Every Circus Character's Disorder! TADC Theory!

[@PaladinZ8008]

A good theory I've seen about jax (I don't remember who made it) is that he was in a family that was quick to blame him when bad things happened, possibly because he was mischievous at an extremely young age and people continued to view him that way throughout his childhood. And because he was always blamed for stuff, he started to not care about being a good person because he would be blamed anyway. This could lead to him being a jerk to others and explain why he seems to become a genuinely good person when it actually matters that he is. So not exactly a diagnosable problem but a toxic environment from a young age.

[@MarioMastar]

That seems to have happened to Loona, who more clearly is someone who became what she is because of rampant bullying and ironically people treated her the same way, even inventing ways to describe her bitterly simply because she was a goth who was angry with the world. A character like Jax in a show like this doesn't feel like he was written to be a jerk for no reason, as this isn't a comedy show like Simpsons or Family Guy that doesn't take things seriously. Plus from what I've seen, while Jax is clearly a jerk, he almost seems to think he's being entertaining or trying to remind everyone that it's just a game and not worth stressing out over, but when he's constantly punished or sees people taking the game seriously, people see his bigger glare as him being cold hearted or showing hints of empathy. I personally think that what he's reacting to is the idea that reality's restrictions and sensitivity entering the virtual world IS the sin that got them all where they are in the first place. It's not that he doesn't care, but he doesn't really "want to" because if he does, then there's no point in "living" in this world. and when Gangle and Caine brought up punishment for not engaging in the story and Gangle took great joy in being a police officer that could actually handcuff Jax, he was basically like "So....this isn't a game anymore..... this is prison. Fine....I'll do things your way". All because Zooble, who also doesn't want to give a sh8t about this world said "Yeah it sucks....but it could be worse.... and I don't want it to be worse." I think that's the reason some people (like me) can relate to Jax so much. It's like playing GTAV. I'd never hurt a person IRL or treat them badly, but I still play some games as an escape that lets me just... act out and have fun when the real world keeps tightening it's grip on me, but when even games like that or areas we enjoy punish us for stepping out of line becuase some overly sensitive kid cried hard enough, what else is there? The only choice really is to "act up" cause they're already punishing us for dreaming. That's probably what was meant by "only true Jax fans will still like him in the end". cause I'm sure Gooseworks is just as aware of how overly sensitive her fanbase is as Viv is for Hboss and how must people want to see the characters die painful deaths cause they act like they're the main character of the show and were violated, revealing just how violent and toxic these fans REALLY are. Even the characters seem tired of the bullsh8t...... like they're aware of what people IRL are saying about them.

[@the_Jimmyest_of_Jim]

​​​@@MarioMastar Nice connection and theroy but... Bruv you did not need to make an entire chapter of writing.😭🙏

[@castlebyers6134]

A detail I noticed in the latest episode is that he says he didn’t mean to break Gangle’s mask and he seemed like he meant it; also, when Ragatha is yelling at him he says something along the lines of “Why am I always the bad guy? I’m not actually a bad guy.” I also think the reason he’s so chaotic is because he knows this is a game and he knows he can’t get hurt (as far as we know) so keeping himself entertained is what’s keeping him from abstracting.

[@BarnailWoodson]

@@MarioMastarnot to be mean but I was not expecting an entire novel about something with little to no relation to the topic 💀

[@Dr_Boko]

@@the_Jimmyest_of_Jim yes they did 😂

[@Dante-Balisk]

Jax also could be using escapism. He doesn't like normal things because its boring or he feels unimportant. While when doing Caine's adventures, he seems to be the one with the most enthusiasm to undergo them because they distract from having to think about whatever past he has and why not take advantage to its fullest while he's there. He's very accepting of their situation and shows little, so far, of any hope of escape, choosing to focus on the present and never on the past.

[@ayv.had3nough]

That’s a perfect explanation tbh

[@megangonzalez9697]

I don't think that Jax is a narcissist. I think that he has been in the circus for so long and seen so many people abstract that he puts up walls. That way, he won't be hurt when his friends leave, and nobody will be hurt when he leaves. I'm guessing his relationship with Circus members used to be way different, but over time relying on virtual "people" was too soul crushing.

[@BerryJackalope]

@megangonzalez9697 not narcissistic, no, but I could still see antisocial personality disorder. It makes creating connections nearly impossible and puts others emotions and well being beneath their own. It can occur after trauma too, such as being in the circus so long (not their fault but still difficult to be around)

[@megangonzalez9697]

@BerryJackalope I could totally see that

[@occykat]

Elevation complex

[@MarioMastar]

Yeah, the way Jax acts from what I've seen and heard in his voice doesn't come across as him deliberately being mean because he just wants to, but rather to prove a point, given how often he gets upset or angry and the reasons for his anger. If anything Episode 4 probably spells it out the hardest by showing him working a normal job, he's still in the virtual world and he knows this, but when Gangle says "If you don't do as I say then I'll punish you!" and he's confused for a bit like "punish?" as Gangle calls Caine to ask him to administer punishment and Caine responds "Reinforcement! That's an excellent IDEA!" giving Gangle the OK to do whatever she wants to him. This can come across as Jax only being afraid of punishment, but his reaction and conversation with Zooble later doesn't reflect that, as much as disappointment that this "fantasy world" where he can "do whatever he want" is slowly becoming restricted like the real world. and if he can't have fun in a virtual world that's obviously fake and doesn't have permanent consequences, then he can only enjoy himself in his own mind and feels there's nothing to really look forward to. After all, he asks Zooble why she's bothering doing this stuff and he knows Zooble is just as cynical as he is about the state of the game, but when even Zooble is willing to play along because she doesn't want to make things worse than they already are, that's the point where Jax resigns and says "I guess this is it then, fun's over. Gangle somehow turned a video game into real life...." and he then starts acting like a "normal person", kind of the person he might really be like in the real world, basically a nihilist...or someone who doesn't believe there's any worth or value in moving forward in life cause it's all going to end the same anyway. I'ts kind of ironic how people who associated themselves with Gangle because she's constantly sad and a victim end up being just like Gangle in EP4 where given the power, they would easily ruin others lives in pursuit of a cleaner "peace" where nothing is out of line for them, and kind of ultimately flipped the script by almost making Jax feel sympathetic and Gangle seem like the bully. Mostly because of the snitching to Caine and wanting to administer punishment for rule breaking, which from what we could tell (and she learned the hard way) only made EVERYONE feel justified in not liking her, EVERYONE including Pomni and Ragatha, and in the end Gangle kind of realized what kind of monster she became. It was tragic, but it's kind of interesting how we learned a lot more about Jax and Gangle in a way that flipped the script completely, and while she may not necessarily get Jax's respect, she did get Zooble's respect for opening her eyes a bit more and realizing the gravity of the situation.

[@killerbee1974]

My head canon is that he's out to break the game before it breaks him

[@FletchChokieboe]

honestly, kinger seems like he might have dissociative amnesia to me. i could just be projecting, but mine tends to make me confused too

[@CartoonUniverse]

NGL that sounds like Hell

[@TheCosmoVoid_System]

Actually I was thinking Dissociative Amnesia as well lolz (I personally experience full blown Dissociative Amnesia 💀👍)

[@DragonLikesArt]

As someone with autism I see myself in gangle. With her masking, socially awkward, overthinking and stromb interests in art

[@seeminglyindistressed3855]

Same and funny thing is my mom has bi polar so its all connected for me

[@Lovely-x7t]

@@seeminglyindistressed3855 My mum also has bipolar.

[@seeminglyindistressed3855]

@Lovely-x7t Cool so are we best friends

[@tarahthornton123]

I wonder why I can do an accurate gangle impression?

[@regularly_priced]

Me too. Extreme emotions are common in autistic people, and as an autistic person who also has severe anxiety and somewhat mild(?) depression, I very heavily relate to Gangle. The masking thing also hit very close to home. It’s weird seeing people saying her mental health issues are severe, because a lot of what she deals with seems very normal to me. It doesn’t seem severe at all. But that might be my skewed view of mental health because I /am/ mentally ill.

