Basics In Behavior

Basics in Behavior is more than just an animated music video; it’s a compelling narrative piece and the inaugural addition to the Fundamental Paper Education series. It creatively explores the school day of a student named Claire, whose ordinary school routine spirals into an extraordinary series of events. This video is not a typical episode from any series; it stands alone, driven by the thematic song of the same name by The Living Tombstone, which adds a lyrical depth to the unfolding drama.

The Onset of Chaos

The video begins with Claire walking to school, setting the stage for a day that seems routine. Inside the school, the ambiance quickly shifts as we see various teachers, including Miss Circle, Miss Thavel, and Miss Bloomie, engaged in their daily tasks. However, normalcy is disrupted when Claire enters her classroom. Here, she faces constant harassment from her peers, Edward, Zip, and Oliver, who bombard her with paper airplanes and balls, turning her attempt to concentrate into a struggle.

A Spiral into Violence

The harassment escalates into a more grave situation when Abbie, another classmate, fails a test. This incident triggers a severe reaction from Miss Circle, who, in her agitation, smashes a desk. Her fury does not stop there; it leads to a chilling chase down the school hallways, ending in Abbie’s murder—a dark turn of events witnessed by Lana, who later meets a similar fate. These scenes inject a sense of foreboding into the narrative, hinting at the darker layers of school life that are rarely explored.

Descent into the Abyss

Subsequently, the video takes us to the library, where the conflict intensifies. While Claire is conversing with Engel, a drone stealthily sent by Oliver, Zip, and Edward snatches her up and drops her into a pit. This abrupt action not only disrupts her academic focus but also serves as a metaphorical descent into chaos. As she emerges from the pit, she accidentally collides with Miss Bloomie, leading to the revelation of her failing an exam and a subsequent frantic chase involving multiple teachers.

Narrow Escapes and Grim Discoveries

In a critical moment of pursuit, Claire manages to evade capture by hiding, only to be found shortly after. The chase culminates dramatically when Claire, cornered by the teachers, is nearly struck down by Miss Circle. Just then, Engel intervenes heroically to protect her, allowing Claire a moment to escape. This brief respite leads her to a horrifying discovery—the bodies of her deceased classmates, mistakenly entering ∆lice’s room, which she believed was an exit due to misleading signage.

Transformation and Tragic Conclusion

In ∆lice’s room, a significant transformation occurs. Claire, originally depicted as a paper figure, becomes human, illustrating a metaphorical ‘coming to life’ amidst the direst circumstances. However, this change brings new dangers, as ∆lice attacks, forcing Claire to flee. The chase continues until Claire is eventually slain, marking a tragic end to her struggles. ∆lice then disappears mysteriously, leaving the school to confront the aftermath—a haunting scene of Claire’s lifeless body, prompting an urgent confrontation by Miss Circle with the mischievous duo, seeking answers for the inexplicable cruelty that unfolded.

This video, through its dark themes and animated storytelling, not only entertains but also provokes thought about the unseen pressures and hidden dangers within school environments.