Line #257 Characters/Clockwork


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8
9	[[foldercontrol]]
10
11	!!Main Characters
12
13	[[folder:Cog]]
14	!!Cog Kleinschmidt
15	[[quoteright:263:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cog2.png]]
16	->''"It's nothing to do with me."''
17
18	Cog is the resident artisan in Mercia Fortress who makes a living off doing odd jobs, such as fixing things and repairing machines. He has rebuilt his life there after the sudden death of his father and sister, and lives happily with his best friend Boris, and his unofficial guardian, Christian. Cog is apathetic about most things that don’t involve him. While he is aware that terrible things are happening between the two nations, he secludes himself to the fortress with Christian and Boris, assuring himself that it’s nothing to do with him - that it’s too big for him to understand.
19
20	Not for long, at least.
21	----
22	* AnimalsHateHim: As the author put it, Cog likes bunnies. Bunnies do ''not'' like Cog.
23	* BystanderSyndrome: Cog does his best to tune out any worries about the increasingly volatile political tensions in his country, preferring to believe that his own life with his friends at the fortress won't be threatened by it. As he says, "It's nothing to do with me." [[spoiler: Unfortunately for him, it turns out to have everything to do with him.]]
24	* {{Catchphrase}}: Not used excessively, but "It's nothing to do with me" and similar statements are a recurring theme from him.
25	* ChildMage: Being the youngest of the main cast and also [[spoiler: possessing the same magic that his father had]] makes him this.
26	* ColorMotif: Orange. Warm, homey, and enthusiastic.
27	* DangerousForbiddenTechnique: [[spoiler: Magic is taboo and immoral in the Clockwork universe, [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity as it erodes the mind of any humans who use it.]] Unfortunately for Cog, he has the ability.]]
28	* DarkSecret: [[spoiler: He is pulled into Alexander's under the threat of revealing his own aptitude for magic, which Cog himself had been unaware of up until then.]]
29	* DeadpanSnarker: He gets very snippy and sarcastic when he feels he's being patronized.
30	* DeceasedParentsAreTheBest: He remembers his father and sister very positively.
31	* GadgeteerGenius: He made the Kleinships in Mercia, a place where airship technology isn't as advanced, and it's implied he does quite a lot of work with [[RobotBuddy MAIL0]].) According to Christian, he can fix everything.
32	* HeroicBSOD: After [[spoiler:having his magic forcibly awakened.]]
33	%%* KidDetective
34	* MeaningfulName: Kleinschmidt, literally "small smith", is a word for makers of small metal items and tools.
35	* NotNowKiddo: No one really takes his opinion seriously, even when they're talking specifically about him.
36	* MrFixit: To a more modest degree; he's not a miracle worker, but even as a child he could fix a watch in a matter of seconds. Christian brags that "he can fix everything".
37	* OlderThanTheyLook: Sixteen years old, but often mistaken for being [[MemeticMutation like, eight]] by new (and sometimes old) readers. His baggy, childish-looking jumpsuit is probably a big factor.
38	* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: His sister gave him the nickname "Cog" when he was a baby, which he prefers to his real name and finds more meaningful.
39	* SecurityBlanket: He keeps his hat, given to him when he first moved in to Mercia Fortress, with him at all times.
40	* TrademarkFavoriteFood: He has a special fondness for gingerbread, which reminds him of home.
41	* TraumaCongaLine: To put things into perspective, over the course of one night, Cog [[spoiler: is forcefully grabbed and thrown around by demonic hands, is told that his father possessed magic (a universal taboo ''despised'' by his best friend in particular and punishable by death); is shown quite ruthlessly that he also possesses this power; is blackmailed into starting and finishing a job because his father, who refused it, is dead and can no longer do it; and, to top it all off, is given only a few hours to pack and say his goodbyes before being carried off to an unfamiliar country for at least a year to work for a man he now hates, who hates him back just as much.]] Let's just say Cog has it rough.
