Papa

 is a character in DARLING in the FRANXX.

Papa is the chairman of the APE council and by extension all of known humanity. He is religiously revered by the Parasites as a god, with the exception of Zero Two. He works in conjunction with the rest of APE to ensure the plantations run smoothly and that they are not harmed by Klaxosaurs. He also is in charge of all FRANXX units; what happens to them is almost always a result of his decisions.

Appearance
Papa wears white robes adorned with golden detailing and a red interior. His mask is the most human of all the APE members, and his outfit bears a resemblance to the traditional attire of the Pope of the Catholic church.

Personality
Papa values the safety of APE above all else. He has no qualms about using Parasites as soldiers against the klaxosaurs, even if it would result in their demise. He'd also go to lengths as far as having a plantation self destruct to achieve his goals.

History
Not much is known about Papa or his motivations, except that he is one of the scientists who helped develop the FRANXX units.

Episode 01: Alone and Lonesome
At Cerasus, the parasites attend their welcoming meeting where they are praised by Papa. The adults cheer for them. At Mistiltein, Hachi gives Hiro the official instructions for his return to the orphanage. He says that HQ had given him special permission to remain there and asks him to reconsider. As Hiro leaves the meeting, he finds Naomi crying.

Zero Two says that she can smell a klaxosaur. In the parasites' FRANXX, they begin the startup ritual. A fog rolls in and the ritual is stalled. Hiro begins to refuse to leave when Naomi's ship is hit by a klaxosaur. The plantation begins firing at the klaxosaur and Strelizia in its stampede mode. Dr. FRANXX notes it's a maho class and Nana orders everyone to evacuate.

She pulls him into her FRANXX and into a kiss, calling him her darling. Dr. FRANXX says that when the negative and postive - male and female factors combine and their hearts become one, the iron maiden will reveal her true form.

Strelizia easily destroys its core and defeats it. They are shocked when it's revealed that Hiro was piloting it. Zero Two drops Hiro to the ground. Nana introduces her as a pistil with the special forces unit APE directly controls. Zero Two looks down and smiles to him, saying she found her darling.

Zero Two
Papa has shown special interest in Zero Two and her abilities as a Parasite. He refers to Zero Two as though he has a personal relationship to her.

Etymology
"Papa" is a word commonly used by children to refer to their fathers, however it is also used in some languages and religious sects to describe the Pope.

Quotes
"My children, you have had the good fortune to be chosen as parasites. Your great predecessors defended out cities and our people, and they splendidly took flight as our representatives. Turn your life into a blaze of glory and shed every last drop of blood you have. I pray that you will become a shining ray of hope for humanity."

- Futoshi

Trivia