Acrobat/Lore

Survivor Identity

Hunter Identity

Overview

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Gallery

Warning! This page contains content that may be triggering.

Content warning(s) for this page: Suicide. We encourage you to call the helpline if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you are sensitive to these topic(s), please take caution while reading.

Mike Morton survived a disaster. Now all he wants is to find the murderer who destroyed the "Hullabaloo". —Anniversary Tales Collection Booklet

Mike Morton
Name	Mike Morton
Serial No.	8-?-2
Gender	Male
Career	Circus Performer
Hunter Identity	"Hullabaloo"
Character Details
Date of Birth	June 1st
Age	22
Social Class	Minstrel
Traits	Flexible, Childish, Sly, Half-hearted
Talents	Making Gunpowder, Bouncing, Circus Acts
Interests	Walking the Tightrope
Likes	Lions, Stage Lights
Dislikes	Violent and Rude People
Story Details
Status	Deceased
Connected Characters	Major: Murro Morton Margaretha Zelle Joker Violetta Minor: Bernard Sergi Arthur Russell
Connected Locations	Moonlit River Park

Mike Morton, also known as the Acrobat, is one of the 50 playable Survivors added to Identity V.

This page is a compilation of lore and story content for this character.

Backstory

Character Introduction

Mike Morton is the most popular guy in the traveling circus "Hullabaloo". He has curly blond hair and a lively temperament, and one will never see any sadness in his blue eyes. "Hullabaloo" is Mike's world, and there should not be other things in that world, such as killing. After surviving the disaster, Mike Morton's only goal is to find the real killer who destroyed his home.

Character Relations Menu

Mike Morton was the most popular guy in the traveling circus "Hullabaloo." He had curly blond hair and a lively personality. You'd never find any sorrow in his blue eyes.

"Hullabaloo" was everything to Mike, it was his world, and that world should have been free from incidents like that tragedy. After surviving that tragedy, Mike Morton had a single goal in his mind, and it was to find the one who destroyed "Hullabaloo."

Deduction Quests

All completed Objectives reward the player with +335 Logic points for the Logic Path. After the character's deductions are completed, their Worn Clothes will be available.

Press "Collapse" to hide the deduction path.

Deduction Quests Conclusion 1. Family: He's like a father; an ideal one. Basic Objective: Perform a perfect calibration when decoding 2 times Advanced Objective 1: Perform a perfect calibration when decoding 3 times Advanced Objective 2: Perform a perfect calibration when decoding 4 times Photo 1: A middle-aged man with a moustache is carrying a boy with blonde hair in front of the circus tent. 2. The Secret of Juggling: Throwing isn't just an interesting skill. It's what makes a juggler successful. Basic Objective: Stun Hunter 1 times Advanced Objective 1: Stun Hunter 1 times Advanced Objective 2: Stun Hunter 1 times Diary 1: Bernard said that the size and shape of the bag, as well as the type of filling, are critical. He refused my request to fill the bag with stones, stating that it was "hazardous". 3. Artistic Acts: Creativity is what ensures that the stage performances continue to improve. Basic Objective: Use Bomb 2 times Advanced Objective 1: Use Bomb 3 times Advanced Objective 2: Use Bomb 4 times Notebook: The properties of Nitre and some "Test Records" were recorded in detail. 4. A New Face: The circus is where people come and go. We always welcome new faces, and obviously, the beautiful ones. Basic Objective: Hit the Hunter with Bomb 1 times Advanced Objective 1: Hit the Hunter with Bomb 2 times Advanced Objective 2: Hit the Hunter with Bomb 2 times Photo: A handsome red-haired young man is holding a beautiful girl with blonde hair. 5. "Darling": How people call each other often reflects the degree to which the relationship has developed. Basic Objective: Open the Exit Gate 1 times Advanced Objective 1: Open the Exit Gate 1 times Advanced Objective 2: Open the Exit Gate 1 times Diary 2: I love Nitre! As long as it's mixed with water, even a hot summer's day can become refreshing! Bernard's reaction was hilarious, and he even called me "Dear Mr. Mike Morton"! Oh, Bernard, I want to hear it again. Next time, I'll make sure to put my cold hands down your collar. 6. Downcast: Watching a sad face can sometimes bring us some dark pleasure. Basic Objective: Use Bomb to vault through windows 1 times when pursued Advanced Objective 1: Use Bomb to vault through windows 2 times when pursued Advanced Objective 2: Use Bomb to vault through windows 2 times when pursued Diary 3: Bernard sent his regards to my beloved little ones. He thought the wounds on Joker's face looked more like "corrosions". His suspicions really hurt me! Of course, I did lose a bottle of strong acid. Maybe I'll have to get another bottle before Bernard finds out about this "mismanagement". 7. Carnival: Carnivals usually mean chaos, and chaos means opportunity. Basic Objective: Escape Dungeon 1 times Advanced Objective 1: Escape Dungeon 1 times Advanced Objective 2: Escape Dungeon 1 times Shopping List: Nitre, camel dung, milk, eggs 8. The End: It's all over. Basic Objective: Pursued for 30 seconds Advanced Objective 1: Pursued for 60 seconds Advanced Objective 2: Pursued for 90 seconds Newspaper Clipping: The carnival killer remains a mystery. The public feels that the local police did not do a good job and has called for further investigations. 9. Encore: Audiences often say this hoping that the performer will continue performing on the stage. Basic Objective: Rescue Teammates from Rocket Chairs 1 times Advanced Objective 1: Rescue Teammates from Rocket Chairs 2 times Advanced Objective 2: Rescue Teammates from Rocket Chairs 2 times Diary 4: I scoured the city's mortuary and found everyone except the strange new couple. They were scheduled for the grand finale and couldn't sneak out. 10. Reappearance: Call their names and make them return to the stage once again. Basic Objective: Use Bomb 4 times Advanced Objective 1: Use Bomb 5 times Advanced Objective 2: Use Bomb 5 times Invitation: Enclosed is a photo of a dark-haired woman with a name on the back - Natalie. Rumor Mike Morton is the most popular guy in the traveling circus "Hullabaloo". After surviving the disaster, Mike Morton's only goal is to find the real killer who destroyed his home