42	* WesternZodiac: Cancer. Sensitive, compassionate, and good at getting along with others and adapting to their needs; very modest and understanding, but also stubborn, and quick to get prickly and defensive when his security feels threatened. Cancer is also [[{{Foil}} the opposing sign to Alexander's Capricorn]].
43
44	[[/folder]]
45
46	[[folder:Boris]]
47	!! Boris Dareaurum Eberhart V
48	[[quoteright:263:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/boris2.png]]
49	->''"The world will be better off when Arcadia is wiped off the map."''
50
51	Boris is Cog's best friend, and next in line to rule the Empire of Mercia. While he enjoys playing his role up as the Prince of Mercia, the truth is he has very little to do until the throne is ready for him. As a result, many of Boris’ days are spent in Cog and Christian’s company. Boris is hot headed and snappy, but he harbors an unwavering love for his people, and will do everything in his power to keep them from harm.
52	----
53	* CapeSwish: On more than one occasion.
54	* ColorMotif: Red. [[RedIsHeroic passionate, commanding, and quick to anger.]]
55	* HeightAngst: He's a bit insecure about his height.
56	* LikeFatherUnlikeSon: Aggressive, short-tempered, and hates Arcadia with a burning passion, unlike Theodoric who is cool-tempered, naturally amiable and diplomatic even when frustrated, and wishes for peace with Arcadia.
57	* MeaningfulName: Boris can mean "short," "wolf/snow-leopard," or "warrior," depending where you look. "Eberhart" means "brave boar", and "Dareaurum" can be split into "dare" ("to give, yield, or surrender") and "aurum" ("gold"), both Latin.
58	* TheNapoleon: The shortest character in the cast at 5'1", and also the angriest.
59	* OlderThanTheyLook: 18 years old. While he doesn't have the same childlike looks as Cog, his height and chubby face have caused a number of readers to assume he's younger.
60	* RedIsHeroic: The colour that he's primarily associated with.
61	* RequisiteRoyalRegalia: Wears a cape, epaulets, and opera gloves on a more or less continual basis.
62	* RoyalBrat: Has shades of this.
63	* UnwittingMuggleFriend: [[spoiler:To Cog, now that Cog has turned out to be a magic user.]]
64	%%* WarriorPrince
65	* WesternZodiac: Aries. Direct, forceful in opinion and personality, deeply invested in the people and things he cares about and low on patience for anyone who doesn't see eye-to-eye with him. Aries is also [[{{Foil}} the opposing sign to his father's Libra]], [[LikeFatherUnlikeSon fittingly]].
66
67	[[/folder]]
68
69	[[folder:Christian]]
70	!!Christian Vogal
71	[[quoteright:263:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/christian220.png]]
72	->''"But hey - I'm so proud of you, you hear?"''
73
74	A cheerful scientist and Arcadian aristocrat, as well as Cog's de facto guardian. Despite his status, he prefers the comforts and camaraderie of Mercia Fortress to his cushy home in the Kingdom of Arcadia--even without a killer on the loose. In this, Christian is highly unusual: immigration between the two nations is practically unheard of, and he only obtained his position in Mercia Fortress due to Esther's recommendation. When not occupied with his job as head of Mercia Fortress' Science Department and unofficial role as Boris and Cog's babysitter, Christian pursues his own scientific research and "revolutionary" chemistry experiments. They may or may not have burned holes through desks. And floors.
75	----
76	* AbsentMindedProfessor: While all other evidence suggests he's perfectly responsible, he plays up this image towards Cog as an excuse to pay him for repairing the pocket watch he "accidentally" breaks every single day.
77	* AbsurdPhobia: He is inexplicably flustered by even the mention of cheese.
78	* AllLovingHero: What he seems to want to be if he isn't one already, as he displays a nigh-on pathological need to help others. WordOfGod says his greatest fear is not being able to help someone.
79	* CanNotSpitItOut: With regards to his [[LoveHurts feelings]] for Esther.
