Why Nine Is The Secondary Protagonist In Sonic Prime

Why Nine is The Secondary Protagonist in Sonic Prime

I recently made an appreciation post about this edgy little fella, however, when I rewatch the show (yes I rewatch it several times daily, so what?) I feel the cogs in my brain turn and create several theories. Looking back at Nine, I realized he will be one of the BIG characters, not the big (relevant to the plot and development), but the BIG (really fucking important).

As in MIGHT BE THE DEUTERAGONIST type of BIG.

Sonic is the protagonist, as he usually is in his games, however, Nine is another huge character who is not only crucial to the plot but might also twist the plot as well.

A deuteragonist is an essential secondary character in a narrative, second only to the protagonist, and may act like a constant companion or someone who aids the protagonist. However, the deuteragonist can change from helping the protag to actively opposing them, depending on their own conflict or plot.

Nine already proves to be a huge character in Sonic Prime, however, in the first batch of episodes, Shadow does somewhat take up some of this role. However, he might change to become a tritagonist in future episodes. Someone who helps the protagonist, is the third most important character, and often the third member of the group.

So Nine might be the TRUE deuteragonist and I DO have a list of reasons why I think so.

So, with that said, let's begin.

1. He is already established to be an important character

From the first moment we meet him, we already know he's going to be a very important character in the plot. He fixes up Sonic's shoes and gloves figures out how to use a shard to open a portal, and is a very formidable ally. He is an important character to keep the plot going and to help explain the plot. However, it's not like those Sonic games, where he's just there to explain the plot. He HAS a character and personality, he's not just a cardboard cutout.

He HAS depth and complexity to him. Something I can appreciate considering the past media of any version of Tails the past years (not including Frontiers, that game was amazing). He's also obviously going to continue to be an important character in season two as well.

2. He's a very engaging character

Let's all admit it: Nine is the most interesting character in Sonic Prime. Not just because of his mindset of "get this however you can no matter what" and "do whatever it takes and needs to survive". Not just that but his snarky and cold personality combined with his nine-tailed badassery just makes him an engaging and enjoyable character.

The things he does can leave people scrambling for answers. Why exactly did he change his mind about helping the rebels? What is he planning? What is going on in that fluffy head of his?

So many questions that leave us waiting with anticipation for the next batch of episodes for answers.

3. People can relate to his trauma

Nine's backstory is what we expected, but that doesn't mean it holds back punches. Without Sonic to defend him from bullies, without Sonic to care for him and take him in, he learned to trust and look out only for himself. It's a sad backstory and it explains why he's so guarded and aloof all the time.

I've read posts that state they relate deeply to Nine and can immerse themselves in his character with empathy. I can confirm as being a victim of abuse. He's aggressive and snarky because he has walls, walls that he put up to never get hurt again. He doesn't try to justify himself in his backstory, stating he "wasn't minding his surroundings" instead of "I didn't know" or "it wasn't my fault" he shows signs of a sort of self-resentment. Again, I can relate SO MUCH to, thinking that I could've prevented it and holding myself responsible for not doing anything, that I could've stopped it from happening.

Those who suffer or have suffered can see themselves in Nine, and as a result, the sorrow we feel for him can hit harder if we know what it was like.

4. We don't know where his character is going to end up

Another bunch of posts I've seen about Nine is that we legitimately don't know where his character is going to end up. He's muddled deep in his mystery and inner turmoil that we can't see the deep end of what he's going to be. A hero? A villain? An Anti-hero?

Just what's going to happen to him?!

He has a plan but what is it?

5. He's the most controversial character

Nine's intentions and character have been put in many perspectives on what people think he's planning, what he's going to be, why he does certain things, whether he cares for Sonic or not, whether he trusts Sonic or not, and MORE.

He's been theorized and twisted into what people think about him and what he's going to do. In my opinion, if a character does this to a community, you KNOW you're doing something right. Controversial characters are very mysterious and morally ambiguous, you don't truly know why they do the things they do or what they plan, but you have your own ideas on what might happen and other people do too, despite them possibly being different from yours.