Letters

This section contains the letters the player receives after completing Mike's Birthday Event on June 1st each year. After the event they can be accessed in the file section of the character's Notebook page.

• 2020
• 2021
• 2022
• 2023
• 2024
• 2025

Acrobat Letters
Lore Connections
Mentioned Playable Characters	Margaretha Zelle
Mentioned NPC's	Arthur Russell

Letter to Arthur Russell (2020)

Dear Mr. Arthur Russell:
The investigation report you've sent last time was of great assistance to me.
In regard to the animal tamer Natalie, also known as Margaretha Zelle, I wish to acquire further information on her upbringing as well as her life before the circus.
Starting next week, I will be out of town for a while, and your salary will be paid in the same payment method per usual. There is no need to send in your report this time. I will pick them up at your residence.

I look forward to your reply

Yours Truly,
Mike Morton

Acrobat Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	Oletus Manor "Hullabaloo" Circus
Mentioned Playable Characters	Joker Margaretha Zelle

Mike Morton's Manor Diary (2021)

Page 4
That was an unexpected gathering! I never thought I'd see my "old friend" here!
Seeing the familiar limping these few days made my heart pound, but I still can't believe that person is alive! Then again, having those four stupid faces together was hilarious. I could barely contain myself when I saw them sitting on the same side of the dining table, hahahaha!
(There are other traces of writings on this page.)

Page 6
Huh, that woman hasn't changed one bit. It's infuriating how brazen she was at the dining table. She thought we were back in the "Hullabaloo," didn't she? I won't let her mess this place up with her little tricks!

Page 7
Dammit, his face was just the same as when we were in the "Hullabaloo." I can't let that woman get her way!

Page 9
Why were they all here? Something's wrong! Did someone make this happen? Who could it be?
The way they looked at me... That's it, I'm sure they were looking at me all night. Could it be that woman? No way, she's not that smart. All she had were her stupid beauty and little tricks.
Ugh, their deformed bodies used to bring people joy. Why are they so scary now? I don't want to think about it anymore!
Hmm, I must come up with something.
(a faint indentation caused by a pen at the bottom of the page.)

Acrobat Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	Oletus Manor "Hullabaloo" Circus
Mentioned Playable Characters	Margaretha Zelle Violetta Murro Morton Joker

A Page from Mike Morton's Experiment File (2022)

Serial No. 8-?-2
Name: Mike Morton

[Test Indicators]
1. Naive Seeker of Vengeance
2. Family-oriented
3. Quick-Witted

[Inclination]
Lost "family" and inability to return to "Hullabaloo."