80	* ColorMotif: Yellow. Cheery, welcoming, and energetic.
81	%%* TheIdealist
82	* LivingEmotionalCrutch: For Cog, having taken him in and lovingly raised him after the sudden loss of his family.
83	%%* LovableNerd:
84	* MadScientist: Complete with explosions, hipster hair, and a lab coat. The author has even mentioned he was initially conceived as a villain, but over time became a much more altruistic character instead.
85	* ParentalSubstitute: He's essentially Cog's adoptive parent.
86	* TeamMom: He plays this role to the main Mercian cast, being Cog's unofficial guardian and Boris's officially appointed babysitter.
87	* UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: [[spoiler:Alexander never would have known Cog was still alive if Christian hadn't mentioned him.]]
88	* WesternZodiac: Aquarius. An inventive and free thinker; friendly, humanitarian, and deeply caring but intellectual in a way that leaves him prone to feeling lonely and distanced sometimes.
89	* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: He's terrified of spiders.
90
91	[[/folder]]
92
93	[[folder:Alexander]]
94	!! Alexander de Leveque
95	[[quoteright:261:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/alexander210.png]]
96	->''"It is high time you learned your place."''
97
98	Alexander is an Arcadian ambassador and the sole heir of the House of Leveque. Sent to Mercia to defuse tensions in the wake of several terrorist attacks, he is an extremely proud and dutiful man who dreams of seeing his kingdom restored. But Alexander is running out of time--and not just because of impending invasion. The ambassador has his own agenda, and it seems to involve Cog whether he wills it or not.
99	----
100	* AssholeVictim: [[spoiler:While his circumstances and the curse he's under are tragic, it's hard to feel too sorry for him when he's so cruel to Cog.]]
101	* AssInAmbassador: While Alexander is certainly competent, he comes off a bit cold and standoffish, making little effort to deescalate tension or observe social niceties. [[{{HandshakeRefusal}} He doesn't even shake the Emperor's hand.]] (Cog makes this exact pun himself [[http://www.clockwork-comic.com/comic/chapter-2-page-5 at one point]].)
102	* BreakThemByTalking: [[spoiler: Demonstrates his ability to do this with Cog as part of his manipulation, revealing very uncomfortable information. He even starts off with a refinedly worded DidYouActuallyBelieve.]]
103	* ColorMotif: Purple. [[PurpleIsPowerful Noble and dignified]], mysterious, and [[spoiler: secretly a magic user.]]
104	* CorruptionOfAMinor: [[spoiler: Bringing out Cog's magic.]]
105	* DarkSecret: [[spoiler: His use of magic, and the life-threatening curse he's been saddled with as a result.]]
106	* DangerousForbiddenTechnique: [[spoiler: Magic.]]
107	* EarnedStripes: Received the red gems on his uniform from the emperor as a sign of Mercia's trust.
108	* FiveManBand: A member of Arcadia's Five (as Ambassador/Royal Advisor).
109	* GentlemanSnarker: How his sense of humor tends to present itself.
110	--> '''Christian:''' ...We can never just have... y'know... family small-talk, can we?
111	--> '''Alexander:''' I can do family small-talk, ''excuse you''. ''[sips drink calmly]'' So are you still cripplingly in love with Esther Victoire?
112	* HatesBeingTouched: Due to [[spoiler:the Curse of Lilith.]]
113	%%* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Leonardo.
114	* LongHairedPrettyBoy: As lampshaded in the alt text when Cog first meets him: "OH NO, HE'S HOT"
115	* ManipulativeBastard
116	* MeaningfulName: Alexander means "defender of man", and one interpretation of Leveque is [[ChessMotifs "bishop."]]
117	* OldMoney: As a member of one of Arcadia's noble houses.
118	* TheProudElite: Alexander holds a lot of pride in his bloodline, and seeks to do his part to uphold his family name in history.
