Deltarune CH 5 broke gender norms by conforming to them.

One of the most interesting features to me about chapter five’s character development is how Susie and Ralsei both subverted their expected gender roles by conforming to them. I think Deltarune is the only media I can think of that’s really explored gender in this unique way.

Obviously Susie’s arc this chapter had her exploring a lot more traditionally feminine things (outfits, makeup, vulnerability and a general “softness” to her character). They didn’t ditch her masculinity or have her behave out of character, this wasn’t a “her masculinity was just a wall she put up to hide herself” moment, but it shows that as she’s becoming more herself she’s become more willing to explore different expressions of her own identity.

While less obvious than Susie, I think Ralsei went through a similar arc this chapter. Exhibiting more traditionally masculine behaviors/ mannerisms like aggression, pride, a general desire for leadership, even physical aggression and physical confrontation. (Not saying any of these are “boy” traits, just more typically masculine coded in a way we don’t see from Ralsei normally)

I think both of these arcs are beautifully demonstrating the characters discovering themselves better and I’m living for it. Curious your guys takes?

Edit: (Also the scene where Ralsei has a whole conversation with Flowery about defying fate and discovering who you are ending with Flowery calling Ralsei (the prince of darkness) “Princess” unironically has convinced me of trans Ralsei theory (at least thematically) so there’s also that).