Controversy (WHEN NOT LEADING TO VIOLENCE AND DEATH THREATS) is very fun and interesting. Reading people's thoughts even if they differ from your own, with the possibility that they might change your own theories is a very enlightening and interesting thing!

6. He has a completely opposite goal to Sonic

It's very clear that Sonic and Nine have different goals that clash with each other. Sonic, being the all-loving hero he is, wants to return home and see his true friends again, not to mention help and protect the other shatter spaces. Nine on the other hand wants to make a new home, a world with just him and Sonic and nobody else, not caring for the other shatter spaces or anybody else.

Their goals clash with each other and can't be fulfilled at the same time. Nine's goal includes only him and Sonic and no one else. Sonic's goal includes others, not to mention these two are from two completely different universes.

It's clear these two, no matter how close they are, won't give up their goal for the other, so unless their willing to compromise, it might lead to something bigger.

7. His goal separates him from other variations of himself and others

While he is just another variation of one of the main characters, his goal of achieving something beyond his own universe along with keeping Sonic differentiated from the other main variations who want something within their own shatter space. Thorn wanted to keep the jungle from being destroyed, and Dread wanted the shard out of greed, the rebels want to put the council out of power and take back their land, the jungle variants wanted to eat and live among the jungle again, and the pirates are just typical pirates.

Unlike the others, whose goals can be achieved in their universes, Nine wants nothing to do with his own. Like Sonic, Nine's goal is related to the shatter space.

8. Nine truly has no one EXCEPT Sonic

Another thing to differentiate him from the other versions of himself and the main cast is how Nine has nothing to lose. Other versions of him have a group of the main cast, hell even Rusty Rose finds herself valued (not sentimentally but still) and useful to the council. Nine, however, has nobody until this bright blue hedgehog told him about a life he could've had, a life Sonic gave to his other self.

So it's no wonder he took the very person who can give him the same life to a new shatter space. He wants that desperately. It's no wonder he doesn't show an interest in getting Sonic home anymore, if he does that, the chance of having the life he always wanted, that hope, would be gone forever. I don't think Nine's going to let that happen easily.

9. Everyone roots for him and wants him to be happy

There are zero people that don't want him to achieve his goal of love and happiness. Not just for the fact that he's a version of a character we're already emotionally invested in, but also because Nine is his own person. He's still a person who was horribly abused to the point of being jaded and cold.

Seeing him smile or show comfort really melts my heart cause this kid deserves SO MUCH! I know you all agree. But it is depressing to remember that Sonic NEEDS to go back and restore his world, he'll have to leave Nine behind. I don't think they're going to go with Sonic taking Nine with him because of what might happen with the whole "they can't see each other" stuff.

And with how stubborn and desperate Nine is...

I'm curious about how they figure this out and resolve this.

10. He might affect the plot

A protagonist is not just the lead character who pushes the plot along, they also affect and can possibly change the plot as well. Sonic already kicked off the plot, it's possible for Nine to affect it in a BIG way. This can lead to a LOT of possibilities when you consider that. We KNOW he has a plan and it has something to do with the Chaos Council capturing him. This fact can lead to a LOT of interpretations.

Well, that was my list of how Nine might be the deuteragonist of Sonic Prime in the future. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a lovely day <3

We Need More Of The Cuphead Show!

We really do need more of this show after the producers and people who worked on it get a break. It's not perfect, sure, but it's still really good. There are plenty of reasons why we need more seasons. Rewatching this show, I noticed it gets better over the seasons. The first season was a simple test in the waters, the second one was more experimental, and the third was more character-focused (hence why it's my favorite out of the three)

I'm just saying, it doesn't have to have a plot, it can still be random adventures, but there are some things we need to be answered.

What I hope is answered in possible future seasons are these:

HOW did Chalice become an orphan in the first place? We need a little more elaboration on her backstory.

HOW does Cuphead have so many talents, and why does he not show them around?

What the hell is up with Mugman? Just what even IS Mugman. (doesn't stop him from being my favorite but still, holy shit!)

Why does Dice work for the Devil?

How did the Devil become the devil?