[@CriticalFangirl]

I never watched this show. But as someone who has been spending the year soul-searching and learning about my mental health, this video instantly caught my attention.

[@Chrissy717]

Just watch it. Trust me. If you were soul-searching for an answer to your mental health condition, this show will probably hit a bit differently (in a good/making you cry way)

[@typhoonboom]

i highly reccoment watching it. it takes less than 2 hours and is really funny imo

[@alex-ut3xp]

This show somehow hits on almost every trauma I have even though indirectly at times. Some moments hurt a little but it always manages to bring me back to the moment immediately afterwards like therapy that actually helps somehow (therapy irl has never worked out for me and deepened the scars of my trauma but this show has a much better impact on my mental state)

[@Mocha_teas]

Seriously recommend it to you

[@katenesm]

Be strong bro!

[@gLiTcH3d_sUnFL0w3R]

I think Caine **may** have adhd or something. Especially judging by his rambunctious-ness, fast talking, easy distraction and whatnot. “Hey, Zooble! Look at this cool BEE I drew!” Edit: lol I found my people in the replies how nice

[@razerbladegamer]

he is an ai but dair enough he was distracted and proud of what he did by not listening to zooble i would thknk he definitnaly has adhd since i have it and that is just me i can nto do anything with out anything to do

[@alexjewett7455]

Csine is an AI, he doesn't have anything.

[@Whoisme12345]

I feel the same way… like one second he was a minute away from a mental breakdown then “I’m gonna draw some things and your gonna tell me what you see”

[@RainbowCrochet3]

I have ADHD and yes, Caine might have it bc I act like this a lot, also my little sis calls me Caine a lot.

[@Whoisme12345]

@AriesCrochet3 if that was me I wouldn’t be sure how to feel, like should I be happy someone called me Caine???

[@stormdash2341]

One of the popular theories I heard about Gangle wearing a Happy Mask is more the belief that she is literally Masking her feelings. She's depressed, but puts on a mask to make it seem like she's happy, or even tries to force it like she did in episode 4. As for Ragatha, she might be an example of Toxic Positivity. She tries too hard to be happy and make everyone else happy, which can repress feelings. It's hinted that she might be bitter at Pomni for ditching her in episode one, but won't say anything. She'd rather smile and pretend it's okay. Gangle and Ragatha are similar in that they both try to force happiness in some ways. Difference is Gangle is just hiding her emotions while Ragatha is being a bit more controlling. Everything else seems spot on. Great video.

[@lemonyvee]

i think borderline personality disorder may fit gangle better, since people with bpd experience frequent mood changes within minutes to hours. gangle's comedy mask breaks so fast and easily, which reminds me more of bpd than bipolar. bipolar people tend to have longer periods of mania and depression that can last for days, weeks and months.

[@starbittenpixieboy]

i was thinking bipolar type 2, they have a shorter form of mania called hypomania. it lasts 4 days ma afaik

[@alittlebitofnothing7734]

i have bpd and gangle is super relatable. def more bpd then bipolar, but she could also have depression alongside bpd.

[@cinguloapathy]

she jnust like me fr

[@sofiamariewyatt]

@@starbittenpixieboy Personally I think she has this, as I recognize a lot of my dad who is bipolar (tho not type 2) in her, though she could also have depression. I view Gangle’s happy mask can be both manic episodes (episode 4, at the beginning of adventure) and masking sadness (end of episode 4) I think during episode 3 we saw Gangle when she isn’t going through an episode. I think that there’s artistic liberties on the timeframe during episodes and how long stuff lasts and how long days are, as since TADC is only going to be 8 episodes, so it can’t exactly last long enough for bipolar changes to be accurate without a lot of time warps. (Or time moves differently in the circus, would explain if Kinger has Alzheimer’s or not) In my mind, Gangle in the real world thought she just had depression and would mask it to appear normal, and put a mask in her avatar because she was a theater nerd and to give her an excuse to unmask and be sad. However, when she got in the circus she forgot choosing this avatar (like characters forgetting their name) so she ended up actually believing her tragedy mask caused her to be sad (at least at first) and just went with it. Zooble implies that the plastic mask she only found recently, so perhaps whenever Gangle has a true manic episode or is about to the mask spawns, or the mask helped trigger it, or the circus could sense it and put the mask in for Gangle.

[@Sonchikas1]

People call Jax narcissistic because they have a wrong idea of what narcissism is. Ragatha's need to be liked by others is more in line with NPD, she's literally trying to have control over what people think of her.

[@MarioMastar]

I think they're just looking for any negative word to describe Jax because they only see him the way they want to see him instead of seeing him for what he really is. It's the same with Loona (and even Zooble) where most people can't look past the surface of the character and makes up terrible things that aren't evident in the show, then you actually watch the show and realize "wait....nothing they said was NEARLY as bad as people claim" Like for awhile Loona's wiki article described her as lazy and bitter and self absorbed. none of which is true. One even called her a "villain" based on a FANON wiki that write her as an antagonist who would fight Blitz and beat him up because she was bitter and needed to be controlled. Which also is NOT true (in fact the opposite is true, all those people who said they want to punish and abuse her are basically the types who see a scared little girl and grab a belt to knock her senseless and then call her a b8tch when she screams in fear and anger as an adult, it's absolutely disgusting). I can't help but think Episode 4's depiction of Jax was deliberatley to show everyone they need to stop inventing reasons to hate things and try to actually pay attention. cause like in real life, you never know what a person is going through and may have misread a scene, but also like in internet life, most of these angry people online tend to be the biggest bullies for no reason and just broadcast thier hate on characters to feel better about themselves. and no one seems to address the hypocrisy.

[@caranostalgico9249]

What you said about Ragatha makes sense, if Gangle is correct about her being insincere, because narcissistic people tend to subly manipulate people so they see them as an important, or maybe the more important, person in their lives

[@Ray_Starl1ght]

This is my own theory for Jax. Many people may not realize that Jax could be Autistic, He might not know how to communicate properly so he instead tends to be rude and even violent at times. He might use it as away to avoid the fact he isn’t “normal”. Maybe he learned it due to his family situation, and so he avoids showing the fact he isn’t able to communicate well. This is just a theory that could be possible though, as in someone who’s autistic and have neurodivergent family members. My younger brother used to get violent and physical when he got frustrated when no one could understand what he was trying to communicate. Honestly Jax’s rude attitude could be him masking, and when he got exhausted he took the mask down. Though again, just what I can see of Jax and what could be a possibility.

[@theartist_fawn]

As somebody who’s also autistic, this actually makes complete sense! He may have picked up his behavior from other people, but he can be genuine at times. Also, what if breaks Gangle‘s mask on purpose because he doesn’t want her to bottle her emotions? Idk something tells me that he’s actually a caring person but he just doesn’t show it

[@janinarb]

Yeah I think Jax is autistic

[@Camille_Jamal1]

does feel true, if I weren't to have the support I have now, I would probably be worse than Jax (apparently theres a possibility I have adhd tho, just not diagnosed)

[@TheCosmoVoid_System]

Actually I really like this theory- I'm Autistic (as well as a person with ADHD, among other things) as well, and the theory makes a lot of sense. I personally act violently because I can't express myself to others, and I don't have any other way to act (talking about how I feel is hard irl so that doesn't help at all 💀). I'd like to add onto the Autistic theory too. Jax may have Autism with ASPD (Anti Social Personality Disorder) traits (I personally experience ASPD symptoms, however I'm not sure if they're traits or actual ASPD making itself more obvious). Dunno, this is just a theory, A GAME THEOR- I'll see myself out

[@Cubicnoir]

Kinger may have also Alzheimer’s but I do think he had PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) 3:44

[@wilTfrie]

you know in episode 3 it IS reveiled that queen or queener or whover kinger's girlfriend or wife WHATEVER abstracted

[@TrueDamBe]

I agree with cubicnoir on ptsd but i don’t think kinger has alzheimers. Now i want to say that i am not a medical professional either so take this with a pinch of salt. But i think kingers problem might be more like ptsd induced psykosis but in reverse? I don’t know. But thats just the feeling i get from kinger more than alzheimer.

