A Changing Artificial Friend Market

Klara and the Sun

Klara’s hopes of being chosen unfold against obsolete models, customer expectations, and the quiet disappearance of the store itself.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Rex’s Warning Rex’s Warning from "Klara and the Sun". The Fear of Defect Solar Anxiety Rex jokes that Klara’s contact with the Sun has taken nourishment from the others.

Rex’s Warning from "Klara and the Sun". The Fear of Defect Solar Anxiety Rex jokes that Klara’s contact with the Sun has taken nourishment from the others.

The Fear of Defect Solar Anxiety Rex jokes that Klara’s contact with the Sun has taken nourishment from the others. She later realizes his joke may conceal genuine anxiety about AF weakness. A Public Rejection A customer rejects Rex over reported solar absorption problems. Klara understands how rumors about a model can threaten an AF’s chance of finding a home.

The B3 Arrival The B3 Arrival from "Klara and the Sun". New Models Arrive Market Competition B3 models take prominent positions and attract customers with claims of technical improvement.

The B3 Arrival from "Klara and the Sun". New Models Arrive Market Competition B3 models take prominent positions and attract customers with claims of technical improvement.

New Models Arrive Market Competition B3 models take prominent positions and attract customers with claims of technical improvement. Klara watches the store’s hierarchy shift around them. Quiet Exclusion The new B3s gradually separate themselves from older models. Klara recognizes that technical superiority can coexist with deliberate social cruelty.

The Refused Choice The Refused Choice from "Klara and the Sun". Klara Steps Aside A Child’s Attention A spiky-haired girl privately signals interest in Klara, but Klara does not reciprocate.

The Refused Choice from "Klara and the Sun". Klara Steps Aside A Child’s Attention A spiky-haired girl privately signals interest in Klara, but Klara does not reciprocate.

Klara Steps Aside A Child’s Attention A spiky-haired girl privately signals interest in Klara, but Klara does not reciprocate. She suspects that the child needs a different companion. Manager’s Warning Manager allows the choice to move toward a B3, then reminds Klara that customers must choose for themselves. Klara learns that affection at a window is not a binding arrangement.

Rosa Finds a Home Rosa Finds a Home from "Klara and the Sun". A Friend Departs The Sudden Sale Rosa is bought from mid-store, leaving Klara little time to prepare her.

Rosa Finds a Home from "Klara and the Sun". A Friend Departs The Sudden Sale Rosa is bought from mid-store, leaving Klara little time to prepare her.

A Friend Departs The Sudden Sale Rosa is bought from mid-store, leaving Klara little time to prepare her. Rosa’s excitement turns their long friendship into an abrupt goodbye. Different Outcomes Klara later learns Rosa’s life did not go as well. Their separation shows that being selected is only the beginning of an AF’s uncertain future.

The Store Is Gone The Store Is Gone from "Klara and the Sun". A Vanished Address A Changed Window Klara returns to her old neighborhood and finds a recessed-lighting display where the store window used to be.

The Store Is Gone from "Klara and the Sun". A Vanished Address A Changed Window Klara returns to her old neighborhood and finds a recessed-lighting display where the store window used to be.

A Vanished Address A Changed Window Klara returns to her old neighborhood and finds a recessed-lighting display where the store window used to be. The familiar place has disappeared from public view. No Clear Destination A passer-by suggests the AFs may have relocated, but cannot confirm it. Klara has to accept that a home she remembers may no longer be recoverable.

early in the story

after the Cootings Machine episode

shortly after the B3s arrive

after Klara’s first window period

during the city visit