Embracing Kris's Masculinity: The Importance of Gender Representation and Narrative Integrity

Embracing Kris's Masculinity: The Importance of Gender Representation and Narrative Integrity in Deltarune or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love He/Him Kris

Inroduction:

Throughout human history, mankind has used storytelling to enhance our understanding of the world and ourselves, as we gather to share tales that shape our experiences. The stories that resonate more deeply are the ones that endure the most. After all, story remains the primary medium for human cognition and understanding, and a primary way to understand ourselves. In the realm of video games, compelling narratives and well-developed characters can whisk us away on grand adventures, creating immersive and engaging experiences. Deltarune, a beloved game that has captured our hearts with its interesting storytelling, not only holds a special place in our hearts but also presents an opportunity for growth. I'd like to start a friendly conversation about exploring the hidden importance of addressing Kris's gender, delving into its impact on narrative consistency, character development, and the connection between players and their in-game experience.

Part 1:

If we turn our attention to Kris, our enigmatic hero, we find several instances that strongly suggest he is male. One such clue lies in the dynamic between Kris and his brother Asriel, who share a room, suggesting they might both be of the male persuasion. It's indeed typical for two adolescent brothers to share a room during their formative years, but a mixed-gender sibling duo sharing quarters would be quite unusual. Thus, this room-sharing arrangement serves as a compelling hint at the masculinity of both Kris and his brother Asriel.

Furthermore, the manner in which our beloved townsfolk interact with Kris in the game lends support to this interpretation. Female characters in the town treat Kris as one of the guys, while stalwart gentlemen like Rudy and Asgore engage in banter with Kris, the kind that would befit two lads but feel amiss if Kris were female. Consider the insatiable Berdly, ever-ready to charm female gamers, yet curiously refraining from directing his affections toward Kris – a behavior that further indicates Kris is perceived as male within the game's world.

Thematically, let us not forget the rich tapestry woven by the parallel relationships of Kris and Asriel as brothers, and Noelle and Dess as sisters in the narrative of Deltarune. This elegant symmetry highlights the theme of sibling dynamics and kinship, providing a deeper exploration of the characters' interpersonal bonds and relationships with each other.

It's also worth noting the striking resemblance between Kris's design and the male protagonist of Brandish – a subtle nod that adds weight to the argument that Kris is intended to be male.

In light of these observations among others, it becomes apparent that embracing Kris's male identity would be more consistent with the game's narrative and the interactions between characters than presenting him as genderless would. By acknowledging and addressing this aspect of Kris's identity, his character can gain no depths of definition, and the storytelling and character development can be enhanced, drawing players further into the captivating world we've come to adore.

Part 2:

A key component of many successful and enchanting video games, especially those with a narrative focus, lies in the player's ability to connect with the characters and immerse themselves in the story, which Deltarune accomplishes. However, by presenting Kris as male and aligning his pronouns with his biological sex, Deltarune can further nourish the connection and immersion for players who journey through its realm with our beloved protagonist.

First and foremost, accurately representing Kris's character allows players to delve deeper into his motivations, experiences, and relationships within the game world. This understanding, in turn, paves the way for players to better relate to Kris as a human character, despite the fantastical setting of Deltarune. By acknowledging and embracing Kris's male identity, we can foster a more genuine connection between the players and the protagonist, allowing them to become one with the story.

Neglecting Kris's inherent gender has the unintended consequence of dehumanizing his character, which detracts from his significance as the game's protagonist and dilutes the intended impact of his story. The choice to use they/them pronouns for Kris extends beyond language and narrative consistency, as it inadvertently influences the player's perception of Kris in an artificial manner, encouraging us to view him through an inhuman lens.

Selecting pronouns that do not align with Kris's biological sex introduces unnecessary confusion and detracts from the central theme of Deltarune: that Kris is a distinct individual with his own life, rather than a blank slate for the player to project onto. Moreover, in several instances, it unfortunately leads to stilted and jarring dialogue that lacks narrative flow. By revisiting this aspect of Kris's portrayal, the strength and sharpness of the narrative can be preserved while fostering a more defined and well-written experience for players.

While the unspecified gender approach may have suited Undertale, given its unique context, it doesn't quite achieve the same effect in Deltarune. It's important to remember that players can form deep connections with characters regardless of their own gender. Throughout the history of storytelling, we have witnessed people forging bonds with characters of different genders, cultures, and backgrounds. Empathy, that most human of emotions, transcends these differences and allows us to connect with characters on a fundamental human level. By acknowledging and emphasizing Kris's male identity, a richer, more engaging narrative that resonates with players from all walks of life can be crafted.

To sum it up, addressing Kris's gender in a coherent and consistent manner can significantly enhance player connection and immersion in Deltarune. By ensuring that Kris is presented as a gendered human within the narrative, the game can offer a more relatable and engaging story, ultimately enriching the overall quality and player experience for all who venture into this world.

Part 3:

Binary gender holds a significant role in storytelling, as it constitutes a fundamental aspect of human perception, influencing the intricacies of personality and cultural contexts. By incorporating and embracing binary gender in character development and narrative structure, Deltarune can craft a richer, more engaging story that resonates with players on a profound level.