[@almessasorrow4950]

memory loss related PTSD blocks info of a traumatic event along with everyday info that reminds said person of their PTSD. Sensory clues/Triggers will repair memory in great detail as if reliving the memory.

[@KitKat-co2of]

​@@wilTfrie Your struggle to name Kinger's wife was so real 😭😭😭

[@vianegativa9049]

Dissociative traits too

[@Omni_venus_O.o]

I really kin gangle (as you can see from my profile picture) and Zooble. I have severe bipolar, and seeing a character like gangle is really therapeutic to me. Now onto my theory: I think the plastic mask Zooble gave to gangle is a representation of unhealthy meds. At first, she was really happy, and more confident. But as the episode goes on we see how it’s damaging her. Making her constantly strive for more from the others. At the end of the shift, she runs in front of traffic. That might be a hint at how depression meds and abusing them can lead to suicide. Just my theory tho :)

[@VintageFenrir]

"Go ahead, you can subscribe twice!" [Is already subscribed.] [Clicks the button again.] [Is now unsubscribed]

[@PLScypion]

6:26 you have no idea how fucking TRUE that is. As someone who discovered at 20 years old, that I'm basically 3/4 orphan despite in theory having both living biological parents (divorced for my entire life, one with new normal family) and had to babysit my narcissistic birthgiver (she checks out all the boxes, 0 empathy for anyone, has relations with people only if they're useful to her and is the only person in entire world entitled to having emotions, things, money and anything else in her own bubble) for almost all of my life so far, I know way too well how much it sucks to not being able to have your own emotions, opinions and even real face around the closest family, having to pretend to be always neutral-happy about everything 24/7 because if you don't, the toxic person will go into childish unjustified unreasonable tantrum and being unbearable to live around. Having to learn to never show your true face, maneuvering around other people's behavior and not telling them truth to not set them of to the point of professionally hiding true intentions is horrible. And it's not even with specific cases, it's everywhere! My birthgiver hated her parents because they were like that to her, yet she act 90% the same way as my grandma. Same with grandma on my father's side, she was that toxic to him but also her own husband my grandfather, to the point where both had suicidal tendencies because of her. My friend (A) and her son (J) had the same with her parents and J's father, A's husband and so many other cases. Unbearable toxic narcissists that you have to move around in specific way to not make your life, with their tantrums where they blame everything on you, even worse. So yeah, if that's more or less Ragatha's backstory then she is 100% my spiritual digital avatar and I'm very interested in how they explore her character in next episodes.

[@BerryJackalope]

@PLScypion Yeah, that explanation hit home for me. Also came from a garbage abusive family. Eventually I was diagnosed with ocd, pure o at times, which presented in extreme people pleasing and an obsession with validation and reassurance that I was good and being as good as possible. Always concerned with how I was perceived to the point where I disregard my own personal well being. Like her putting up with Jax putting her in the deep fryer but still wanting him to like her.

[@SPAZO_IS_COOL]

I ain't reading all that

[@acethethirdking]

Jax to me comes across as someone putting up barriers to try and keep people at arms length,the Kaufmo funeral situation to me seeming like a break in his usual façade, Him asking how Pomni is doing also seems genuine, and comes across as him being too exhausted to keep up his front. he probably prefers being hated to forming a connection that could possibly lead to him being harmed. Guy comes across as the personification of the Hedgehog's Dilemma.

[@KitKat-co2of]

Because of this comment I learned what the Hedgehog's Dilemma is and WOW 1 YOU ARE SO RIGHT ABOUT HIS BEING THE PERSONIFICATION OF IT AND 2 IT'S A REALLY COOL DILEMMA. I really like the question it imposes, of which is better to risk, being without company or to be hurt by your company.

[@Murknium]

"as your therapist, i'll gift you with this augmented reality game that will cure your mental disorder" dark alley therapist

[@KitKat-co2of]

WHAT IS THIS EVEN REFERENCING??

[@Murknium]

@KitKat-co2of headcanon i made up in the spot definitely not a real life experience, that'd be unrealistic yet, trust me

[@KitKat-co2of]

@@Murknium I suspected it was a headcanon but it was just said so out of context I was wondering if it was referencing something in the video I missed COMPLETELY lol. Thank you for telling me the context tho 🥰

[@Murknium]

@KitKat-co2of no problem friend! ❤️

[@skyhayes3425]

As someone who has worked in a job like Spudsey's while being bipolar as well, I completely related to Gangle in the moment. I've had those moments as well, but is was more that the job had ways to assume control than normal life. Watching the episode was really nice, it was cool to see the representation done in a way that wasn't demonizing.

[@MarioMastar]

Being a manager isn't easy, it takes a ton of maturity and patience, which is why they usually require many years of experience because all the employees are on your shoulders and you're responsible for the profits the company makes. Many people are fooled into thinking being a manager is about "telling people what to do" and all those "bad boss memes" floating around, but you're absolutely right Gangle's reflection of being a shift manager and the struggles she had is a very accurate depiction of what would happen if someone who clearly wasn't ready to manage was put in the position. She breaks down constantly, is more focusing on "What not to do" than what to do, assigns tasks arbitrarily instead of playing to everyone's strengths, and constantly uses negative reinforcement to get people to work, and people aren't happy. Ironically, the happy mask is less a mask covering her emotions, but rather it seems the opposite, a chance for her to act in a way that goes against her philosophy and not feel ashamed until it "breaks". In the end she says "My mask would've broken by now...." and it comes across more as "Was that narccisistic, elitist manager who made everyone miserable the "real me"? Pomni didn't know how to answer, she tried to put on a fake smile to try again, but just stood there blankly for hours as others did thier work, reflecting and realizing that she really isn't the victim she thought she was, in that moment she was the power tripper, immature and she thought the mask gave her power, and yet, it didn't break, it wasn't removed to expose her sensitive side like other moments. Hence why she ultimately fell in front of the truck and woke up in Caine's office like she woke up from a nightmare. There is NO feeling worse than realizing you don't just play a bad guy....you ARE a bad guy and the sensitive side of you is the mask. But at the end we see her drawing Pomni and Zooble who both reminded her that she is a good person deep down, she just still has room to grow, they all do. and she was able to smile genuinely again.

[@CasuallyBlu3b3rry]

I have a head cannon where Jax may have epilepsy or a fear of flashing lights because in episode 4 Gangle puts him in a dark room and makes him watch the employee video so he'll clean up his act, in that room Jax seems to be genuinely freaked out by the flashing lights and sudden movements and when he comes out of the room he looks absolutely traumatized and acts different. So perhaps he's afraid of sudden flashing lights and or has epilepsy and ended up having a seizure in that room???

[@Murderducky4u]

I think Jax might also have trust issues, as he never really trusts anyone. I also think Caine might have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) and slight schizophrenia (and remember that's just a theory a GAME theory(jkjkjk))

[@WhoAsked123feelinggood]

Yeah I think caine has adhd too

[@cuckoobrain7999]

Why schizophrenia?

[@Murderducky4u]

@cuckoobrain7999 idk he is a bit delusional

[@Murderducky4u]

@cuckoobrain7999 sry if I got that wrong I'm not a professional

[@MarioMastar]

Hehe well Caine is an AI, he's a robot so he doesn't have a "mentality", as much as a program with actions he reads from and reacts to based on what he was trained for. The only reason he breaks up when confronted with odd situations is because he wasn't programmed to know how to react to someone with a serious issue but doesn't want to bother wasting thier time with it like Zooble did. That kind of emotional barrier is something only someone who really has a heart can get through, there's no math formula for understanding Zooble's pain. and it seems to offend her heavily when people think they know what her problem is instead of letting her speak for herself. (E.g. people are quick to say she has body dismorphia, but I don't think that's the case, I think the body dismorphia is more a reaction to her deeper inner trouble, something she knows can't be solved and that no one would understand. It's very akin to someone saying "I wish I were a wolf, but I know it's impossible to make me one, and if I tell anyone I want to be one, they'll just either think I'm insane, tell me to wear a costume, say some "You're a wolf on the inside", or not give a sh8t. But it won't change the fact that my dream can never come fully true." It's just not that easy to spell out and it's even more offensive to pretend (or worse, fetishize) her issue.