119	* PsychoticSmirk: [[spoiler: After successfully blackmailing Cog.]]
120	* TrademarkFavoriteFood: Mustard, according to Christian.
121	* TheUnapologetic: [[spoiler: Considers himself completely justified in blackmailing and antagonizing Cog to save his own life.]]
122	%%* VillainWithGoodPublicity
123	* WellIntentionedExtremist: He really just wants to fulfill his duty in serving Arcadia as best he can, and will do ''anything'' in order to make that dream a reality.
124	* WesternZodiac: Capricorn. Rational, practical, and authoritative; highly professional and effective, but inflexible in his demand for precision and has no patience for coddling anyone not up to his standards. Capricorn is also [[{{Foil}} the opposing sign to Cog's Cancer]].
125	* WouldHurtAChild
126
127	[[/folder]]
128
129	[[folder:Leonardo]]
130	!! Leonardo van Ostrand
131	[[quoteright:263:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/leonardo2.png]]
132	->''"Owner of the world's finest airship - and the world's most handsome face."''
133
134	Leonardo is Arcadia’s Admiral. Born in the icy north of Arcadia, Leonardo’s family moved to Khonsur once tensions began rising in the kingdom. However, Leonardo frequently returned as he grew older, opting to help solve Arcadia’s problems rather than run from them. He uses his high status to set a good example for hybrids, and to hopefully expel any myths about his race.
135
136	Leonardo has a protective streak a mile wide, often advising “certain artisans” to keep their noses out of trouble and let adults handle it. While he means well, Leonardo can also be rather condescending in his attempts to keep people safe. His ego compels him to assure others to leave things to “the professionals”.
137	----
138	* AfraidOfBlood: Blood is his greatest fear, according to WordOfGod.
139	* AwesomeEgo: Leonardo is plenty full of himself for sure, but his confidence and friendliness is so infectious it's hard to mind too much.
140	* BeastMan: Hybrid with lion features.
141	%%* BruiserWithASoftCenter
142	* ColorMotif: Blue. [[BlueIsHeroic Calm, confident, and reliable.]]
143	%%* GentleGiant
144	* HeterosexualLifePartners: With Alexander.
145	* MeaningfulName: Take a wild guess.
146	* FiveManBand: A member of Arcadia's Five (as Admiral).
147	* WesternZodiac: Leo (unsurprisingly). Outgoing, upstanding, and extremely confident; warm and naturally charismatic, to the point of being overbearing at times.
148
149	[[/folder]]
150
151	[[folder:Gaz]]
152	!! Gaz
153	[[quoteright:266:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gaz1.png]]
154	->''"Business or pleasure?"''
155
156	Gaz lords over Arcadia's homeless citizens, who reside in the Catacombs beneath the city itself. No one really knows where he came from or why he devotes his life to helping the poor and the downtrodden, but he enjoys his work. Gaz gets them jobs the only way he knows how – blackmailing aristocrats and forcing them to hire his people.
157	----
158	%%* CheshireCatGrin
159	* ColorMotif: Green, specifically a darker shade that plays to his suspicious, [[GreenAndMean sinister]] appearance.
160	* CrowbarCombatant: One of his trademarks. He uses it as both weapon and all-purpose prop for gesturing, twirling, and poking and prodding his audience.
161	* FearOfThunder: He suffers from astraphobia--fear of thunder and lightning--according to WordOfGod.
162	* HatOfAuthority: May be the reason he wears his hat.
163	* KingOfTheHomeless: Leads a community of street rats in the catacombs of Arcadia. Canonically titled "the Ringleader" and "the King of Rats."
164	%%* LovableRogue
165	* ManipulativeBastard: Has almost the entirety of Arcadia on strings via blackmail when he needs a favor.
166	* TheNicknamer: Never calls anyone by their name, primarily out of disdain for Arcadia's aristocracy, who take pride in the influence their lineage alone commands; when he does refer to specific people, he uses nicknames. His [[NumberTwo Number Twos]] Caelan and Alice are "Whelp" and "Blondie", Christian is "Scientist", and Cog gets various manglings of his full name, most commonly "Cogschmidt".