Will Cuphead ever find out that the Devil gave him the toy train? I'm curious about what his reaction would be.

I might add more, but these are pretty much what I have for now.

The things I hope to see in possible future seasons are these:

More bosses

Hopefully keeping the elaboration and exploration of the characters

More character development (especially with Cuphead, mainly because it's refreshing to see that he's not impulsive ALL THE TIME and can be responsible and focused at times. Not to mention, it's nice to see how he's a little nicer, and shows some courage and selflessness (betting his (and Mugman's) souls to free Chalice from her debt, helping king dice, freeing the souls) in the third season, and hopefully, this grows over time)

That's all I have right now.

She does, but she says that while she holds the group together, there's only one hedgehog she AND the others will follow into battle and they'll follow Sonic. So, yes it is a second line, however, unlike Tails, it's not personal to just her relationship with Sonic it applies to the whole group :)

And I can't see that relating to Rusty considering she followed Sonic into another universe to fight AGAINST him.

What Nine Represents In Sonic Prime

Ok, so far we've seen multiple Shattered Spaces and multiple variants of the main characters. There have been many speculations that each variant represents a part of the main crew. I agree with this. I can see each part of the main crew's personality split taken to the EXTREME. But there's one that confused me, and we'll get to him later. First, let's go over what each shattered version of the main crew represents.

Amy:

Rusty Rose: Amy's sense of loyalty.

Thorn Rose: Amy's love for nature.

Black Rose: Amy's love for adventure.

Rouge:

Rebel Rouge: Rouge's sense of leadership.

Prim Rouge: Rouge's sense of deceit and trickery.

Pirate Rouge: Rouge's sense of teamwork.

Knuckles:

Renegade Knucks: Knuckles rebellious and defiant against another control.

Gnarly Knuckles: Knuckles naivety and assuming to believe everything.

Dread Knuckles: Knuckles' sense of impulsiveness.

Tails:

Mangey Tails: Tail's sense of primal instincts.

Sails: Tail's dependence on others for guidance.

I know all of you noticed that a certain variant of Tails is missing: Nine. Nine was hard to place. He is Tail's sense of reliance on machines however due to how much we've seen of him that wouldn't be the main trait he represents. Re-watching the show I realized what he represents.

Nine: Tail's love and emotional need for Sonic.

This is mentioned originally by @animatedjunkfood in messaging, but they pointed out that while traveling through the ShatteredVerse for the first time, we hear each main character's statements that reflect their ideals. Amy's is her love for nature, Knuckles is his hot-headedness, but Tails is the only one that has two separate lines. One mentions that he doesn't need an army because he has Sonic and the other mentioning on how his and Sonic's bond can NEVER be broken, that they are INSEPARABLE.

The writers did that for a REASON, and I think that it shows how important Nine is going to be in the future. Tail's lines reflect his LOVE and BOND with Sonic, and Nine so far reflects that perfectly. He didn't show care towards anyone besides Sonic, he only takes Sonic to the Grim, and he shows an emotional need for Sonic despite how cold he tries to be, Sonic being the original Tail's emotional rock doesn't change for Nine; and in Nine's case becoming that EVEN MORE SO.

Remember I mentioned that each variant of the main characters is their traits taken to the EXTREME. Keep that in mind in the future, cause it might become VERY important in future episodes. But anyway, this is just what I think, let me know what you guys think about this.

Sonic Prime Nine Questions For Y'all

In one word, what do you think Nine's state would be if Sonic were to die from his (Sonic sacrificing himself for the world or Nine's) own choice for the benefit of others' safety? And why do you think this would be his reaction or state?

How do you think Nine would react if Sonic were killed or physically threatened? And why?

Do you see Nine's affection for Sonic as growing brotherly love or a growing obsession? Why do you think that?

Why do you think Nine deserves to win?

Does Nine need Sonic?

Just Prime questions I wanted to put out to see your guy's different opinions and viewpoints of Nine <3

I made myself sad realizing that Sonic is going to leave Nine for his own universe when it's fixed and when that happens Nine will be alone again. I made myself EVEN SADDER when I realized Sonic and Nine's goals can never be achieved at the same time, and they're opposite to each other's ideologies and morals.