[@regularly_priced]

As an autistic person who loves psychology,I think Ragatha might be autistic based on the way she talks (the way the logic works.) Autistic people are very commonly people pleasers because of social pressure, especially autistic women due to societal standards and gender roles. And Ragatha is a woman. So it makes sense that she is a people pleaser. And autistic people also have a strong sense of justice to the point where it can really hurt if other people are struggling around them. Neurotypical people do experience this kind of thing but not to the level where it’s debilitating. They have a different way of experiencing empathy than we do. That said, I could be wrong

[@cartermathison6362]

I think kinger might have some form of autism, not only does he spend most of his time in the dark away from people and away from noise, but anytime he isn’t overstimulated he becomes the wises and smartest dude in the room.

[@Camille_Jamal1]

me irl lols

[@AveragePsychologist]

My headcanons as a Psychologist: Jax: Antisocial Personality Disorder (though perhaps not fully Psychopathic, and instead just Sociopathic), and either Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder. Ragatha: People Pleasing, Co-Dependency, Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder and a Hero Complex. Zooble: Body Dysmorphia and Major Depression. Gangle: Bipolar Personality Disorder (with the Depressive episodes being more dominant than the Manic Ones) and Major Depression with hidden Sui**dal Thoughts. Kinger: PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder (having the real Kinger and the forgetful one) and ADHD. Pomni: Paranoid Personality Disorder, Social Anxiety, Major Depression and Autism. Kaufmo: Paranoid and Schizoid Personality Disorders, alongside Schizophrenia, which caused a Psychotic Breakdown that triggered his abstraction.

[@lindensalter6713]

Overall I really like this list. I thought I was the only one thinking OCD for Ragatha and that I was just inserting myself onto her. I’m glad someone else sees it. And I never thought of DID for Kinger but I think that’s a neat possibility. I do have a couple of questions. Why BPD for Jax? I’ve known a couple of people with BPD and I just am not picking up the same things I’ve noticed with those people I know. There isn’t a strong “push and pull” with emotions if that makes sense. He doesn’t seem to be prone to doing “I love this” to “I hate this” jumping around. He seems pretty consistent on how he views and feels about things. He doesn’t seem to have gotten strongly attached to anything or anyone ever so far. I just don’t see it but I also am no way an expert on these things. Do you not see Kinger as possibly having Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia as well? As far as everything else, I thought this sounded extremely accurate. The way he acts reminded me of a less cranky version of my great grandma before she died. I was surprised there was no form of dementia on your list

[@F_NerdShark]

As an autistic with a fixation on ASPD and I ALSO THOUGHT JAX MIGHT HAVE ASPD!! Even in the 4th episode when we get to see him break down a bit he’s still pretty careless, just more irritable. The only thing that gets him to act “normal” is the idea of having consequences to his actions (and even then he still doesn’t do what he’s told) I could explain every little thing that points it out to me but I doubt anyone cares that much to see me ramble about it lol

[@brainflash1]

Pretty sure Gangle is the one with autism.

[@AveragePsychologist]

My apologies, as you're right, Jax's chances of having BPD are quite low u_u Instead it's more like he's either Avoidant like Cartoon Universe said, or he just doesn't care at all. Also, your explanation about BPD was very exact and amazing! Also, I hope that your great-grandmother's soul its surrounded with love, light and her loved ones, and remember that she's watching over all of you now with her love and kindness. About Kinger there's a chance he might have Early Onset Alzheimer's, though he has the opposite of sundowning (as he becomes more cognizant in darkness rather than light). Finally, about Jax having ASPD, maybe after he does that unforgivable thing (I think he will end Ragatha), he might feel some guilt, even if it's because everyone else will make his life hell as punishment.

[@ElCuervoCronista]

Wow dude XD I'm not a psychologist, but I love studying psychology and since almost a decade I've being learning about neurodivergencies (cause I'm part of the band). Jax looks like a bratty narcissist to me, who's playing the bully role in order to hide his vulnerable self inside that digital trap from where they can't scape. He's trying to live it as a funny experience and make others more miserable than he is. Jax really needs a big slap in the face. Ragatha seems to be raised to be liked by others, so she's actively trying to be loved by everyone and is shutting-up her real feelings. She's insecure and feeling very lonely (at the point of wishing being flirted by any person). It's interesting that you said Pomni is the autistic one, cause I think Gangle is the more related with this peculiar brain structure: while in the Spudy's she is masking quite heavy, moving and talking as aspergers tend to do when they're in social pressure sittuations. Major depression and traumas are quite common for them too, because of their sensitivity and all the struggles they must hold daily. Pomni stills in shock trying to understand what's going on and accepting her new fate. She looks like someone introvert with anxiety problems.

[@micheleolivier8270]

There is a therapist on KZbin, who watches these shows and cosplay these characters as she gives her opinion on what theses characters have and what not. I saw a couple when she talks about the Amazing digital circus and Hazbin hotel.

[@laurahuynh8333]

Are you talking about Georgia Dow?

[@micheleolivier8270]

@laurahuynh8333 Yes. Thank you.

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

You mean Georgia Dow?

[@0valeyes]

Yeah I seen her videos don't know she seen these yet.

[@F_NerdShark]

Georgia Dow! I love her content she’s so cheerful

[@leppyless]

Interesting features of Zooble's design: -Each form of Zooble's body has a wing on the right shoulder; at one point one it resembles an angel wing (One-winged angel Zooble?? lol) -One of the horns on Zooble's head at one point resembles an upward arrow possibly representing several things (heaven or a "good afterlife"/Zooble possibly having special knowledge that relates to the plot) -The blue pendant on their Chest looks kind of similar to the seeing-stone from the movie Coraline Also, the latest episode has me wondering, why would Zooble's box of spare parts contain a mask so perfectly "fitting" to Gangle's body and situation ("it feels normal... like, in a good way")? That mask looked very out of place against the majority Zooble's belongings (with the exception of the bright shapes reminiscent of the patterns on Zooble's usual parts). Did it appear in their parts box just because? I have a feeling Zooble's specific situation is more related to the reason for the circus's existence than anyone else's. Especially because they seem to have a deeper history with Caine ("It's me, remember?").

[@jadenofsinger2321]

super off topic from the video as a whole but i truly admire and appreciate the super polite way you basically tell people not to argue in the comments, like yes, we all have opinions, and some of us may not see exactly eye to eye, but theres no need for negativity. a lot of people aren't very mindful when talking about things that can spark disagreement/controversy, but its a trait of yours that made me a huge fan of you and your channel- that is, the way you handle controversial topics/opinions with mindfulness and a lot more grace than i personally possess lmao

[@fixatedhenry_6921]

i honestly wonder if caine, in some way, may also suffer internally. even though he’s an ai, he is quite the advanced one, and he does have symptoms of some kind of illness. or maybe he’s just really, really, insecure about his ability to entertain the members of the circus. being shown by him panicking by zooble just telling him his adventures are *bad* and making things worse. while this could be just some internal programming clashing with his directive and zooble’s input about him failing the very job he was created for. i believe it might be something else, such as a existential crisis.

[@skyglitters1160]

What if Jax is literally just someone irl playing the game? His room doesn’t exist because he just doesn’t need one. He has the ability to just remove the headset unlike everyone else for whatever reason. He may only remove it when he enters his “room” just to keep everyone fooled. That may be why he doesn’t care much. He’s like a child playing Minecraft in creative mode. Destroying everything in his path just for a laugh. He of course plays it off like he’s like everyone else but for him he’s just having fun with characters that he believes aren’t truly alive. Idk I’m probably wrong but I think it’s an interesting thought.

[@fetusdeletus9266]

I don’t think that’s true but it would certainly explain why he hates doing a 9-5 shift at a fast food joint, he’s playing the game to escape reality and suddenly he is finding himself in a part of the game that strongly resembles and imitates reality and worse he’s punished heavily for not playing along.

