AF
The Joker
Arthur Fleck
A quiet Gotham resident who cares for his mother and dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian.
ClearStory FILM GUIDE · 2019
Joker
Remember the people. Follow Arthur’s viewpoint. Avoid accidental spoilers.
What you need to know
Arthur Fleck lives with his mother in a run-down Gotham City. He works as a party clown, wants to perform stand-up comedy and receives support through an overstretched council service. As the city grows angrier and Arthur’s life becomes less stable, he begins moving towards the identity known as Joker.
2 hours 2 minutesPsychological drama
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
BEFORE YOU WATCH
11 peopleWho is that character?
PF
Arthur’s mother
Penny Fleck
Arthur’s unwell mother. She once worked for the Wayne family and regularly writes to Thomas Wayne.
MF
TV host
Murray Franklin
The popular late-night host Arthur watches with his mother and admires as a performer.
SD
Neighbour
Sophie Dumond
A single mother who lives near Arthur in the same apartment building.
TW
Wayne family
Thomas Wayne
A wealthy Gotham businessman who plans to run for mayor. Penny believes he can help them.
BW
Wayne family
Bruce Wayne
Thomas Wayne’s young son. This story takes place long before he could become Batman.
AP
Wayne household
Alfred Pennyworth
The man looking after young Bruce at the Wayne family home.
R
Ha-Ha’s clown
Randall
One of Arthur’s co-workers at the clown agency. He acts friendly but creates problems for Arthur.
G
Ha-Ha’s clown
Gary
Arthur’s co-worker. He is kinder to Arthur than most of the people around them.
SW
Council support
Arthur’s social worker
The worker who meets Arthur and asks about his thoughts, medication and diary. Her name is not important to remember.
B&G
Gotham police
Detectives Burke and Garrity
The two detectives investigating the killings on the subway.
DURING THE FILM
Recap as you go
Choose only a scene you have completed. If you are unsure, wait until you finish watching.
The two things to remember
Arthur’s life: his job, treatment and relationships are breaking down. Gotham: public anger is growing separately around him.
AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
This section contains major spoilers, including the ending.
Content note: This film contains strong violence, abuse, distressing mental-health themes and suicide references. The guide explains the story; it does not treat mental illness as a cause of violence.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for the 2019 film Joker. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Warner Bros., DC or the filmmakers. No official images, logos or film artwork are used.