replaying deltarune chapter 4 rn and mannn deltarune (and undertale, too) have SUCH a way with characters. it makes you care about the characters SO much. I love chapter 4 especially for the bits of kris characterization with the piano, from the small piano in the hospital that you uselessly plonk on to them using their time in noelle's house free of the soul to play the piano unbidden by the player's influence to the scene of them at the organ toward the end of the first sanctuary, to susie's encouragement, to kris biting their hand if you try to make them say they'll never play again. It paints a picture of something kris loved that they can't partake in as well now that the soul is inhabiting their body, but I think there's also an element of being unable to partake not for any physical reasons but due to trauma, as in they're obviously in a very dark and difficult time in their life when the game starts and it is only with the encouragement of a friend (and the infectious nature of susie's hope) that they play at the huge organ. idkkk it's something that I don't really see talked about but it always hits me really hard every time I play chapter 4, the idea of kris losing interest in their hobbies due to their trauma and only beginning to feel inspired again with the support of a friend so full of hope it could outshine the sun. the scene at the organ in the sanctuary is a moment of them regaining agency in their life, even if only briefly, as they play unbidden by player influence or whatever their deal with the knight is, and it's a step toward healing through finding support in their friends.
Like. okay the piano in the hospital, which you (the player) can make kris play. but they just plonk against the keys uselessly, and susie comments that they look pissed off about it. obviously the literal interpretation is that they can't play how they'd like due to the trespasser inhabiting their body, as much of what they do is not their choice nowadays. But when paired with everyone around kris talking about how they miss hearing kris play, it implies kris hasn't played in a while, longer than the soul has been inside them. the frustration about trying to play and not being able to could be seen as the feeling of being traumatized and depressed and trying to engage in the things you love, but not being able to enjoy them: you attempt it, but it's not the same. kris attempts to play, but isn't able; it's just not the same now.
idk this is just a random off-the-dome analysis and isn't particularly thouroughly thought out but. do you get it. the piano for kris is happiness, it's a reminder of times gone past, it's a pleasure they can no longer partake in for physical and emotional reasons. when you start the organ puzzle and (unavoidably) mess it up, kris almost gives up. They are ready to give up on the puzzle, on music, on the hope and happiness it brings them. But with susie's support, they don't. idk are you with me. and at the end of the chapter kris won't say they'll never play again, even if the player tries to force them to say so. They will play again, there will be light in their life again, one day they'll sit down to play and their hands will move how they want them to and the music will bring them joy again.
idk like I said this is not in any way a more serious of an analysis than just some off-the-cusp thoughts but. aughh it gets to me
