In the eerie and nostalgic world of Bendy and the Ink Machine, few characters are as intriguing and beloved as Boris the Wolf. Often seen as a loyal companion in a place overrun by horrors, Boris stands out not only because of his cartoonish charm but also due to the mystery surrounding his origin and purpose. His role shifts throughout the game, making players question who Boris really is and what his true connection is to the events unfolding at Joey Drew Studios. Understanding who Boris is offers insight into the deeper lore and emotional core of the game’s story.
Introduction to Boris the Wolf
Boris the Wolf is a cartoon character created by Joey Drew Studios, appearing in Bendy and the Ink Machine. He was originally designed to be a friendly sidekick to the titular character, Bendy, in a style reminiscent of 1930s animation. Within the game’s universe, Boris is brought to life through the mysterious and sinister Ink Machine an invention responsible for creating living, inky versions of the studio’s cartoon characters.
Unlike the demonic and hostile entities that roam the studio, Boris is portrayed as kind-hearted, helpful, and non-aggressive, which immediately makes him stand out. His cartoon design bears similarities to classic characters like Goofy or Pluto, with a long snout, overalls, and a friendly demeanor. However, his significance in the game is far greater than just being a visual throwback to old-school animation.
Where Players First Meet Boris
Boris first appears in Chapter Two of Bendy and the Ink Machine, surprising players with his non-threatening behavior. Instead of attacking, he helps the protagonist, Henry, navigate the increasingly dangerous studio. This is a welcome contrast after the terror-filled events of the first chapter, and many players quickly grow attached to him.
In Chapter Three, Boris becomes a traveling companion. The player must rely on him to open doors, activate elevators, and perform various tasks that are crucial to progress. He doesn’t speak, but his loyalty and usefulness are apparent, deepening the player’s connection with him.
The Role of Boris in the Story
While Boris’s early appearances suggest he is just a helpful side character, it gradually becomes clear that his presence is tied to the deeper mysteries of the Ink Machine and Joey Drew Studios. Boris represents one of the few remaining ‘pure’ creations in a world corrupted by ink and madness. His innocence becomes even more significant as the game’s tone darkens and the consequences of the Ink Machine become clearer.
Boris’s Connection to the Ink Machine
One of the most important questions surrounding Boris is how he exists in the first place. The answer lies in the function of the Ink Machine a device capable of bringing cartoon characters to life by using a combination of ink and human sacrifice. This twisted form of creation turns once-beloved characters into living beings with unpredictable traits and personalities.
Some theories suggest that every inky creature was once a real person, transformed into their cartoon counterpart. This adds a tragic undertone to Boris’s existence. It’s hinted that Boris may have once been a human, giving even more weight to his kind actions and possibly explaining why he is more human-like than other characters.
Multiple Versions of Boris
Players discover over time that there is more than one Boris. In Chapter Four, a shocking twist reveals that the original Boris has been taken and experimented on by another character, resulting in a grotesque version known as Brute Boris. This mutated version is hostile and tragic, showing what happens when even the purest creations are corrupted by the studio’s dark power.
The transformation of Boris into Brute Boris serves as a powerful metaphor for the destruction of innocence. The player is forced to fight him in a heartbreaking boss battle, emphasizing the loss of a trusted friend and highlighting the unforgiving nature of the world within Bendy and the Ink Machine.
Symbolism Behind Boris the Wolf
Boris’s character serves as a symbol of innocence, loyalty, and trust in a game filled with deceit, corruption, and horror. He represents what the studio used to be a place of creativity and joy before greed and ambition led to its downfall. His kindness is not just a gameplay mechanic; it’s a crucial emotional anchor in a narrative full of betrayal and loss.
His silent demeanor and consistent support create a strong emotional bond between him and the player. When that bond is broken, either by his disappearance or transformation, it evokes real sorrow, demonstrating how emotionally effective Boris’s character design and narrative arc are.
Boris and Henry’s Relationship
The relationship between Boris and the main character, Henry, is built slowly and without dialogue. This silent companionship makes their bond feel genuine. Boris helps Henry selflessly, and Henry in turn goes to great lengths to save Boris. Their partnership forms one of the emotional cores of the story, reinforcing themes of trust and friendship amidst chaos.
Boris in Bendy and the Dark Revival
Boris also plays a role in the sequel, Bendy and the Dark Revival, though in a slightly altered form. The character returns under the name ‘Tom,’ a more battle-hardened version of Boris. Tom is more serious and mistrusting at first, indicating that even Boris has been changed by the events that transpired in the ink-filled world. Over time, however, players see shades of the original Boris in Tom’s actions, reminding them of his enduring loyalty.
This evolution shows how Boris has adapted to the corrupted environment around him. Even with scars and wariness, he continues to fight for what’s right further enhancing his role as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Fan Reception and Legacy
Boris the Wolf is widely regarded as one of the most beloved characters in the Bendy franchise. Fans appreciate his design, his loyalty, and the emotional weight he carries throughout the game. His tragic arc and mysterious backstory have inspired countless fan theories, artworks, and videos exploring his true origins and meanings.
What makes Boris so compelling is that he feels real, despite being a silent, ink-based cartoon. His actions speak louder than words, making players care about him in a deeply personal way. His transformation into Brute Boris and later reappearance as Tom only adds to his layered character development.
So, who is Boris in Bendy and the Ink Machine? He is more than just a cartoon character brought to life. Boris represents a rare light in the dark, a friend in a place filled with monsters, and a reflection of what Joey Drew Studios could have been without the corruption of the Ink Machine. From loyal companion to tragic foe and back again, Boris’s journey is one of the most emotional and memorable elements of the game. His presence continues to echo through the series, a symbol of hope, loss, and the lasting power of friendship in even the darkest places.