The Scene That Changed Sans | An Undertale Video Essay

Summary

This video essay delves into the complexity of Sans from *Undertale* and *Deltarune*, exploring his intelligence, tragic backstory, and role as both a protector and a figure of moral ambiguity. The analysis highlights key moments where Sans’s awareness of the player's actions reveals a deeper understanding of the timeline mechanics. It also examines his struggle with broken promises and the emotional scars that shape his worldview. Using music and subtle character moments, the video uncovers the layered nature of Sans, emphasizing his growth and the mystery surrounding his past, while speculating on his future in *Deltarune*.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sans’s character flaw of being unable to fully keep promises fits his role in the story, emphasizing his reluctance to trust others but still offering hope.
• 😀 Sans is aware of the player’s manipulation of the timeline, making him a meta-aware character who can sense when you have died previously, hinting at his intelligence and suspicion.
• 😀 The moment where Sans questions whether you’ve died before marks a key turning point in the story, showing that he’s starting to catch on to the player’s actions.
• 😀 The death threat Sans gives is less about actually killing the player and more about warning them against abusing the timeline manipulation, showcasing his awareness of the game's mechanics.
• 😀 Despite his cautious nature, Sans shows genuine kindness and care towards the player, even though he’s always skeptical of their motives and unsure of their true intentions.
• 😀 The track 'It’s Raining Somewhere Else' is deeply symbolic, blending melancholy with hope, reflecting both Sans’s tragic past and the possibility of a better future.
• 😀 The track is a slowed-down jazz version of Sans’s original theme, transforming it from a playful tune into a somber, nostalgic melody that reflects the deeper emotional layers of his character.
• 😀 The concept of rain in the track can be interpreted as representing past tragedy or freedom that the monsters in the Underground cannot reach, adding a layer of mystery to Sans’s backstory.
• 😀 Sans’s humor and his broken worldview, shaped by personal tragedy, are integral to understanding his behavior in the game, where he balances optimism and deep-seated grief.
• 😀 In the final moments, Sans is portrayed as a figure who, despite his past, still believes in the player’s potential, highlighting his internal growth and acceptance of hope for the future.

Q & A

What is the significance of Sans's inconsistent promise in *Undertale*?

Sans's inconsistent promise reflects his internal struggle and character flaws. Although he promises to protect the player, his inability to fully commit to this due to his past experiences highlights his doubt and emotional baggage, making it a key part of his character development.

How does Sans’s dinner date interaction foreshadow his awareness of the player’s powers?

During the dinner date, Sans makes a casual remark about being a 'good protector' and noticing the player's expression. This is the first hint that he is aware of the player's ability to die and reset, signaling his growing suspicion of the player's true nature, which later becomes significant in the Geno route.

Why is the line 'Am I wrong?' important in understanding Sans's character?

The line 'Am I wrong?' is crucial because it shows that Sans is no longer naively trusting the player. By asking this question, he subtly acknowledges that he is beginning to suspect the player’s power and true intentions, marking a turning point in their relationship.

What role does the track 'It’s Raining Somewhere Else' play in the narrative?

'It’s Raining Somewhere Else' serves as a haunting, melancholic version of Sans’s theme. It symbolically represents his unresolved past and the emotional weight he carries, with the rain either reflecting a tragedy from the past or foreshadowing future events, such as an apocalypse or personal loss.

How does the rain in the track 'It’s Raining Somewhere Else' connect to Sans’s character arc?

The rain in the track is symbolic of tragedy or loss. Since it can't physically rain in the Underground, it signifies events outside Sans’s control or from a past he cannot escape. It represents his struggle with the weight of history while trying to live in the moment and hope for a better future.

Why is Sans's ability to detect the player's death significant?

Sans's ability to detect the player's death is a key turning point in the narrative, as it marks his growing awareness of the player's true nature. This moment foreshadows his role in monitoring the player’s actions, particularly in the Geno route, where he becomes more cautious and wary of the player.

What does the analysis suggest about Sans's role as a protector?

The analysis portrays Sans as a conflicted protector—he genuinely wants to help the player but is unable to fully trust them. His protective nature is complicated by his awareness of the player's power, which leads him to question whether he can continue to offer that protection without risking harm.

How does the character development of Sans differ in *Undertale* and *Deltarune*?

In *Undertale*, Sans is portrayed as a jaded character trying to shield others from the harsh realities of the world, whereas in *Deltarune*, his role is more of a background figure, but his awareness of the player’s power hints at his continued monitoring and cautious optimism regarding their actions.

What does the title 'It’s Raining Somewhere Else' suggest about the themes of the game?

The title hints at themes of distance, loss, and the passage of time. It suggests that the rain, and by extension the tragedy or event it represents, is happening elsewhere—possibly in another timeline or a world outside the Underground—emphasizing the sense of something that can't be directly changed or stopped.

What does the essay mean when it says 'Sans loses his mystique'?

This refers to the moment when the player’s true nature is revealed to Sans. After he begins to suspect the player’s power, he is no longer just a goofy, carefree character but someone who is aware and cautious, losing some of the mystique and innocence that players once saw in him.