Muppet

Introduction.
Muppet (Real Name: Ivan, formerly Ivana.) is a member of the protagonist gang in the main story of Virtue. Muppet was invented somewhere between the invention of Spike, and the earliest appearance of Thorn. Most likely in December of 2017, in tandem with the invention of Snips, who would go on to be heavily involved with his development as a character. Muppet has seen some of the strangest shifts of his character when compared to the other members of the cast. While Muppet lacks an intense emotional drive such as those seen in Thorn and Zero, he is nonetheless his own character.

Muppet is more introverted than his peers, and does not delight in the social aspects of V-Punk culture. While he will still follow the others out to clubs, he much prefers to all chill and get stoned in their usual hideout. Muppet lacks the confidence of his companions, which is evident in his attire. Muppet is the only Transgender member of the main cast, though there are many Transgender V-punks in Virtue. Muppet struggles with his dysphoria, which does a number on his self-image. Because of this, Muppet wears a thicker outfit than his companions, to hide the shape of his frame. Muppet's identity is not accepted by his family, nor are Trans-rights widely considered by the population of Virtue. His companions however, Thorn in particular, are very supportive.

With Snips, Muppet shares a love for music. Unlike Snips however, Muppet's fondness for art extends beyond the audible sort. Muppet spends much of his time drawing, writing and painting. Muppet is responsible for designing much of the graffiti thrown up by he and his companions throughout Virtue.

Muppet was initially invented as a companion for Spike, after Spike was received well by followers. His personality did not originally exist, as he was essentially a mannequin for drawings of Spike which needed a second, or third player. Eventually however, when the cast of Virtue was formed, Muppet would see revival with his own identity thrown in too.

Pre-Vunk:
Muppet is the middle child in a large family. Though he lives relatively comfortably, his parents are both irrationally paranoid about abiding by CMF regulations. Muppet's siblings took after their parents, all working to attain a respectable position and affirming their roles as 'boot-lickers.' Muppet's family are not emotionally expressive. And so, Muppet often had his feelings neglected, or dismissed. Because of this, he was a particularly quiet, anti-social child. Unlike the close relationship between Spike and his twin, Muppet has never been particularly close with his siblings. His brothers and sisters are more akin to estranged cousins, if relatives at all.

Once he began attending High-School, Muppet became absolutely infatuated with rule-breakers. Muppet's inquisitive nature lead him to befriend Raze, who was a pariah within the school. Though Muppet was a few years younger than Raze, the two would spend much of their time together. They related in that neither was particularly close with their family, or very good at fitting in. After a while, Raze made the assumption that the two were in a romantic relationship, without ever speaking to Muppet about it. This rumor would spread through their school and eventually to the authority, who would inform Muppet's parents of his alleged relationship with an older student. Because of this, Muppet was forbidden from hanging out with Raze again. Muppet was as one can imagine, quite affronted by Raze's lie. So he punched him in the face. It was this action that caught the attention of his to-be companions in the first place. Soon after, Raze would try to pretend nothing had ever happened between the two. Content with his new group of friends, Muppet would remind Raze that he wanted nothing to do with him. Though Muppet would recover from the embarrassing rumor, Raze would soon drop out of school.

Muppet would develop a close friendship with Thorn, and come to admire both Ace and Snips. He would enter a relationship with the latter however, as Snips was the one to ask him. Snips would laugh when he learned that Muppet had felt conflicted, stating that Ace was not particularly fond of Muppet. This was a lie, which would cause Muppet to feel apprehensive about talking to Ace for some time. Ace, aloof as always, would take no notice of Muppet's anxiety regarding him. (*By now, everyone is of-age.) When the group began to join the V-punk culture, Muppet was over-joyed to take part. For too long he had been taught to obey CMF tyranny. Now, he would have his turn to fight for something he believed in. For once, Muppet had something he felt he could be openly passionate about. And this time, he would not be silenced.