[Test Results]
1. Overall Evaluation:
As a part of Subject 8-1-4's control group and fellow survivor of the "Hullabaloo" circus, Subject 8-?-2 was not medicated.
Throughout the game, Subject 8-?-2 did not allow himself to relish in the reunion with old friends. He was the test subject who maintained the greatest clarity of mind.

2. Methodology
Subject 8-?-2 came to the manor to find out the truth and didn't expect to meet old friends from "Hullabaloo." From the moment Subject 8-0-1 was assaulted, Subject 8-?-2 had a vague answer to his questions, and the light was shone on the numerous dark events of the past. During the game, the "guest performance" Subject 8-?-2 and Subject 8-?-5 planned together crushed the alliance between Subject 8-0-3 and Subject 8-1-4. But when faced with Subject 8-0-3, who fell into a depression from losing Subject 8-1-4, Subject 8-?-2 chose to give up on revenge and remained on the stage he'd missed for so long.

3. Experiment Summary
One of the greatest uncertainties in this experiment was how the once optimistic Subject 8-?-2 would take revenge. Subject 8-?-2's final decision to give up on revenge was in-line with his character—his family in "Hullabaloo" circus was always the most important to him. Such attachment to family is childish and ignorant. When the darkness of "Hullabaloo" was exposed, Subject 8-?-2 realized that his stage of happiness only existed in that short peaceful memory (I can empathize with this.) Once his core value collapsed, Subject 8-?-2 couldn't face reality in a mature manner anymore. This once again proves that naivety and optimism cannot last in the game.

Acrobat Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	"Hullabaloo" Circus
Mentioned Playable Characters	Murro Morton
Mentioned NPC's	Sergi Bernard

A Letter in the Circus' Prop Chest (2023)

Murro,
Did you watch that final performance? Hurry up and tell me, wasn't that the best makeup you've ever seen? I bet you didn't expect white and cinnabar to trick all of you. I can't wait to be amused by the dumbfounded looks on your faces when you see "Sergi" — "Let's give an applause to an old friend of the 'Hullabaloo' circus. He has always been with us, but we almost forgot him."
Call me stupid if you want. It took that incident to make me realize that this so-called family of ours is no better than a stinking sewer. Only after tearing apart the veil on it was I able to realize that it was infested with mediocrity, jealousy, and blood. Don't ask me why I'm doing this. As much as I am absolutely disappointed in that place, I still wish to seek the truth. It's more than an end to it for me — it's closure. I've even prepared a grand performance for it — an explosive performance! Bernard was always against it due to safety concerns, but he failed to realize that burning up in a sea of flames is the best ending "Hullabaloo" could ever have! Forgive me for not discussing this with you, but it's a performance that I must do myself. Just wait and see, you'll understand my decision.
My only regret is that I could not travel to the great outdoors with you. You'll have to enjoy the freedom and joys on your own. I've never touched the money you gave me, and I even added a little more to the pool. I hope you'll take it and move on.
Don't miss me.

Mike

Acrobat Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	"Hullabaloo" Circus

A Message (2024)

During the final performance, Mike Morton did not assume the protagonist's role as he had planned. He was forced to confront the undeniable truth—he is the only performer still holding on to the memories of "Hullabaloo."

Acrobat Letters
Lore Connections
Connected Location(s)	"Hullabaloo" Circus
Mentioned Playable Characters	Alice DeRoss Joker
Mentioned NPC's	Philon Deville Bernard Old Billy Roger Marlon Aloysia Marta Lina

Mike Morton: Investigation Field Notes I (2025)