[@MarioMastar]

He'd have taken off the helmet the minute Gangle told him he could be punished. XD You're on the right track with him knowing this is all a game and not real and people should loosen up since they're stuck there, but episode 4 having him genuinely get depressed sadly debunks the idea that he's just pretending. Still not a bad idea though!

[@Camille_Jamal1]

good theory

[@Hi_My_Names_Ryan]

I think the exact same. Jax gives off serious GTA player energy in episode 2 especially. Thats when I noticed it. I fully think Jax is the only one in the circus who didnt help design or program the game. I think he's a criminal IRL who broke into the office and stole a headset. I think he IS stuck in there, but he's actually having fun because like you said, he's playing the game. He knows it just a game for fun and he's destroying everything because he can. Like when you rob and kill people in GTA, just cuz

[@MNM150-p3f]

I always thought that the meaning behind Ragatha being a doll was because she was manipulated or controlled by someone she was close to and she's nice because she doesn't want anyone else to be upset and try to harm her.

[@permeus2nd]

1:40 as someone that’s suffers from chronic depression I can identify with the mask thing I’ve always been good at putting on the mask but as my mental illness has gotten worse the glue holding it on has gotten much weaker also the longer I keep the mask on the worse I feel when I’m finally able to take it off or it slips off.

[@Deadener.]

I used to have depression but realized sadness all together was just self pity and a waste of my time. Not sure if that helps you.

[@LilWeebSauce]

I introduced my freind to digital circus and he had my fav theory about jax. Jac isn't crazy he isn't a pyhscopath. He was told before the game he was the ONLY real human. He thinks they are npcs and is testing them

[@vwaaaat]

I think ragatha might be showing some borderline personality disorder symptoms, which is a very complex disorder that usually is about attachment issues, personality shifting to whoever she is interacting with, the feeling of being "fake" or not real, insecurity, and maladaptive relationships. She wants to control the situation but also not anger or make anyone unhappy is also a clue. Jax probably has antisocial personality disorder more than narcissism, because he really doesnt care about his image as seen by others. Narcissists have an inherent anxiety and insecurity about their image and cares about how they are seen by others. Antisocial personality is what people mean when they say psychopathic or sociopath, which are older terms. Jax seems to be the most adapted to the digital circus because he is not getting real world consequences for his impulsive and cruel behavior. But he could also want those real world consequences because that is how he regulates himself, and may lead to much more dangerous situations in the digital circus than we realize. Being antisocial doesnt outrightly mean evil, but without regulation it could easily get out of control. But he also could gain empathy of others in glimpses but it is hard for someone with antisocial personality disorder to feel or perceive empathy. I would agree that Kinger has alzheimers but maybe more like PTSD, derealization, or dissociative amnesia. It doesnt seem like he is in a marked downward turn but we will see how he progresses or doesnt. He definitely avoid his "reality" as much as possible just as much as he forgets about it. Zooble does show body dysmorphia but it seems more like she has depersonalization as well.

[@Silvic_3]

As someone with diagnosed anxiety disorder pomni honestly felt really well done in that sense. I relate to almost everything about her character and it feels really good. I also think the other characters are done really well. I feel like glitch actually did their research and didn’t just make stereotypes and I think it’s helpful to a lot of people.

[@Imjackonpurpose]

Let’s see. I have autism and back in school I had a special way of trying to make connections that was misunderstood and that would scare all my peers and would often land me in the principals office. Doesn’t that remind you of a some one 🐇

[@Mangacide]

Remember that guy in infinity train? Who saw the whole thing as a videogame and treated the companions/train denizens as subhuman npc characters because of that? That's Jax.

[@Deadener.]

So the Digimon Emperor?

[@Mangacide]

@@Deadener. I don't know enough about digimon to agree or disagree xD

[@person8152]

I thought that Jax could have ASPD traits (not because he hurts people, but sadly people with ASPD are often represented that way in media and I sincerely hope that he'll find peace within himself), but because he doesn't really seem to connect with others in an emotional way, by feeling their emotions as his own (which is what a type of empathy does, however he might feel other types of empathy since he's probably sadistic in nature) and he seems to get bored very easily and has a need for thrill, he also impulsively breaks rules As much as I know, people with ASPD might show grandiose traits

[@MiyakoFuchi]

little thing to add with Ragatha being nihilism and possibly golden child syndrome? or maybe just a case of child turned parent to family. Either way, I relate BIG time to Her, Gangle and Pomni, I have Autism, depression and SEVERE Anxiety (Context: I used to go to the ER almost weekly due to anxiety attacks back when we, my mom and I had no idea that anxiety could cause things like nausea, vomiting and over all just feeling like I'm sick with something when I'm not. it was even worse when my period was going to come around, when it was happening and shortly after it stopped for the month) Ps. Caffeine can cause/trigger anxiety attacks when consumed a lot, I no longer drink caffeine, I haven't had a full blown anxiety attack that required an ER trip, along with Garlic and onion. I was drinking exclusively soda and tea so....yeah.....I can still drink pop but only caffeine free ones, like any Lemon lime soda (not including Mtn Dew) or Root beer (not cream soda)

[@V1v14nn3]

Someone said that jax is mean as a fake personality because he wants people to hate him for something he can control rather than something he cant(his real personality)

[@Psycho_Animations]

0:23 reality

[@caindahuman4758]

for gangle in the latest episode i imediately think of smilling depression, smiling depression is essentially a depressed person thats taking the idea of "faking it until you make it" to the extreme and forever pretending to be ok and the fact that they kind of avoided talking about how they feel apart from with the people they feel most secure with (meaning zooble and pomni) im including pomni as she did have that moment that she did admit she wasnt feeling great when she took off the mask even if she did quickly shut it down

[@Ace_not_awake]

I think jax is just putting up and act so he either doesnt go mentally insane, or because he doesnt want to come to terms with his situation and just wants to play around so it hurts just less. Its obvious when hes put into humane setttings hes more normal, but when hes in wacky and fictional settings he plays into the act.

[@ElCuervoCronista]

Instead bipolar, I think Gangle is a bit autistic because of how she behaves. Highly sensitive people (as autistics are) feel their emotions very intensely and live in a constant emotional roller-coaster, reason why they're normally misdiagnosed as bipolars and BPD. The depression and traumas that are haunting her come from, well, life itself and living in a normie society aren't very easy for neurodivergent people. They must struggle twice harder than a "normal" person.

[@OreoandOwen]

As someone who has anxiety and social anxiety I can see the bad anxiety with Pomni having anxious thoughts and around others

[@kaylameisner987]

I just graduated with a major in psych! It's like you knew and dropped this video! I don't think Jax quite fits NPD, but we might get more details down the line!

[@ElizabethWynn-fs9wv]

4:10 when he mentioned the part of kinger focusing on things better in the dark because it’s less overstimulating just makes me think he has ADHD because I have ADHD and can’t think straight when I’m stressed and overstimulated so I go to another room that’s quieter like the bathroom and close my eyes and breath to calm down. Maybe with him being in the circus for so long and with all the adventures and insanity with people abstracting he’s probably overstimulated and overwhelmed all the time so the darkness helps him have some peace for once. I know it’s a long shot but that’s just a theory A FILM THEORY! (Yes i had to)

[@Mystic-j41776]

Kinger having Alzheimer’s would be a real shame, considering he’s like not even 50.

[@TurkeySandwich69420]

Because of my [insert mental condition here], I instantly related to [insert character here].