167	* OnlyOneName: He's just Gaz.
168	%%* RedheadInGreen
169	* SignificantGreenEyedRedhead
170	* TheTease: Flirts openly with most members of the cast (especially Christian).
171	* WesternZodiac: Sagittarius. Free-spirited, inquisitive, and utterly unwilling to be tied down, but actually dedicates himself completely to his every responsibility for the community he leads in the Catacombs; irreverent, completely un-self-conscious, and dangerously quick on the uptake.
172	%%* TheWonka
173	[[/folder]]
174
175	!!Empire of Mercia
176
177	[[folder:The Emperor]]
178	!!Emperor Theodoric Dareaurum Eberhart VIII
179	[[quoteright:229:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/theodoric.png]]
180	Boris's father, the current emperor of Mercia who hopes to ease the tension between Arcadia and Mercia in time for Boris's ascent to the throne.
181	----
182	* DeathGlare: Used on poor Kasper during the summit.
183	* DotingParent: Much to Boris's embarrassment.
184	* EarnedStripes: The blue gems he wears were gifted to him from Queen Adelle and her mother before her as signs of their (and by extension Arcadia's) trust in him.
185	%%* AFatherToHisMen
186	%%* GoodParents
187	%%* KubrickStare
188	%%* LargeAndInCharge
189	%%* LikeFatherUnlikeSon: See Boris's entry.
190	%%* ParentsAsPeople
191	* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Firm but fair, and always putting his people first.
192	%%* RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething
193	* TranquilFury: He's usually quite chummy and friendly, as shown while greeting Alexander, but as shown later in the summit he is quite intimidating when angered even without raising his voice.
194	%%* WesternZodiac: Libra.
195
196	[[/folder]]
197
198	[[folder:Esther]]
199	!!Esther Victoire
200	[[quoteright:183:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/esther.png]]
201	A member of Mercia's Five, an elite and anonymous council ranked directly below the Emperor. Has a long history of friendship with Christian, who is damningly infatuated with her.
202	----
203	* FiveManBand: A member of Mercia's Five (as Ambassador/Royal Advisor).
204	* FriendlyRivalry: With Bartholomew, being as they are the two best sharpshooters Mercia has to offer.
205	* FriendlySniper: The best sharpshooter in all of Mercia.
206	%%* LadyOfWar
207	* NumberTwo: Theodoric's right-hand man and most trusted advisor.
208	%%* WesternZodiac: Scorpio.
209
210	[[/folder]]
211
212	[[folder:Bartholomew]]
213	!!Bartholomew
214	[[quoteright:140:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/bartholomew2.png]]
215	A Lieutenant in the Mercian military. He specializes in sniping, and is Boris' right hand man.
216	----
217	* {{Catchphrase}}: "What a pity."
218	%%* ColdSniper
219	%%* TheCynic
220	* FriendlyRivalry: With Esther, being as they are the two best sharpshooters Mercia has to offer.
221	* NoSocialSkills: Naturally apathetic and brusque with people, traits he assumed would make him a good soldier. Despite this, his job finds him repeatedly in a position to comfort grieving families and orphans, much to his chagrin.
222	* ThoseTwoGuys: With Franz.
223	%%* WesternZodiac: Capricorn.
224
225	[[/folder]]
226
227	[[folder:Franz]]
228	!!Franz
229	[[quoteright:134:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/franz218.png]]
230	A Major in the Mercian military, who is always seen with Bartholomew. He specializes in throwing knives.
231	----
232	* ThoseTwoGuys: With Bartholomew.
233	%%* WesternZodiac: Virgo.
234	%%* YouthfulFreckles
235
236	[[/folder]]
237
238	[[folder:Cookie]]
239	!!Cookie
240	[[quoteright:238:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cookie.png]]
241	The chef of Mercia fortress.
242	----
243	%%* GentleGiant
244	* SupremeChef: Arguably the best chef in the world.
