In the Lives of Puppets

T. J. Klune

56 pages 1-hour read

T. J. Klune

In the Lives of Puppets

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Victor is a 21-year-old human inventor who lives in an isolated forest compound. Raised completely outside of society by an android, he possesses a deep curiosity about machines and regularly risks his safety to salvage broken parts. He identifies as asexual and channels his considerable engineering talent into ambitious mechanical projects, including designing an artificial heart.

Key Relationships

Father and Guardian of Giovanni Lawson

Developing Connection with Hap

Loyal Friend of Nurse Ratched

Friend and Protector of Rambo

Captive of The Coachman

Seeker of The Blue Fairy

Giovanni is an aging android who serves as Victor's loving and highly protective father. He operates using a wooden and metal artificial heart he built to replace his original power cell. He harbors deep anxieties about the outside world, specifically the Authority, and strongly opposes Victor's risky scavenging trips.

Key Relationships

Adopted Human Son of Victor Lawson

Suspicious Host of Hap

Fellow Caretaker with Nurse Ratched

Household Companion of Rambo

Hap is a male-coded android discovered in the Scrap Yards and brought back online by Victor. He awakens with a severe stutter, a rough voice, and zero memories of his past function. Despite his gruff demeanor and frequent frustration over his missing memories, he quickly develops a fierce, instinctual drive to keep Victor safe.

Key Relationships

Budding Romantic Interest of Victor Lawson

Suspicious Housemate of Giovanni Lawson

Argumentative Ally of Nurse Ratched

Irritating Companion to Rambo

Supporting Characters

Officially designated as a Nurse Registered Automaton To Care, Heal, Educate, and Drill, she is a decommissioned medical robot repaired by Victor. She frequently exhibits a biting, sadistic sense of humor and uses her medical appendages to threaten others. Despite her menacing jokes, she acts as a staunch guardian and reliable medical provider.

Key Relationships

Medical Guardian of Victor Lawson

Tormentor and Friend of Rambo

Skeptical Ally of Hap

Co-guardian with Giovanni Lawson

Rambo is a highly anxious robotic vacuum that Victor salvaged and upgraded with rugged wheels and pincers. Named for the faded letters on his casing, he is the complete opposite of a fearless warrior. He constantly worries about dirt, safety, and the concept of robot heaven.

Key Relationships

Devoted Friend of Victor Lawson

Frightened Companion of Nurse Ratched

Intimidated by Hap

The Coachman is an eccentric, effervescent android who wears a red tailcoat and a black top hat. He travels the desert landscape operating a floating Museum of Human Curios and Curiosities. He possesses a deep obsession with human artifacts and initially views anyone he encounters as potential additions to his collection.

Key Relationships

Captor of Victor Lawson

Captor of Hap

The Blue Fairy is a powerful, enigmatic machine operating out of a glass pyramid called Heaven within the City of Electric Dreams. They gather data for the Authority while secretly pursuing their own agenda regarding machine autonomy. They pose a significant, intimidating presence that demands proof of loyalty from those seeking assistance.

Key Relationships

Tester of Victor Lawson

Interrogator of Hap

Bernard is a delivery-overseeing machine stationed in the sweltering exterior of the city. He honors past debts and facilitates covert entry for those trying to bypass standard security protocols.

Key Relationships

Debtor to The Coachman

Smuggler of Victor Lawson

The Doorman is a diminutive, black-haired android who guards the entrance to the Blue Fairy's base of operations. He is highly observant and quickly deduces the true nature of the guests seeking an audience.

Key Relationships

Gatekeeper to Victor Lawson

Subordinate of The Blue Fairy