The influence of binary gender in storytelling becomes evident in the way it helps shape characters and their relationships with one another. In Deltarune, the sibling dynamics between Kris and Asriel gain depth from their shared male identity. Presenting Kris as male allows the story to examine universal themes of brotherhood, rivalry, and camaraderie that would be obscured if Kris remains a they/them entity. Accentuating their shared male identity offers an opportunity to explore their bond more deeply, resulting in a more relatable and engaging story for players.

Binary gender also contributes to the distinctiveness of other characters in the game. For instance, Susie and Ralsei are more impactful characters due to their clear gender identities—Susie being female and Ralsei male. By giving Kris a defined gender, he can more easily be contrasted with these characters and interact with them in a more meaningful way. This contrast enables more nuanced character development and a more intricate narrative.

In addition to enhancing character development, binary gender plays a role in maintaining narrative consistency and coherence. By employing gender-specific pronouns that align with Kris's biological sex, the game can create a more consistent and immersive experience for players. This approach reduces confusion and allows players to better connect with the characters and engage with the story. Furthermore, adhering to established norms of gender-specific pronoun usage helps the game avoid accusations of pandering to certain ideologies or agendas, instead focusing on delivering a coherent and immersive story.

The impact of binary gender in storytelling extends beyond Deltarune, as it's a fundamental aspect of the human experience that informs our understanding of the world around us. By recognizing the importance of binary gender in storytelling, Deltarune can provide a more engaging and immersive experience for players, allowing them to better connect with the characters and become invested in the story.

One example of how binary gender can enhance storytelling is the thematic parallel between Kris/Asriel and Noelle/Dess as two sets of siblings, each consisting of two brothers and two sisters. This parallel is far more effective thematically when the characters have defined genders, as it enables exploration of sibling relationships and the dynamics between brothers and sisters. By embracing binary gender in storytelling, Deltarune can create more compelling and relatable narratives that resonate with players on an emotional level.

Basically, acknowledging and utilizing binary gender in storytelling is crucial for crafting engaging narratives and well-rounded characters. By presenting Kris as male in Deltarune, the game can explore themes of brotherhood and sibling dynamics, as well as establish more meaningful contrasts between characters. Furthermore, adhering to binary gender in narrative structure and pronoun usage enhances consistency and coherence, ultimately offering a more immersive and enjoyable experience for players. By embracing the importance of binary gender in storytelling, Deltarune can reach its full potential and deliver a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

Conclusion:

By presenting Kris as male in Deltarune, the game can enhance its narrative integrity and coherence, improve player connection and immersion, and fully utilize the impact of binary gender in storytelling. Incorporating a defined gender for Kris not only aligns with in-game evidence but also allows for a more engaging and relatable narrative that resonates with players on a deeper level.

One of the central themes of Deltarune is the exploration of Kris as a distinct individual with his own life, rather than a blank slate for the player. By deliberately choosing pronouns that align with Kris's biological sex, the game can emphasize this theme, avoid confusion, and create a consistent narrative experience for players. Furthermore, addressing Kris as male would demonstrate a commitment to the integrity of the game's narrative and its characters, which is currently lacking. By deviating from this approach, the game opens itself up to criticism that it's pandering to certain ideologies or agendas, rather than staying true to its core story and character development.

I recognize that changing Kris's pronouns now might cause some backlash, but the focus should be on objective coherence and quality in narrative flow, wording, and characterization. Prioritizing narrative integrity over catering to specific ideologies will ultimately enhance the game's overall quality and improve player enjoyment. The backlash from changing it now may not be negligible, but the long-term benefits of creating a more coherent and immersive experience for players far outweigh the temporary negative attention.

It's essential not to pander to the nonconstructive, dismissive, and dogmatic behavior of some gender ideology proponents, as their approach can detract from the overall quality and enjoyment of the game. Some proponents of gender ideology seem more focused on validating their own beliefs by interpreting Kris as non-binary, rather than appreciating the intricacies of narrative flow, storytelling, and authentic characterization that make Kris a unique and captivating character in his own right. Consequently, their focus on affirming their ideology detracts from a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kris as a fully-developed character, limiting the potential for meaningful engagement with the game's narrative and themes.

The portrayal of sibling dynamics between Kris and Asriel is another vital aspect of the game that can be enriched by presenting Kris as male. Emphasizing their shared male identity allows the story to explore universal themes of brotherhood, competition, and camaraderie. This compelling narrative angle would be lost if Kris remains a they/them character. Amending the script and reinstating Kris's male identity would allow this masterpiece to truly shine.

By acknowledging the importance of binary gender in storytelling, Deltarune can create a more engaging and immersive experience for players, allowing them to better connect with the characters and become invested in the story. Players of all genders have enjoyed playing games with male protagonists, like Ocarina of Time as Link, even though he was a boy in canon. The argument that the character needs to be a genderless entity for players to relate to them ignores the long history of storytelling and assumes people inherently lack empathy. This detached and impersonal approach does not do justice to Kris's character, who is otherwise well-developed and endearing.

When you get right down to the nitty-gritty of it, presenting Kris as male could be crucial for enhancing the game's narrative integrity, coherence, and player connection. By addressing these issues, the game can create a more engaging and immersive experience for players, allowing them to better connect with the characters and engage with the story. It feels like it's the right time for Toby to go all in on prioritizing overall quality and player experience by reinstating Kris's male identity and embracing the impact of binary gender in storytelling. Doing so will allow this masterpiece to reach its full potential and deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.