Why Nine Is Loved So Much Already

Just watched Sonic Prime and it is AMAZING! It has stellar animation, unforgettable characters, and an engaging and exciting plot.

Among all of that, however, one character stood out to me more than all of the others: Nine. The "edgy, emo" Tails from the first Shatterverse. He's already a prevalent character, praised for his design, nature, and fantastic acting by Ashleigh Bell. He's just an excellent character in general, being complex and complicated.

He has a snarky, distant, and almost broken personality, from what I've seen, he IS almost broken. He's nearly broken because of what drives him in the first batch of episodes: Hope.

Hope can be an excellent thing. It can help you overcome obstacles, it can help you move forward, and it can help you win. However, what that hope exactly is and how you achieve it determines your character and morals.

What Nine HOPES for is a better future for himself. That is a good thing, however, the way he tries to achieve it is morally grey. It is a selfish hope that can potentially hurt others. Nine KNOWS it's selfish, he just doesn't care, the world treated him like dirt, and EVERYONE on it treated him like dirt, why should he care about how it affects it?

One more thing to note is how he acts around the others, Sonic specifically. He is curt, snarky, aloof, and strictly business with them, seeing no personal value in them other than using them due to how the world around him is.

Sonic, however, he's softer and opens slightly up. Sonic is open, kind, and patient toward the kit, something Nine never got to experience. He likes Sonic but doesn't know how to feel about it. He doesn't show trust in the blue blur. He likes him, but he isn't sure if he can truly trust him. But despite that, through out the series, the only time he genuinely smiles is with Sonic, no one else.

That's why he wanted Sonic to join him to live in The Grim with him.

Sonic makes him feel good, he makes him genuinely happy. He never thought about getting Sonic home, he only thought about getting the hedgehog to HIS idea of a true home.

One where it's just the two, where nobody can ever hurt them again. To him, it'd be the perfect world, a place where it's just him and the person he's close to.

But then Sonic tells him it's not going to work out. The worst part?

He's right.

Not just because of the problems with the Shatterverse, but also because it really isn't going to work out for them. While it's never outright stated if looked closer you can see that Sonic likes TAILS, not NINE. He cares for Nine BECAUSE he is a version of his brother, not because he cares for the separate person he is.

Nine is NOT Tails. Not just because he is different from Tails, but because he just isn't. Compared to Sonic, Nine isn't much better either. He DOES like Sonic and WHO he IS, but it's because of what Sonic can GIVE him that he does.

To Nine, Sonic can bring him EVERYTHING he ever wanted: A home, love, care, companionship, and family. To Nine, Sonic is his HOPE. If he loses that, he's back to square one, and that is what he desperately DOESN'T want.

It's heartbreakingly tragic and horribly unfair to both of them.

Another thing is his backstory. It wasn't over the top, it was what everyone EXPECTED to happen. Because Sonic wasn't there he was bullied relentlessly and became cold and resentful of the world. It's simple and not over-exaggerated and I appreciate that. It's not annoyingly complicated or trying hard to make you cry, it's just a simple statement of what happened. And that's the part that hurts, that we were RIGHT.

Because we were already close and emotionally invested in Tails, it was easy for us to sympathize with Nine. This was a character we loved, and looked up to, only to become cold and emotionally exhausted towards everything around him.

But the part that is great about him is that we don't know what his arc is going to be. Is he the character that opens up more and makes friends, is he the character that remains neutral, or is he going to be the true villain? We can't figure it out.

He's complicated and confusing but it's BECAUSE of that that we love him so much.

The final reason is the fact that he's just THAT character you WANT to win. He's so heart-wrenchingly tragic you just want him to achieve his goal of being happy, no matter HOW he achieves it. Even if he becomes the true antagonist I KNOW that all of us would root for him anyway because he DESERVES to win because he LOST so MUCH.

And that's why he's quite possibly going to be the greatest character ever written (not that he wasn't already in my opinion) in the Sonic universe.