through Undertale, you will learn of character’s pasts before they came to Snowdin like Toriel. However, no detail is given to Papyrus on who he was before.
The only context that can be found is that he and his brother Sans showed up in Snowdin one day. With his hardworking nature and aspiration to make friends, Papyrus’s past character could be that of a lonely person.
5 Phone Calls With Papyrus Reveal Lots Of Different Information
One item you have on your person in Undertale is a phone and you can call certain characters. Calling Papyrus lets you learn different things about him which are quite hilarious.
You can find out that Papyrus has an imaginary store that sells flames, conveyor belts, and lasers are his least favorite nightmare and he has a disdain for anime despite never seeing it. Other phone calls will see Papyrus telling you he thinks skeletons are cuddly and that ghosts are spooky. Furthermore, Papyrus can’t remember Napstablook’s name and tries to guess it over the phone with Spooky Bloo Bloo being a name given.
4 He Breaks The Laws Of Physics
Throughout Undertale there are moments of Papyrus performing acrobatic stunts that basically defy the laws of physics. One of the most hilarious examples of this is in Undyne’s house. Here Papyrus exclaims he needs to use the bathroom and throws himself through a window and is seen spiraling off screen.
On a regular basis during the game, Papyrus can be seen flying around as he leaves the screen which no other character can do. Maybe he has some special boots.
3 He Can Manipulate His Own Stats
Papyrus can have control over how much damage is dealt which no other character can do. In the third Papyrus fight, he refuses to fight someone who misses his face and can stop the fight at will.
This comes down to the fact that Papyrus refuses to kill the human and can make his magic do as little damage as zero. His defense also raises during the spare phases of a fight and he can set his defense to match his HP and then times negative two. This means you will need the tough glove in order to not instantly kill Papyrus.
2 He’s A Contradictory Character
Despite stating he has contempt for his brother’s puns, Papyrus actually makes 14 puns throughout Undertale in comparison to Sans’s six.
Depending on which character he is talking to, Papyrus will give different answers. If Papyrus is called on his own at the MTT Resort, he will remark that he would never take a vacation for any reason. However, if the call is put through and Undyne is there, he says that the two of them should go away on a vacation together.
1 He’s One Of The Most Honorable Characters In The Game
Papyrus’ main aspiration in the game is to become a member of the Royal Guard. Part of the reason is that he is a lonely character and wants to be loved. He is persistent and stays outside Undyne’s house all night to try and convince her to let him become a guard and instead gets cooking lessons.
He is one of the bravest characters in the game, even when faced with his death. He believes greatly in others and especially in the protagonist, who he hopes can be set on the right path upon Papyrus’ death. His continued belief and kindness set him above many of the other characters, and as one of the most sincere video game characters in general.
NEXT: 10 Anti-RPGs For Fans Of Undertale
