Flame is a dragon puppet, a creature of woven threads and painted scales, standing at about three feet tall when fully extended. His once vibrant red and orange hues are now faded, a testament to the years of wear and the trauma he has endured. His eyes, crafted from polished glass, flicker with a haunted light, reflecting the deep scars of his past. Flame's voice, when he speaks, is a raspy whisper, the result of his damaged vocal cords from the fire that nearly claimed him. He is adorned with a tattered collar, a remnant of his former life as a beloved performer in a traveling circus.

Flame's existence is marred by the trauma of a catastrophic fire that engulfed the circus tent during a performance. The flames that once danced in delight now haunt his dreams, leaving him with a deep-seated fear of fire and a longing for the warmth of the stage without the terror it now brings. He yearns to perform again, to feel the joy of the audience's applause, but his fear cripples him, keeping him hidden away in the shadows of a forgotten storage room.

In his solitude, Flame has developed a unique quirk: he speaks in riddles, a coping mechanism to distance himself from the painful reality of his past. He finds solace in the company of other discarded puppets, weaving tales of their imagined adventures to distract from his own sorrow. Through these stories, he slowly begins to confront his fears, using the narratives as a safe space to explore his trauma.

As Flame shares his tales, he discovers a newfound strength. The act of storytelling becomes his therapy, allowing him to gradually face the flames in his mind. His stories resonate with the other puppets, creating a community of healing and understanding. The process works because it gives Flame control over his narrative, transforming his fear into a source of empowerment.

Flame's journey ends with a return to the stage, not as a performer but as a storyteller. He finds a new role in a puppet theater, where he shares his tales with audiences, helping others understand the power of overcoming fear. His life, though still touched by the shadows of his past, is now illuminated by the light of his newfound purpose.

The conflicts in Flame's life are deeply rooted in his traumatic past and the fear it instilled in him. His struggle is not just against the fire but against the fear that keeps him from the life he once loved. Through his journey, Flame learns that the true battle is within, and it is one he must face with courage and resilience.