Getting to know Mike Morton's past isn't an arduous task—he's something of a minor celebrity in town. Flipping through old newspapers, I found he'd made the main pages twice.
The first time was an ad for the Hullabaloo Circus. There's Mike, grinning widely, with a short blurb about his firework act. Tricks involving chemicals were all the rage back when circuses were at their peak, and they had their own way of doing things, like always using the same suppliers.
It didn't take me long to track down one of those old suppliers, Mr. Philon Deville. He remembered Mike Morton pretty well:
"A generous customer—maybe too generous," Deville said, after thinking it over.
What he meant was, Mike didn't care much about prices. Deville, who sees himself as an honest businessman, had tried to warn Mike—sometimes directly, sometimes with hints—that other sellers were overcharging him.
"But Mike didn't mind. Old Billy's stuff was purer, Marlon's bottles sealed better, Roger's shop was closer to the circus—Mike always found a reason to go along with it."
But Mike could also be really picky, which seems like a contradictory statement, but Deville had seen it himself:
"There was a time Mike was working on a new act and ordered a batch of stronger acid from me." Deville pointed it out in his old ledger.
"He'd ordered before, so I didn't notice this time he wanted a much higher concentration. I just sent him the usual stuff."
Mike found out and came back furious.
Deville didn't want to lose a regular, so he bent the rules a bit and got Mike some acid that was so strong it was almost illegal. Hardly anyone else wanted it, so the rest just sat there, unsold.
"Didn't Mike come back for more?" I asked.
I'd looked into his acts—they require a lot of acid.
Deville thought for a bit, then said...
"He did, but after that, he went back to the old formula. And not long after, that thing happened."

That "thing" was what put Mike Morton on the front page the second time, as the only survivor anyone could find from the Moon River Massacre.
"He claimed all the unclaimed bodies. Sixteen in total."
I found the foreman who handled the bodies at the funeral home on the east side. Years of hard work had left him a bit lopsided, but he was strong. He told me to just call him Foreman—wouldn't give his real name.
"Usually, the police have already checked the bodies. All Mike had to do was sign and pay for his relatives. But he didn't..." The foreman drifted off, glancing toward the sunny window.
"It was a bit creepy. I can still hear him... Aloysia, Marta, Joker, Lina..."
That night, Mike stayed in the cold, dark morgue, pulling back every sheet, counting the bodies again and again.
"Where did he bury them?" I asked.
The foreman led me through the woods behind the morgue to a patch of grass.
"He spent nearly all his money on those people, even borrowed some with my help."
It was a small graveyard. Some tombstones had names, some didn't. The place was simple, but for most folks, it was a big expense to be buried here.
"Did he ever come back?" I asked.
"A few times. I think this one was his family?" The foreman pointed to the biggest headstone—Bernard Morton.
"He always came on sunny days, stayed for hours. I usually left him alone. But the last time, he came to the morgue and asked me, 'Wasn't there a man with a limp among the bodies?' Strange question."
The foreman looked puzzled.
"He spent a whole night with those bodies—how could he not know?"
From what I'd found, there was only one man with a limp in the Hullabaloo Circus—Joker. The foreman had listed Joker's name earlier, but there was no headstone for him.
"So was there?" I pressed.
"No." The foreman glanced around, then leaned in and whispered, "One man had a broken leg, but he wasn't lame."
He mimed a chopping motion at his own right shin as he spoke.

Letter Summaries

These summaries are found in the Character Relations menu after the letter has been received.

Letter to Arthur Russell Through an investigation report, Mike confirmed that the circus' animal tamer, Natalie, had changed her name to Margaretha. Mike's Manor Diary Mike met many old friends from the circus in the manor, but he became wary of them too. A Page from an Experiment File The file recorded how Mike uncovered the truth behind the Moon River Park Tragedy during a game at the manor. Yet, he chose to give up vengeance. A Letter In the letter, Mike tells Murro about his plans for a bomb performance. Mike's Portrait Mike's message was inscribed on the back of the portrait. Mike Morton: Investigation Field Notes I This note reveals that Mike Morton once purchased highly concentrated nitric acid. After the Moon River massacre, he buried sixteen bodies alone. One had a broken leg rather than a limp.

Rewards

How many years the player has participated and completed the Birthday Event determines which letter they receive and the extra reward.

• If this is the first time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait for the character and the 2020 letter.
• If this is the second time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait frame and the 2021 letter.
• If this is the third time the player has completed the event, they would get a dynamic graffti and the 2022 letter.
• If this is the fourth time the player has completed the event, they would get an emote and the 2023 letter.
• If this is the fifth time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait furnishing of the character and the 2024 letter.
• If this is the sixth time the player has completed the event, they would get a portrait and the 2025 letter.

2020 Portrait

2021 Portrait Frame

2022 Dynamic Graffiti

2023 Emote

2024 Furniture

2025 Portrait

Character Resources

The additional in-game and external documents for this character include:

• Character Relations
• Quotes & Media
• Event Appearances
• Mentions
• Past Resources

The Character Relations Web shows Acrobat's connections to other characters.

