Papyrus And Selective Personalities: Every Example Of It So Far

Papyrus And Selective Personalities: Every Example Of It So Far

An often overlooked character trait of Papyrus is selective personalities. What are selective personalities? 

By selective personalities I essentially mean that Papyrus changes the way he acts around certain people, specifically his brother.

Now why this is could be lots of different reasons, however im not interested in discussing the specific intricacies of why he does it, but rather when he does it. So without further a do, i present to you, every example of Papyrus and his selective personalities!

What They’re Going To Do To Us

When with Sans Papyrus says that he doesn’t know whats going to happen after we’re captured.

However despite this when he’s away from Sans he shows a clear understanding of what will happen to us.

Ice Cream Or Snow?

During one of the phone calls in which both Papyrus and Sans are present Papyrus seems to confuse ice cream and snow. 

When Papyrus is by himself though he shows to be perfectly capable of knowing what snow is. 

Papyrus also is shown to know about ice-cream and considers it separate from snow. 

Hotland Emotional Aura, Is It Negative Or Positive?

Papyrus claims to love Hotland in regards to MTT.

This doesn’t add up though, as he directly states later on that he dislikes Hotland. 

That Giant Ball

At first glance it seems as if Papyrus doesn’t know what the sun is as he doesn’t seem to recognize it when with the gang.

However when alone he shows a pretty clear understanding of the sun and wind.

This doesn’t seem to just be Papyrus knowing about the sun but not what it looks like either, since he knows that it shines on your skin, and he also knows about the moon, which no other monsters really comment on.

Has His Bro REALLY Never Seen A Human?

Sans claims that Papyrus has never met a human, this is also backed up by Papyrus not recognizing Frisk as one when meeting them with Sans.

Despite this Papyrus clearly understands human anatomy and culture.

His knowledge of the surface world (seen in the previous entry) further support the idea that he knows about humans as well. 

Labradory…?

When calling Papyrus (while Sans is present) in front of Alphys’ lab you’ll get some dialogue that suggests that Papyrus doesn’t know what a lab is.

After Sans leaves though you are able to get this dialogue inside the lab.

Papyrus clearly knows what a lab is here, as he mentions it by name and knows it involves science. 

Puzzles

When dealing with Sans and Papyrus’ japes Papyrus treats his puzzles as if they’re the best around.

When his brother isn’t around he shows a strong sense of self-awareness in this regard though. He calls his own previous puzzles “awful”.

We know he means this too since he has a book on “advanced puzzle construction for critical minds” and critiques and offers professional advice on everyone else’s puzzles through out the game.

Grease Hell

Normally Papyrus rants about his dislike for Grillby’s.

However there’s an exception, Undyne will begin to state her fondness for the place, and Papyrus lies and goes along with it.

Papyrus, What’s Your Favorite Food?

During the Undertale Q&A when with Sans Papyrus claims that he doesn’t know his own favorite food.

This seems to be something he clearly shares with his close friends though as Flowey (his best friend) not only knows this but wonders why “no one else knows the answer to this stupid question”.

Off On A Vacation…

During the King Papyrus ending Papyrus and Sans will talk to you about how the underground has been. With Sans present Papyrus claims that they’re all just on vacation.

However when alone he specifically asks us not to tell Sans what he’s about to say.

He then goes on to express remorse over the death of his beloved friends.

Going On A Vacation

Papyrus and Undyne talk about going on a vacation together.

However Papyrus pretty instanly switches up afterwards and says that he would never go on a vacation for any reason.

Fl..who..ry?

Papyrus and Undyne talk about Papyrus’ “flower friend” and when asked about him Papyrus says this.

However he clearly hesitates and lies here. He confirms this afterwards too. 

We know Papyrus knows Floweys name too because he started the “Flowey Fan Club”.

Closing Thoughts

This post wasn’t necessarily meant to be an in-depth analyzation like my previous one (and future ones in the works) it’s more so supposed to list and acknowledge the existence of Papyrus and his lying/selective personalities as I often bring it up with people not really knowing what I’m talking about. It’s unfortunate that this side of Papyrus isnt explored however, as it’s a very interesting trait and one that deserves more analyzing. I hope that the main take away from this post is that Papyrus is one of, if not, the most in-depth character in Undertale, and I beg you to PLEASE not water him down or prevent yourself from looking into his lore. With that said, always remember, Papyrus knows.