Prior Events:
Shortly after their entrance into V-Punk Culture, Snips would start on some prescribed medicine for his afflictions of the mind. This would starkly morph his expression, and he would not appear to be the same person Muppet had thought himself to be in love with. When Muppet expressed his concerns to his boyfriend, Snips would suggest that they ended the relationship to avoid turning sour on each other. Muppet would agree that it was for the best, but he truly did not want to. Shortly after, Muppet would learn from Thorn that Snips had claimed in private he broke up with Muppet so he didn't have to listen to his complaining. This would worsen Muppet's self-image further, but Thorn would support him during this time. Though Muppet would display concern for Thorn's intensifying obsession with Spike, Thorn appealed to Muppet's inner hopeless-romantic, with his talk of true-love and being meant for each other. But as time passed, Muppet would become more jaded and cynical in regards to love. Despite the way Snips speaks of Muppet behind his back, Muppet still harbors feelings for him.

Main Events:
As of Domino's disappearance and the beginning of the main story, Muppet is disturbed to find that Raze has been recruited into Zero's gang. Before this, Zero did not outwardly threaten Muppet. Though Muppet is sure that Zero must have known how he would feel in his presence. Because of this, Muppet would fear Zero's influence moving forward. After Spike is ambushed, Muppet realizes his deep concern may be more than worrying for a friend. Knowing of Spike's habits, Muppet would suspect that he could be involved with Domino's disappearance. However he does not think that Spike would have killed someone. Though Muppet suspects that Raze may be plotting to take some manic vengeance on him, he is not sure of the extent of Raze's resentment.

Ace:
Once, Muppet bore feelings for Ace. After Snips lied about Ace's opinion of Muppet however, he became more apprehensive to interact with him. Though eventually Muppet would assume the feelings had passed, as he and Ace would spend much of their time playing video games together. Muppet is particularly fond of fighting games, which he plays quite often with Ace. These games are usually those Muppet can consistently defeat Ace in. Though the two are not particularly emotional with each other, they have developed a strong friendship throughout their time together in the gang.


 * (SPOILER) After Ace's departure from Virtue, Muppet is caught alone by Raze. Before Raze can act on his sickening plan however, Ace arrives to rescue Muppet. This means Ace has missed his flight, and that his chance to leave Virtue was sacrificed to rescue his friend.This should not be considered Canon, as this is only a potential occurrence in the story. Thusly, it is subject to change.

Zero:
Muppet and Zero were friendly before Zero's departure from their group. After this Muppet would pity Zero for the fall of his social life, knowing the isolation all too well. When Zero would return however, Muppet would hope that he could find it in his heart to forgive the group. This of course, seems unlikely now. As of Raze's appearance in Zero's posse, Muppet has developed a strong fear of Zero and his cruel aspirations.

Spike:
Muppet had always been more interested in Snips and Ace during the early years of their group. Spike's aggressive, erratic and at times, irrational personality was deterrent of Muppet's attention. It is obvious to him that Spike is a deeply wounded person, and not someone that is particularly healthy to associate with to an emotional level. It is because of this that Muppet is concerned with Thorn's clear obsession with helping Spike, and with Spike himself. Over time however, Muppet would grow to be more fond of Spike. Respecting his unwillingness to be subservient to the government, and his passion for his companions.


 * (SPOILER) Giving in to lasting tension and physical attraction, Muppet eventually spends a night with Spike. This deeply offends Thorn, who considers Thorn to have betrayed him. Thorn speaks very cruelly of his friend, and Muppet's heart is broken (again). This should not be considered Canon, as this is only a potential occurrence in the story. Thusly, it is subject to change.

Thorn:
Thorn is Muppet's best friend, and has been so since ending his relationship with Snips if not before then. The two are very close, confiding in one another and at times, depending on each other for emotional support. Thorn uses this semi-reliance to control Muppet at times, but his manipulation is subtle enough that Muppet has not picked up on it. Muppet believes that Thorn is deserving of a better life than that which they live in Virtue, but he is quite aware of such aspirations conflicting with Thorn's ambition for a life shared with his irrational crush. Muppet looks to Thorn for feedback on much of his creative works, and finds him to be very supportive of what he makes. Admittedly Muppet is jealous of Thorn's own artistic ability, as well as other factors of his being. Muppet does not consider himself to be desirable, which is worsened by his envy for Thorn's body and social ability. This envy is only twisted further by Thorn's habit of demeaning people to feed his swollen impression of himself. Despite these feelings, Thorn and Muppet often casually sleep together. As they do not bare intimate feelings for one another, this is done just for fun. Or perhaps, to relieve stress.