[@ghostthelizard]

I dont think jax would qualify as a narcissist. He doesnt strike me that way. I guess it is possible he might have antisocial personality disorder, but like hes not straight up evil like people love to claim aspd patients are. There are people with aspd who dont commit crimes, and not all of them are inherently bad people. The degree of empathy varies between individuals or at least some have an understanding of morals to some extent even without empathy (eg they know murder is bad without understanding why). Having lower empathy than normal people could explain why Jax would sometimes do the things he does. He probably thinks like "you cant die in this game so it should be fine" but he probably would not actually hurt people if it like actually could kill them. Theres a possibility he does the things he does thinking theyre fun and others would find them fun too or maybe he does them to keep his sanity in the circus since he probably had seen his fair share of abstracted people. I feel like Jax has at least a basic understanding of empathy, and he can act much nicer. Though honestly i also think he acts that way to put up walls between him and others, and part of why he is at the circus and the one deserving it the most is because Jax doesnt like getting helped by others. I think hes putting up an act of being much tougher than he is. Dont think its a superiority complex either though. I could be wrong of course tho, im not an expert by no means

[@katarzynamedynska1682]

I absolutely agree with you and also I think that Jax is like that due to trauma and he doesn't want anyone to find out what happened to him because it's something that he's really ashamed of..

[@deniz_istanbul_love]

I like to think that Jax just somehow hacked into the circus and didn’t care to get out 💀

[@veggie4205]

Ragatha is just masking guys, she’s got a lil bit of the tism. I think she lines up to a person on the spectrum (I’m biased and autistic)

[@goddessbettyd5614]

Glitch Productions' animated web series, The Amazing Digital Circus, characterizes characters with remarkable personalities, idiosyncrasies, and struggles, which some fans have interpreted as analogies for disabilities. Despite this, the series itself does not explicitly determine these characteristics as disabilities. According to their behaviors and challenges, we can make the following interpretations: 1. Pomni: She usually experiences extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and confusion about her identity and surroundings, which might resonate with themes of dissociation, anxiety disorders, or open-minded oversupply. 2. Ragatha: As one of the more ordinary characters, she still blunders with the chaotic environment and keeps her tranquility, which could reflect someone managing pressure or being a caretaker figure for others. 3. Jax: His sarcastic, self-absorbed, and usually conceited behavior might be interpreted as masking deeper insecurities, though it’s less directly associated with any pronounced disability. 4. Kinger: He embodies paranoia and impulsive behavior, which could symbolize mental health challenges like PTSD, extreme anxiety, or a neurodivergent condition. 5. Zooble: Who’s aloofness and frustration with a fragmented body might be seen as an embodiment of body dysmorphia or distress with whom’s self-image. 6. Gangle: Oftentimes she’s seen crying or displaying depressive preferences, which may characterize her struggles with depression or low self-esteem.

[@racheldereje3592]

Sí tienes razón, la gente tiene mucho problemas con sus vidas, porque nadie es perfecto.

[@redpanda6497]

Finally a comment that doesn't go to the extreme, pop psychology territory. But, it sounds like chat gpt.

[@lilatheduckling8359]

chat gpt😭😭

[@phillystruck9003]

I feel like Jax is likely someone that's disconnected from reality, hence the cartoony character and tendencies to do 4th wall breaks

[@XxCoral_Starlight06xX]

I feel like I can speak upon this as I have most of these but I think Gangle has BPD also known as borderline personality disorder I have it and I have experienced a lot of what gang has but I also think she might be bipolar which I also have and then definitely experiences a lot of similar personalities to antisocial personality disorder which I don’t have but my mother… And he acts a lot like my mom too…

[@randompandagirl831]

I agree her emotions are one extreme of the emotion she’s feeling. Her comedy mask gets broken a lot and even to the point where she felt like she did everything wrong and blames herself zooble helps her when she’s feeling down. The happiness she felt was extreme joy but that sadness is the same as that joy.

[@MasterZephyr6]

I think it would be a fun plot twist if they lost their actual bodies somehow and now the bodies they currently have somehow make it out to the real world but still allowing them to do they things they could in the circus (Zooble able to take themself apart, Kinger glowing when he holds his breath, Caine floating around, etc)

[@thequietkid5178]

My dumb ass thought the TADC in the name of the video was a diagnosis.

[@EXP3R1M3NT]

LMAOOOOO

[@animegirlhaven]

I understand the various experiences associated with different mental disabilities and the importance of being patient with individuals facing these challenges. Nowadays, perceptions are changing every day. I have learned about a disability that affects my education: my speech impediment. People often struggled to understand me before, which was frustrating, but I have improved over time. Dealing with the diverse experiences of being born with disabilities is challenging, but it is also beautiful, and I see it as an expression of art and love. ❤️

[@nuraolblast1721]

1) Them showing Jax being more complex than meet the eye made me doubt if he realy was an AI. 2) If he still sociolize when he is this tired (when he talked to Pomni) I don't think he is a sociopath Those are my only thoughts so far

[@Tucher97]

With Gangle, I dont think bipolar but have noticed when her comedy mask breaks, its more like "someone in a positive mood but then something breaks it and they are depressed for hours on end".

[@happypasta6]

I know Caine is an AI rather than a human/PC but I feel like he too still has some disorder traits. He’s constantly trying to be prefect and has control issues when things don’t go his way or trouble accepting different views from his.

[@razerbladegamer]

or he has adhd since he got distracted and drew a bee

[@noemikaede1725]

Perhaps Jax has ODD. It’s oppositional defiant disorder, where an individual behaves in ways to annoy others, challenges others around them, says spiteful/harmful things, as well as physical aggression and bullying. It’s not a personality disorder, and Jax CAN comply/behave differently, as evidenced when he complied and “worked” the fast food shift, which is why I suspect Jax might have ODD. Ragatha appears to have narcissistic personality disorder due to her excessive desire for others to like her. This is the theory I like the most as it presents NPD in a different light. Not all people with NPD present those immediate “negative” symptoms of the disorder.

[@Ok_buddy_thats_enough]

And the line in ep 4 where she says ‘’Jax I hate you but I don’t want you to hate me’’

[@uhh...nasturtiium]

To be honest I believe Jax has borderline personality disorder (BPD) 😭‼️ Borderline personality disorder is, by definition "a mental illness that causes a person to have unstable emotions and impulsive behaviors." "People with BPD may experience intense anger, depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, and insecurity. They may also have difficulty with relationships, self-identity, and long-term planning." -Google Another thing I hear that's common is a constant, nagging feeling of emptiness which is why they have so many moods. Okay, for starters - Many viewers have a different interpretation of Jax. I personally think that is because one of the silly things about BPD is that you switch moods for a longer period of time, than bipolarism. Not to get confused with bipolarity, which has constant, quick switching. To elaborate, Gangle breaks her comedy mask frequently and quickly. But when Jax at Spudsy's is taken for an ✨EMPLOYEE REEVALUATION✨ you can see how Jax slowly starts to build panic by his facial expressions. He holds it after the Employee Reevaluation, still trauamatized. But later into the day, he becomes his usual self, grinning and making fun of others, all that. Or when he smiles at the end of his shift then frowns, and he maintains the frown when he gets into the car. As opposed to Gangle who quickly panics and changes her masks more frequently. Addtionally, you see a lot of moods of Jax. At times, he's just a bully or genuinely sincere like mentioned in the video at 8:00, asking how Pomni's doing. More often than not, people with BPD see people either as an angel or devil. In plain English, they treat people kindly or horrible, no in between if that kind of makes sense. Like when Jax was actually said when Kaufmo died at the funeral. Erm so uh!! Remember, always check your info with credible sources cause in the end, I'm a random stranger on KZbin. I'm not a trained therapist or whatever so not everything here is accurate. I've heard it may be bipolarity instead but uh idk man... aughfhfhhf I spent like 30m writing this... this is why my mom locked me up in the basement :(

[@positivelyela3286]

I saw Gangle's mask as her masking, as in trying to fit in and act normal. This is very prominent with Autism, especially girls who will act in ways they see others acting to appear normal. I'm curious if Gangle's mask symbolizes her trying to "mask" and act happy instead of depressed and it breaks so often because it has gotten hard for her to pretend she's okay. She seems to do better at masking/ putting up a front at work which is why she gets the indestructible mask, but even with the mask on she has a hard time staying happy. It's like she was able to mask longer but became so exhausted from the act, which plays into the theater theme. Sometimes it's hard to tell that someone is depressed until it's too late.

[@stagelights_]

I also think part of zoobles issues with body and identity could also be related to their gender. in addition to having body dysmorphoa they may also have gender dysphoria.

