He sits there. Total silence. If you’ve spent any time on itch.io or scrolled through the darker corners of gaming TikTok lately, you already know who I’m talking about. Sol the kid at the back isn’t just a background character in a visual novel; he’s become a bit of a cult phenomenon.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how a character from a small indie game can spark this much intense discussion. We’re talking about The Kid at the Back, a romantic thriller visual novel created by Fantasia (also known as TealCat). It’s not your typical high school dating sim. It’s gritty. It’s unsettling. And at the center of it all is Sol—or Solivan Brugmansia, if we’re being formal.
Who Exactly is Solivan Brugmansia?
Most people just call him Sol. In the game, he’s that 23-year-old university student who blends into the shadows of the lecture hall so well you might forget he's there. He wears all black. He’s got these piercing red eyes that look like autumn leaves, which is a pretty striking contrast to his pale skin and green hair.
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He doesn’t talk much. In fact, he’s known for not saying a single word for long stretches of time. But don't let the quiet vibe fool you. Sol is incredibly smart. He’s obsessed with classical literature, historical events, and art. When he’s not being the "weird kid" in the back of the room, he’s usually sketching or painting.
The nuance here is that he isn't just "shy." The game explores some pretty heavy themes, and Sol represents a very specific type of archetype—the observant, highly talented individual who chooses isolation. But in a thriller like this, isolation often comes with a bit of a dark side.
Why the Internet is Obsessed with Sol the Kid at the Back
You’ve probably seen the fan art. Or maybe the "yandere" tags on Reddit. Why do people latch onto a character that literally tries to hide from the world?
- The Mystery Factor: Human beings hate a vacuum. When a character says nothing, we fill in the blanks. Every small gesture Sol makes—a glance, a shift in posture—gets analyzed by the community like it’s a Da Vinci code.
- The Aesthetic: Let’s be real. The character design is top-tier indie work. The black choker, the key necklace, the piercings. It’s a very specific "alt" look that resonates with a huge portion of the gaming community.
- The "Yandere" Appeal: Within the The Kid at the Back community, there’s a lot of talk about Sol’s darker tendencies. He’s protective. He’s intense. For fans of the "male yandere" genre, Sol is basically the gold standard.
It’s not all sunshine and roses, though. The game is intended for a mature audience (18+) because it handles some pretty disturbing themes. If you go looking for sol the kid at the back, you’re going to find a mix of wholesome fan art and some very "not safe for work" discussions. That’s just the nature of the beast with indie visual novels these days.
The Gameplay Experience
If you actually play the game—which you can find on itch.io—you’ll realize the "blank slate" protagonist is the perfect foil for someone like Sol. You’re competing for the hearts of two men: Sol and Crowe. While Crowe has his own following, there’s something about the quiet intensity of Sol that seems to win people over.
The game runs on the Ren'Py engine, which is pretty standard for these types of VNs. But it’s the writing that carries it. You have choices. You can choose to skip class with him. You can choose to join him in his "kingdom" at the back of the room. Every choice feels like you're slowly peeling back the layers of someone who has spent his whole life being invisible.
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Misconceptions and the "Creep" Factor
There's a lot of debate on whether Sol is actually "cute" or just plain "creepy." Honestly? He’s both. That’s the point.
Some players find his behavior—like following the protagonist or his extreme silence—to be a major red flag. Others see it as a symptom of his genius or his social alienation. The creator, Fantasia, has built a character that doesn't fit into a neat little box. He’s messy.
One thing people get wrong is thinking he’s just a "soft boy" because he likes art. If you’ve seen the Bad Endings in the game, you know he’s capable of some pretty dark stuff. It’s that duality that keeps the fandom alive. You’re never quite sure if you’re safe with him or if you should be running for the exit.
Practical Steps for Fans of the Genre
If you’re just discovering sol the kid at the back and you want to dive deeper into this specific corner of indie gaming, here’s how to do it right:
- Check the Content Warnings: Seriously. This isn't a Pixar movie. The game deals with mature themes, stalking, and psychological intensity. Read the itch.io page before you download.
- Support the Creator: Indie devs like Fantasia rely on community support. If you like the game, consider leaving a tip or following her on social media (she often goes by TealCat or Fantasia-Kittcat).
- Explore the Wiki: The The Kid at the Back Fandom wiki is surprisingly deep for such a niche game. It’s got full breakdowns of the endings, including the "Scarletta" ending and the various day-by-day choices.
- Join the Conversation: Platforms like Reddit (r/MaleYandere or r/IndieGaming) are where the real theories happen. Just be prepared for spoilers.
Solivan Brugmansia is more than just a guy sitting in a chair. He’s a reminder that in the world of indie gaming, the most interesting stories often come from the characters who have the least to say. Whether you love him or he gives you the creeps, you can't deny that sol the kid at the back has left a permanent mark on the visual novel scene.
If you want to experience the story yourself, head over to itch.io and look for the demo or the full rewrite. Just remember: when you sit at the back of the class, make sure you know who’s sitting next to you.