Papa

Like a leader, Papa speaks in a refined and sophisticated manner, and tends to handle situations in a methodical order. He is aware how his existence and authority affects others in both positive and negative ways. While many fear him due to his intolerance of rebel and mistakes, he presents a persona of someone who has more compassion and acts according to what is reasonable. In truth, however, he values the safety of APE above all else and his sole commitment is to fulfill APE’s objectives. He is willing to use whatever methods necessary to do so and he has a tendency to condone any collateral damage; every death is a sacrifice for the greater good and every wrongdoing is a necessary act of evil for the goal needed to be achieved for APE. He has no qualms about using Parasites as soldiers against the klaxosaurs, even if it would result in their demise. He also has no qualms about disposing a parasite if it fails to meet expectations; he demonstrates this more profoundly in the manga, when he concludes 9'α and 9'δ are useless after the others 9’s are killed by 001 and orders them to be pruned (eliminated and disposed of). He would also go to lengths as far as having a plantation self-destruct, killing all its civilians in the process, to achieve his goals and show no mercy to those who oppose him, that includes his own allies if they question his integrity or are deemed useless to him. He would gain the trust of the parasites by taking into consideration their isolated upbringings and boost their morale by praising their combat capabilities and promising them rewards in exchange for fulfilling their duties, such as high-ranking missions, annual gifts, and medals. Papa strongly forbids the parasites from forming relationships other than professionalism, as he believes they will lose interest in their obligations and become rebellious should they develop, what he refers to as, unnecessary feelings and memories. He defends the behavior conditioning and the lack of personal freedom of parasites, as he believes they are a price worth paying for because it leads to lasting utopia. However, in spite of his strictness and seemingly indifference to their well-being, he pays ample attention to the needs of the parasites, as he routinely makes sure they are well cared for and gives them presents they desire the most once a year. He also promised Hiro to release Squad 13 from their duties as long as they emerged victorious in the final battle at Gran Crevasse, although it turns out he feigned this because of his assertion the parasites are disposable tools of warfare. All those who survived the battle were forced to accept the truth about Papa’s intentions following his betrayal; he never intended to let any parasite walk away from his authority alive and he never had any desire to do what was in the best interest of humanity but his own and VIRM’s. Papa allows Squad 13 more freedom from restrictions due to Dr. FRANXX’s use of them as an experimental team but that doesn’t mean he routinely keeps tabs on them by sending the 9’s to Mistilteinn to observe their routines and behavior. He shows a deep interest in Zero Two, as she was specifically designed to become the one who would operate Hringhorni and she is considered the most prestigious pistil among the parasites due to her advanced piloting skills but Papa is dismayed how she is unable to maintain a stable partnership with a stamen due to her devouring her partners after three rides, and he refers to her as a ‘monster’ and a ‘hellcat’. Papa also shows a fascination with Hiro after he is shown to be compatible with riding Strelizia with Zero Two and he survives his third ride, and he refers to Hiro as a ‘special specimen’. His true persona is revealed when a secret assassination attempt on the Klaxosaur Princess fails; he not only believes he and VIRM are the most prominent ecosystems in the multi-universes but are rightfully entitled to do as they please with other life forms they come across. Papa had no qualms about allowing VIRM brutally murder members of the 9's, which had been one of the groups most loyal to him, and sending VIRM to kill numerous parasites before fleeing from the battle against the klaxosaurs even though he knew doing so would likely result in the demise of all the people left on the planet. He strongly believes anything that comes with emotions and interpersonal connections are an inconvenience, and therefore worthless. He even went as far as to mock Hiro and Zero Two for believing they will meet again as long as their souls exist after their sacrifice. Which he was proven wrong as Hiro's and Zero Two's souls made it all the way back to Earth after 1000 years.

Papa wears white robes adorned with golden detailing and a red interior. Like all members of the APE council, Papa wears a golden mask, which has red eyes, that has characteristics of a monkey species; his mask resembles that of a gorilla, which is befitting for him, as he is the chairman of APE. His outfit bears a resemblance to the traditional attire of the Pope of the Catholic church. His true appearance as a VIRM is a bright purple bodiless entity in a rhombus shape with sharp white eyes and surrounded by a bright aura.