Joker (Fool)

The King proposes the Joker, known as the Fool, as a replacement test subject for the remaining deadly chairs in the Second Chair Room after the royal couple exhausts their dolls. Chair four swallows its doll entirely, while others crush or incinerate theirs, prompting this desperate pivot. The Queen grows frustrated with the King's fumbling tests; Cyril flees in terror as they abandon dolls and target Steven and Dodo next.

2 appearances

Purpose

Serve as test subject to identify the one safe chair among the lethal four

Significance

Depletes safe testing options, escalates the Toymaker's sadistic game by shifting focus to living companions Steven and Dodo, trapping the King and Queen in mounting desperation

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S3E31 · The Hall of Dolls

King and Queen test deadly chairs

The Joker is proposed by the King as a potential test subject for the remaining chairs after the dolls are exhausted. Though not physically present in this event, his fate is directly tied to the Heart Family’s desperation. The suggestion to use him underscores the Toymaker’s game’s brutality, where even the lowest-ranking members of the Heart Family are expendable. The Joker’s role here is symbolic, representing the Heart Family’s hierarchy and the lengths they will go to survive.

Before: A low-status member of the Heart Family, likely unaware of his impending doom but resigned to his role as a pawn.

After: Marked as a potential test subject, his survival now directly threatened by the Heart Family’s desperation.

View full event

S3E31 · The Hall of Dolls

King and Queen abandon chair game

The Joker, though not physically present in this event, is invoked as a potential test subject when the King flippantly suggests using 'the Fool' (Cyril) instead. His absence highlights the Heart Family’s hierarchy: Cyril is expendable, while the Joker—even lower in status—is not yet considered. The Joker’s implied vulnerability foreshadows his potential role as a future test subject, underscoring the Toymaker’s game as a zero-sum struggle where even the lowest cards can be sacrificed. His non-appearance here makes his eventual use all the more tragic.

Before: The Joker is absent from the chair room, likely guarding another area or asleep. He is the lowest-ranking member of the Heart Family, making him a potential future test subject if Cyril is spared.

After: The Joker’s status remains unchanged, but his potential use as a test subject looms larger. The King and Queen’s willingness to sacrifice Cyril sets a precedent for exploiting even the most vulnerable members of their 'family.'

View full event