[@Ashyishereslaygirly192]

A theory that I have is that each character was put in the game to recognize their insanity, sure the circus can make them go insane, but it could be basically like a therapy where they are confronted with maybe many many things,. such as fears,chaos, and challenges that can bring anxiety to all of them. there is also another thing, where depending on how many years, days, or months, in the real world is just a short amount of time.But the circus also brings another thing, which is some desires.See Zooble dislikes her body, but she is brought different parts to see what is suitable for her, gangle is brought art and masks. the masks can hide her emotions but be a coping mechanism that she uses to remain calm and lower her anxiety. She occasionally draws and can express her creativity, Jax in some adventures was given chaos, and the many things he likes that is found to be chaotic or otherwise insane, Kinger has been given the opportunity to have quietness, and the dark, which is helpful to his sanity and can heal his inner mind and sanity. But there is characters than haven’t been brought to their desires and needs,Ragatha is a people pleaser which means that her desires aren’t determined and it makes it seem she doesn’t want anything or needs anything. Also there is Pomni, but it could be that she is the newest and her desires and needs aren’t determined yet. but another thing is that the characters I brought these things to help them, but another thing is that if they start getting selfish and bratty about it, and that brings in Jax in which the world is slowly starting to avoid his desires which is death chaos gore etc. I hope this opinion can bring great help:3

[@KatC-o4u]

I have autism and I know what it’s like to be judged a bit because of it

[@lemons.account]

As someone diagnosed with CD as a kid, I think it fits Jax almost perfectly. Aggression, lack of empathy, recklessness, bullying/intimidation, violation of rules, etc etc.

[@lornadavis4665]

Actually Zooble has used the box of special body parts because in the pilot (the first episode) there wing,arms,chest accessories and horns have changed so they have been using the box Cain got them or Glitch decided to change (I’m saying them/they/there because i think they are Zoobles pronouns

[@POTATO._.DR4GONS]

I feel like Gangle’s new mask was working, but everytime someone (like Ragatha or Jax) would ruin her mood you’d hear a cracking sound. I think that indicates that her happy mask would have broke at that point. So once she wasn’t feeling happy, she could feel sad. But with the plastic mask she’s always js normal. Never sad. So she was stuck in a personality that didn’t fit her.

[@BootyyyshakerXwolf17000]

As someone with Body Dysmorphia, ADHD, Gender dysphoria, and more, I immediately knew Zooble struggled with Body dysmorphia and (possibly) even gender dysphoria as well. It’s why they’re so much of a comfort character to me. I haven’t even watched the video cuz I don’t need to, I’m already positive it’s not just MY head canon, and very well a fact.

[@imsad8436]

Ok, so i see a little bit of myself in Jax and just from my personal point of view he definitely could have a cluster b personality disorder of some type. I personally have BPD, but I’m not sure if he has it because he definitely has some differences in how he expresses himself from the way I do that I feel doesn’t fully fit a BPD profile. Personally I feel he lines up more with ASPD than NPD, but honestly? That’s just my headcanon right now. I think we need to see more of his character before making any concrete theories of what he possibly could have. I love how this series is brining up conversations like this tho and it especially is nice to see characters I relate to be treated in a non-demonizing way (and I hope they go that way with Jax too, because people with personality disorders are also human!!!). I also relate to Zooble and Gangle (and Pomni a little too lol unfortunately I have many things going on in my brain). I also feel like Gangle’s mask could represent neurodivergent masking, because that’s how I related to it as someone that also has ADHD and autism. But, tbf, it could just represent dealing with having to mask anything from neurodivergence to mental illness to a disability. I recently suggested this series to my therapist, so maybe I’ll come back with thoughts that she has from a more professional stance, because I do find this discussion very interesting lol

[@cynthmcgpoet]

I was starting to think that Gangle may have been cutting, a self-harm behavior that is fairly common among people dealing with bipolar depression. Personally, I have not engaged in that behavior although I have known people who have. It could be connected to the red ribbons that her body exhibits in TADC. It's just something that came to mind before falling asleep, but I wanted to save this insight at the appropriate time and place.

[@F_NerdShark]

As someone who does not cut but does sh honestly I love this idea! It’s such a nice theory to compliment her mask and what it clearly symbolises with her changing emotions.

[@abyssnightail881]

For Kinger, I think he has PTSD, the gaps in memory, avoiding but also keeping things that remind him of certain things.

[@Bruvchill_YEP]

Kinger may have ADHD.Raggatha Probably when she was a kid was the oldest and her parents are probably divorced and she had to help them and that is why she wants other people to have control and wants to help them because that’s probably why she’s like that in the first place. Tell me, however, it was probably in an office job which had a lot of tasks to complete and she was kind of like everyone’s made and she’s always anxious. For Jax I assume that he is a gamer and is also a cyber bully and is very toxic to other people he plays with, and he doesn’t go out of the house often and he doesn’t see people and when he stuck in a video game, it’s basically the same being toxic to other people playing with you. he may or may not know that they are actually real people.

[@already-taken]

I would put Gangle more into the camp of autism than bipolar. Yes there are ups and downs shown, but there is a level of control that I wouldn't connect with bipolar. She can go straight from visibly frustrated to back to work by putting on the mask in the garbage area. That seems more like autistic masking to me.

[@cdmay4]

While all of those definitions sound like they fit for Jax, it really frustrated me when they are so obviously villianized as it feels like saying they can't help but be evil. Genuinely understanding and exploring the definition could help set positive examples and make people suffering from them feel represented, too. I still think and hope they can do this with Jax, and this episode gave me a glimmer of hope for this, but unfortunately, I doubt it from the creators wording. Considering he asked if anyone could see, he probably has his own issues with how he is perceived by others. I think Ragatha might actually hate Jax because the 2 are more alike than she is comfortable with. This episode made it clear that they are almost all used to putting on an act. Ragatha could possibly have the same issues but manifested differently, resulting in the 2 of them getting on eachothers nerves for the way they've learned to hide it. For Jax, he could be pretending nothing can ever get to him so on one pokes at his issues while the reason is the same for Ragatha but the method is different because if everyone likes her they won't want to poke. I've heard narcissists get angry at people for crying, for instance, because they assume the other person is trying to manipulate them because that's what they do. Ragatha always asks why Jax is doing something, not telling him to stop. She wants to stop the cause, not the issue. Jax on the other hand, never allows any moment of weakness to show and distracts from it (he focused on the clock after getting out, wouldn't participate in holding his breath and didn't admit to being scared or running away from an obstructed kofmo) I think they definitely aren't shying away from talking about mental health and also that there's a heavy exploration into masking in general. For gangle, so many different mental disorders are relatable and when you watch reactions you can easily tell who has/hasn't worked fast food and who can't relate to gangles situation even if it was clearer towards the end. I don't have bipolar disorder, but I couldn't have felt more alike and understanding towards Gangle from the moment she put on the plastic mask. I am, however, currently suffering from autistic burnout, which feels extremely similar to how it was displayed in the show. Regardless of the diagnosis, the show gives, if any, many will find it relatable. People who didn't work fast food were more confused&focused on the process and if things happened and people without the same issues found gangle annoying and considered her purely on a power trip and that they needed to go back to the way we're but it's never that simple. I'm not sure they realize it, but several people b4 were found that gangle annoying before the mask, too. Zooble is so obvious that I don't actually know what to say about them, only that it makes sense that someone with body dismorphia would understand some of the frustrations of masking for a nuerotypical world. It also makes sense for pomni to feel the most normal despite anxiety bc so many people are waking up to the realization that they have anxiety to the point that it almost feels normal. The world around us is genuinely a little insane and just like pomni, it's almost concerning if you aren’t freaking out a little in this situation. With all of this said with that truck moment I do have a theory which is that most of these characters aren't just dead but that they may have caused it themselves and were uploaded to be treated for the issues leading to it in order to hopefully help them and keep them alive in a way. Maybe they have loved ones who are watching too. I think Jax is either a bug tester who somehow actually got trapped or was the 1st person who experimented in this way on by kinger. That's why they don't need nutrients but remember their past life and have adventures that are a little off. They are meant to treat the characters mostly in an exposure therapy way. The adventure probably adjusts to who attends. For instance Jax Ragatha and Zooble were all at a tea party where they were meant to socialize, kinger and pomni confronted horror itself and kingers past head on, and Zooble was put into therapy in episode 2. That was probably pretty triggering of real-life issues for all of them. It's at this point that I realize I'm rambling, so I'll get off my soap box now

[@junetime_panic]

Ima be honest I feel like episode 4 just cements Gangle as autistic. Like, the ENTIRE premise is about putting on a *literal mask*.