245	%%* TeamMom: Gives off this vibe.
246
247	[[/folder]]
248
249	!!Kingdom of Arcadia
250
251	[[folder:The Queen]]
252	!!Queen Adelle de Arcadius VI
253	The current ruler of the Kingdom of Arcadia.
254	----
255	%%* TheHighQueen
256	* UniversallyBelovedLeader: The people of Arcadia view their royalty with deity-level awe and adoration.
257
258	[[/folder]]
259
260	[[folder:Ravi]]
261	!!Prince Consort Ravi de Arcadius
262	[[quoteright:169:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ravi.png]]
263	Queen Adelle's husband, who tries as best he can to help rule Arcadia, but despite his efforts he is not taken seriously by the Queen or her Five.
264	----
265	* ReluctantRuler: Dreads inheriting the throne.
266	* RoyalBlood: Is Arcadia's heir based on his bloodline, not his competence.
267	%%* ShelteredAristocrat
268	* SuccessionCrisis: Was named heir after one of these.
269
270	[[/folder]]
271
272	[[folder:Kasper]]
273	!!Kasper Hawkins
274	[[quoteright:205:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kasper.png]]
275	A member of Arcadia's Five. In charge of public security.
276	----
277	* BlueBlood: As a member of the noble Hawkins family.
278	* FiveManBand: A member of Arcadia's Five (as Head of Public Security).
279	* HopelessWithTech: Can't figure out how to set his watch to Mercian time.
280	* StoicWoobie: According to [[WordOfGod the author]]. He's clearly very stressed over the killings that have been confounding his police force for years, at the least.
281
282	[[/folder]]
283
284	[[folder:Apoidea]]
285	!!Apoidea
286	[[quoteright:204:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/apoidea.png]]
287	A member of Arcadia's police force who is head detective in charge of the aristocrat killer's case.
288	----
289	* HalfHumanHybrid: A hybrid with a jewel wasp heritage, although she identifies as human.
290	%%* PoliceAreUseless
291
292	[[/folder]]
293
294	%%[[folder:Lulu]]
295	%%!!Lulu
296	%%[[quoteright:177:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lulu.png]]
297	%%A member of Arcadia's police force who is Apoidea's assistant.
298	%%----
299	%%* PoliceAreUseless
300
301	%%[[/folder]]
302
303	[[folder:Des]]
304	!!Des
305	[[quoteright:216:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/des2.png]]
306	A pervert.
307	----
308
309	[[/folder]]
310
311	[[folder:Alice and Caelan]]
312	!! Alice and Caelan
313	[[quoteright:135:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/alice_4.png]]
314	[[quoteright:137:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/caelan_5.png]]
315	Two of Gaz's subordinates in the Catacombs.
316	----
317	* BerserkButton: Caelan can't stand seeing employees abused by those who are in a position of power over them.
318	%%* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: Alice.
319	* ImprovisedWeapon: Alice would rather sharpen her paintbrushes and use them as weapons than make use of the martial arts lessons she received from Caelan.
320	* NumberTwo: They share this position, as Gaz's right- and left-hand people.
321	%%* {{Tsundere}}: Caelan.
322	* UndyingLoyalty: Both of them are absolutely devoted to Gaz, both out of gratitude for how he's helped them and great admiration for what he does.
323	%%* YouthfulFreckles: Alice.
324	[[/folder]]
325
326	%%!!Deceased Characters
327
328	%%[[folder:Amalric]]
329	%%!!Amalric Kleinschmidt
330
331	%%Cog's father.
332	%%----
333
334	%%[[/folder]]
335
336	%%[[folder:Linda]]
337	%%!!Linda Kleinschmidt
338
339	%%Cog's older sister.
340	%%----
341
342	%%[[/folder]]

Context Characters / Clockwork