 * (SPOILER) Giving in to lasting tension and physical attraction, Muppet eventually spends a night with Spike. This deeply offends Thorn, who considers Thorn to have betrayed him. Thorn speaks very cruelly of his friend, and Muppet's heart is broken (again). This should not be considered Canon, as this is only a potential occurrence in the story. Thusly, it is subject to change.

Chance:
Muppet does not have any relation to Chance at this time.

Snips:
Muppet has always harbored affection for Snips. These feelings were realized when the two entered a relationship together. Before Snips began taking the medicine prescribed for his disorder, the two were quite happy together. Although Snips was bitter and spiteful, Muppet was often able to soothe his anger. Muppet was very supportive of Snips in his times of weakness. However as time would move forward, Snips would grow tired of Muppet and what he described as his 'whining'. After starting his medication, Snips became more callous, and stand-offish. When Muppet expressed his concern, Snips would opt to end the relationship. Muppet agreed, but he was heartbroken nonetheless. Given their shared group of friends, Muppet was unable to effectively distance himself from Snips. Muppet still holds some intimate attraction to his ex, but he is uncertain whether they are for the Snips of his memories, or the person he has turned into.

Cobra:
Cobra and Muppet did not encounter each other, prior to Cobra's joining of Zero's gang. The two would become acquainted however, as Cobra would secretly contact Muppet through social media, apologizing for a particularly offensive comment made by Zero, who saw fit to target Muppet's fragile sense of identity. After this, the two would become friends in secret. Through their conversations, the two would develop a shared affection. Because of this, Cobra would actively try to prevent Zero's plans to expose Muppet to Raze.


 * (SPOILER)

Raze:
After Raze lied about being in a relationship with Muppet, Raze would begin developing an intense resentment for him. After Muppet punched him in the face, his hatred was sealed. Much like Zero, Raze would be consumed by his anger towards Muppet. Though Raze was perhaps, a bit farther gone. Muppet is unaware of the extent of Raze's ambition for him, but he is wise enough to know that he is very dangerous.


 * (SPOILER) After Ace's departure from Virtue, Muppet is caught alone by Raze. Before Raze can act on his sickening plan however, Ace arrives to rescue Muppet. This means Ace has missed his flight, and that his chance to leave Virtue was sacrificed to rescue his friend. After this, Raze is approached by Muppet. Having overcome his fear of the Brute, Muppet exclaims that he will kill Raze if he ever comes near him or any of his friends again. Raze, still recovering from the wounds he received from Ace, leaves without speaking in turn. This should not be considered Canon, as this is only a potential occurrence in the story. Thusly, it is subject to change.

Design and Development.
Much like most members of the Virtue cast, Muppet's design has for the most part, always resembled his original concept art. He has always worn a thick stripy coat with a fluffy brim on the hood. His hair has changed somewhat throughout his development, but it has remained comparable to his original concept.

Trivia.

 * Muppet's name was originally Muffin. Potentially, his name may be changed again to Moppet.
 * Though initially Muppet was cisgendered, the concept of him being trans was tossed around for some time. Before he was officially changed to trans-male in celebration of Trans-Awareness Day, 2019.
 * In a bizarre cross-over story, Muppet was brought back from the dead by the character Lian, who was trying to engineer a cure for her illness. This was after Muppet had been decapitated by the Dullahan.
 * After being scrapped, Muppet's original design was gifted to a weirdo on the internet, so he was redesigned to remain authentic.
 * Muppet only thoroughly enjoys Fighting games, at which he is undefeated. His favorite is Street Fighter, and he dislikes Soul Calibur.
 * Muppet has a very poor immune system, which is why he appears quick pale. He is often sickly looking.
 * Muppet's favorite band is Neon Indian.