[@Jaxtexx]

I’m so happy someone else thinks kinger has Alzheimer’s/Dimentia. And that Jax is a narcissist but not to the extreme that you would think

[@wolfieisacat13]

I’m more inclined to think that Kinger has some sort of dissociative disorder. He doesn’t seem to forget things, more just not know them

[@charliebraun8247]

I think Jax has some sort of depressive disorder. He's aware of the fact that nothing he does matters, and therefore doesn't care about doing physical harm to the other characters- he can't actually hurt them- he's probably tried everything else. He seems more irritable and tired than malicious- (when he genuinely upsets other characters, he looks guilty, like with Gangle's mask.) I think his hopelessness manifests as noncommittal aggression, which is fairly common.

[@Arche_TheP0ny]

Cool love the Theories ngl some are agreeable.

[@nistramai]

I could never really place what Pomni might have. She just seemed like the normal one who is still mentally stable enough so the others get attached and like her because she is still keeping it together. Anxiety makes a lot of sense. I really wouldnt know cause she still just seems normal to me, just a scared type, but thats really good!!

[@melikesmuffins6676]

I have a feeling that dampened demeanor Jax experienced during the Spudsys episode will have lingering effects on him later on

[@SuperNovaBass73]

Gangle: I thought the idea of her being bipolar was interesting. I did see a VTuber talk about how he relates to Gangle pretty well as someone with Autism, and as I look back at the episode, I thought it made sense as well. It's kinda hinted at in the forth episode about how she's masking at work (a strategy used to appear non-autistic) especially with one of her lines near the end being "usually my comedy mask is broken by now". This I think could imply not only Autism, but also depression since those two disorders can be associated with one another in some cases (it might also be why her mask breaks so easily). Zooble: Completely agree with you on this one. I thought Gooseworx did a fantastic job at demonstrating body dysmorphia with a character that's represented as nonbinary. The only thing I would add is that body dysmorphia can also often lead to depression, and I do see it in Zooble's character as well. Kinger: I'm definitely with you on the idea that he has Alzheimer's, but also maybe PTSD? If I'm being honest, considering he's been in the circus the longest, he probably had to go through a lot compared to the rest of the characters, especially after what happened to his wife. Pomni: Just, yes. No notes. Ragatha: When you mentioned obsessive need to please other or be liked and managing other people's emotions, the only possible ideas I could think of are maybe OCD or a some type of mental disorder stemming from trauma? I feel like she's the most difficult character to figure out for something like this so a lot of different answers could be the right one. Jax: I actually think Jax might be more of a sociopath than a narcissist. He doesn't really mention himself enough or as a superior often enough in my opinion to classify himself as a narcissist. He mostly picks on people and chooses not to care about them which is a classic sociopathic thing to do and the only time that he shows that he cares is when he's just tired which you're about how it made him act out of character. Not a mental health professional. Just someone who's seen a lot of these disorders displayed on people first hand.

[@kitkat_tadc_vocaloid]

I saw something about pomni stated by gooseworx, that she has unspecified personality disorder and social anxiety. She is a very anxious person in general, but it may be drivin by paranoia or her UPD

[@DiabolicalDistortion]

I love gangle, I relate to her a lot ❤

[@bunnydemitrigenderflux]

Completely unrelated to the video but I don't really have anywhere to share this theory so ima put it here: I think Jax's thing when he holds his breath is turning invisible. Most of the evidence I have for this is in episode one. First of all, the key! How *did* he get that? And how did he vanish after grabbing the bowling ball from Kafmo's room? And why was he out of breath when he reappeared next? Sure, he was running, but does that really affect them that much? It's possible to just breathe out while talking and not inhale. Difficult, sure, painful, definitely, and it certainly sounds weird if you don't have any practice. Considering the way Jax is and the fact that he can't get any vocal injuries or anything like that, he definitely has spent hours on end practicing whether or not this is his breathless ability. No matter what it is, it HAS to have pranking/trolling potential, right? I think he timed it perfectly when we saw him with Kafmo and Ragatha's (and the others) seen it so many times already that she didn't even think about it and Pomni was already overwhelmed with all the other weird stuff going on, not to even mention the fact that they were staring right at a monster made out of another guy, so they didn't really give it a second thought.

[@wolfgod6999]

Jax is a narcissist because my grandma is on and acts just like him

[@JinxOfZaun]

This explains why I find Gangle so relatable. I'm 99% certain I have depression and I'm always putting on a metaphorical mask to hide it but the mask breaks easily just like Gangle's does. I'd say Gooseworx did a good job portraying that.

[@SamuraiAkechi]

Jax is just an arrogant TF2 scout+soldier main: - He's purple, meaning that he plays both Red and Blu. - He likes violence and moving fast, dabbing on others. - he had a sawn-off shotgun and a rocket launcher.

[@TheShadowDuelist]

Pomni: Anxiety Zooble: Body Dystrophia Kinger: Alzheimer’s Gangle: Depression Ragatha: people pleaser Jax: Narcissist Caine: misunderstood A.I. Bubble: Oddball Kaufmo and Baron: insanity Gummigoo: existential crisis Gloink Queen and The Fudge: Glutton Their issues

[@axol_offical]

and in ep 2 when ragagatha mentions kofmos funereal he seems sad at the mention of the clown 7:46

[@Molly_Dollyy774]

TADC is a very creative way to look into these different Disorders the characters likely have

[@chorispierrot9646]

I always thought that Gangle’s masks were a clear representation of masking

[@T4icky]

I swear jax is BPD ..probably its not a real diagnosis its just..Yk a really Interesting thing how he fits the description the way Pommni would fit anxiety not canon but hey the shoe fits

[@sammcfarlane2494]

Do you think Gangle really has autism

[@lindensalter6713]

Curious what makes you think this. I don’t remember noticing anything particularly autistic from her then again I wasn’t looking for that

[@sammcfarlane2494]

@ because lots of Nero diversion people struggle at Fastfood restaurants, I also think I either heard it in a video or on this channel before.

[@regularly_priced]

I very heavily relate to Gangle after the fourth episode. It’s weird seeing people saying Gangle’s mental health issues are severe, because a lot of what she deals with seems very normal to me. It doesn’t seem severe at all. But that might be my skewed view of her mental health due to my own mental illness. For context, I am autistic with ADHD-which isn’t mental illness, but I also have depression, severe anxiety and “ocd tendencies” according to my diagnostic report. (I don’t fully know what that last one means). Autism and bipolar disorder are sometimes hard to distinguish from each other at first because they both have extreme emotional highs and lows, and many autistic people have anxiety and/or depression because of social treatment, so it can show up similarly to bipolar disorder. But it also means that there is a lot of overlap, so we can relate to each other. I think this is why I so heavily relate to Gangle

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Hm, how very interesting, i hope we’ll explore these further.

[@Wyrnikh]

I get the feeling that Pomni also deals with imposter syndrome, thus the clown suit.

[@Happyworldshark]

With gangle, there is a type of depression that often lifts up for short moments, like a freind lets you know their voming over for the first time in months, at least thats my understanding of it, it makes some sense for her but it could be wrong.

[@Happyworldshark]

I think it's called atypical depression but I could be wrong.

[@Shades-N-Braids]

Since we learned that Ragatha had horses in her real life, I'll put my theory out that Ragatha lived/worked on her family's horse ranch with a lot of siblings, hence why she feels obligated to help anyone out, even if she doesn't actually want to.