Papyrus

Papyrus is one of the most memorable and beloved characters in Undertale, the indie RPG developed by Toby Fox in 2015. As a tall, thin skeleton who dreams of joining the elite Royal Guard, Papyrus is the younger brother of Sans and stands out with his dramatic personality, endearing optimism, and unshakable confidence. Despite being a “boss” character whom the player must confront in Snowdin, Papyrus defies expectations by being more of a lovable goofball than a real threat. His over-the-top dialogue, written entirely in uppercase and often in the Papyrus font, adds to his charm and comedic appeal.

Papyrus is notable for how he subverts traditional RPG tropes. While he initially acts like an opponent, setting up childish puzzles and insisting that the player must be captured, it quickly becomes clear that he doesn’t actually want to hurt anyone. His “fights” are more of a performance than a battle. Players can spare him easily, and if they do, they are rewarded with one of the most heartwarming friendships in the game. Papyrus invites the player over for a spaghetti dinner and even offers dating advice, revealing his awkward but genuine attempts at connection.

What makes Papyrus special is his unwavering belief in himself and others. Unlike many characters who become cynical or jaded, Papyrus approaches life with enthusiasm and sincerity. Even if he’s naïve, he remains kind-hearted, forgiving, and hopeful. In the game’s “Genocide Route,” he’s one of the few characters who still tries to believe in the player’s goodness, even when everyone else has lost hope — making his fate in that route one of the most heartbreaking.

Papyrus represents a core theme of Undertale: that kindness and mercy matter. His character, while funny and lighthearted, offers players the chance to reflect on how we treat others — even in games. He may be a skeleton made of jokes and spaghetti, but he’s also a symbol of hope and positivity in a world that can often seem dark.