On December 7th, 2022, while mindlessly doodling, I created my favorite original character that I’ve ever created. He is a living porcelain clown doll named Clément the Clown. I immediately felt a connection to him upon his creation and have spent the following years creating supporting characters and a story for him. In my mind, I can see this story as a comic or animated series. The following is a brief synopsis of Clèment’s story so far:
Our story takes place in 1920s Paris. Specifically in an old antique store run by a little old lady and her elderly cat, Bonbon. Every night, when the sunsets the statues and dolls in the shop come to life. Our main character is a small porcelain clown doll named Clément. He is in love with Madame Adeline, a picturesque antique statue. But she is trapped in an abusive marriage with her partner, Miser Antoine, as they were made as a set. Antoine essentially rules over the shop, keeping the “higher value figures” on top and suppressing “lower value figures” such as Clément. Adeline and Clément form a friendship And sneak away night after night to stargaze and talk about their dreams. Adeline has wanted desperately to escape the shop and the suffocating grip of her husband. She has heard so much about the outside world, but has never really been able to see it. She is starting to give up on her dream. There is heated confrontation with Antoine leading to Clement’s banishment from the shop. It is then that Clément hatches a plan, Every night he would explore a new part of Paris and secretly bring back a treasure for Adeline. Through these gestures, Clément wants to show Adeline that he loves her. He strives to show her that she is worthy of love and beautiful things. As he does so, he begins to dismantle Antoine’s classist system that is riddled throughout the shop.
The catch with the story is that since Clement does not have a mouth, he is completely mute. He is only able to communicate through his actions and expressions.
I have a love for silent film and wanted to base him off of some of the grades from the silent film age. Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and the man who specifically inspired Clément’s character: Charlie Chaplin
The other characters will be able to speak, but since our main character cannot, the story will be quite narration heavy. I also want the narration boxes to look like old, silent film cards
I hope you find my idea interesting! I will continue to post any new information and art for the story as it comes to me.
