In Papers, Please, players take on the role of a border checkpoint inspector in the fictional country of Arstotzka, navigating the complexities of document verification and moral dilemmas. Each type of entrant encountered at the border contributes to the overall gameplay experience, with specific characteristics and narrative implications. Here’s a detailed overview of some prominent citizen types within the game:

1. Diplomats
Diplomats possess unique privileges and often carry distinct documentation compared to regular entrants. Their papers may require extra scrutiny due to their potential diplomatic immunity. As a player, you must navigate the challenges of verifying their identity and ensuring compliance with international agreements, balancing between upholding the law and maintaining diplomatic relations.

2. Engineers
Engineers are representative of technical professions that might be integral to specific storylines or side missions. Their documentation can differ from standard passports, and they may have specialized permits due to the nature of their work. Encountering engineers can lead to unique interactions and potentially beneficial outcomes if players assist them appropriately.

3. Spies and Smugglers
This group poses the greatest threat to border security, as they attempt to cross into Arstotzka with unlawful intentions. Spies often carry forged documents, while smugglers may be found with contraband items. Successfully identifying these individuals involves detailed scrutiny of their documentation and behavior, and catching them can lead to significant consequences for gameplay, including arrest or increased stress on the player’s character.

4. EZIC Agents
Agents affiliated with the secret organization EZIC complicate the moral landscape of the game. They often approach the player with offers of covert missions that require tough ethical decisions. Engaging with EZIC agents can yield different narrative paths, affecting the overall storyline and potentially altering the player’s standing within the game’s world.

5. Named Applicants
Throughout the game, players encounter several named characters, each with their backstories and distinct motivations. Figures like Jorji Costava, Vince Lestrade, and Dari Ludum serve specific narrative functions (such as whistleblowers or defectors) and often lead to unique interactions that further develop the plot and present moral quandaries.

6. Regular Citizens
As the most common type of entrant, regular citizens typically present standard passports and entry permits. These individuals form the bulk of the gameplay, leaving the player to perform routine checks for any discrepancies in their documentation. While they may seem straightforward, appearances can be deceiving, and even regular citizens can present unexpected challenges.

Conclusion
The interplay between these distinct citizen types is central to the gameplay mechanics and narrative structure of Papers, Please. The necessity for document inspection, along with the moral decisions players face, reflects a broader commentary on bureaucratic control and the implications of border security in a dystopian setting. Each type not only serves to enhance the complexity of gameplay but also enriches the overarching story, immersing players in a world of political intrigue and ethical struggle.