Backstory

In the Victorian era, racism was a very common phenomenon, although black-white marriages were popular, it was often not acceptable for the nobility to have a black child. When Basil was born into the Gravestone family, the family's business and high status were put in jeopardy when Basil's mother's affair with a black man could come to light. So it was insinuated that he was born with a 'defect' and was clothed with a mask that became an integral part of his social life. His mother had high hopes for his talent and intelligence, but lived in fear that his secret would ruin their plans. Basil was favored to be the heir to the Graveston family estate, which greatly saddened his older brother Gaspar, and his jealousy increasingly overshadowed the brothers' love for each other.

Present

Basil and Gaspar's past is shattered when Gaspar, in a fit of anger, exposes Basil in front of the entire funeral home, revealing the secret of the Gravestone family. This act leads to their banishment from the aristocratic home, causing Basil to join the clown tribe and Gaspar to join the harlequin tribe. The unique appearance becomes a characteristic feature of the clown, which attracts many viewers as well as puppeteers who want to use him to implement their plans.