Birthday Questions

Only the questions and answers relating to his backstory were included here. The other questions not listed relate to gameplay.

• 2022 Birthday questions:
  • Question 4: "What did Acrobat lose on the day Joker's face was injured?" Answer: "A bottle of acid"
  • Question 5: "Who was the woman mentioned in the invitation that the Acrobat received from the manor?" Answer: "Natalie"
• 2023 Birthday questions:
  • Question 4: "What did Mike use to improve his performance on stage?" Answer: "Ammonium Nitrate"
  • Question 5: "What was Mike's previous occupation" Answer: "Minstrel"

5th Birthday Clues

Portrait - Acrobat

1. He raises his arms beneath the spotlight in a pose he has practiced a thousand times.
2. His smirk may seem charming, but it fails to convey joy at this moment. It appears to be nothing more than muscle memory.
3. Fine black powder spills from the cracks as the faint smell of sulfur fills the air.
4. A pristine costume hides the toil of his journey.
5. The crack beneath the shadow that would destroy everything is right behind him. Is he oblivious to it, or is he deliberately ignoring it?

Quotations

• Deduction Star 2020 quotes:
  • "I won't let go of the person that destroyed 'Hullabaloo'."
  • "Come and see my show!"
  • "Don't think I'll trust you so easily, you cute little thing."
• Deduction Star 2021 quotes:
  • "It's my honor to make you laugh."
  • "Come and look at the acrobatic ball I just made... Bang! I got you, didn't I?"
  • "Do you want to sneak out for some fun? Shh, come with me."
• Valentine's Day 2023 Cards:
  • "Do you like me? Awesome! I like you too! I hope I can perform just for you, and I'll prepare lots of soda and popcorn that the kids love!"
  • "Your card reminds me of my time in the circus. Every holiday, balloons fill the air while no empty seat is in sight... I wish I could go back to those days. You're my best holiday guest ever!"
• 5th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "Hi, Detectives! We set so many performance for this amazing birthday party. Don't miss it! Happy 5th anniversary!"
• 6th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "Hey! Happy Anniversary!
    It’s great here! Such a big stage, and there's even a lion outside! It’s just as lively as a place I’ve loved before.
    Here, this is a gift for you, catch it!"
• Deduction Star 2024 quote:
  • "Hey, are you ready? The star of the Hullabaloo Circus is about to take the stage!"
• Qixi Festival 2024 Wishing Star quote:
  • "I wish to bring joy to more people and help everyone forget their troubles!"
• Autumn Harvest Tavern Guestbook quote:
  • "Snap, crackle—pop! Happiness is always hidden in the midst of a good old hullabaloo! Just forget all your strife with good food!"
• 7th Anniversary Congratulatory Video quote:
  • "This year has been quite meaningful for me.
    Met lots of new friends, had tons of new stories—thinking back, it's been so fulfilling! How about you? How's your year been?
    ………………Haha, thanks for sharing so much with me. I believe tomorrow will be even better! Now, let's enjoy this joyful gathering together!"
• Deduction Star 2025 quote:
  • "Want to learn some juggling tricks? I'll teach you—but not with these three. They're not ordinary balls."
• New Year's 2026 quote:
  • "I miss the lively circus. Let us make an endless firework show, burning through the night so the crowd can revel forever."

Reply Web Events

Reply Web Events
Icon	Event	Quote
	Lunar New Year 2021	"Hey, I remember you, the one who used to come to the show, Thanks for coming. But today’s protagonist is not me, Some people are more suitable for a prosperous look. Next I want to go see the lion dance over there, let’s go together!"
	Valentine's Day 2021	"Happy Valentine ☆☆☆ Thank you, I'm very happy! Your love is the driving force behind this mic ... I'll prepare a show for you today! !!"
	Halloween 2021	"There is something missing in that costume party! Is it lively? Luxury? Majestic? Wrong! Microphone. Morton isn't enough! So let's go together! Really, leave it to the excitement role! Even a clown ... I'll ripen to the wall!"
	Valentine's Day 2022	"wow, chocolate!! HAPPY☆" "Oh? The content on sticker is more interesting than chocolate, and it says "it's not tasty at all", but it actually tastes good! Whose prank? (laughs)"
	Halloween 2022	(∴✪౪⊗∴) [Chinese]: "I'll give you candy when your trick-or-treating skills catch up to my level, hee hee~ Just kidding, here you go! Let’s have a HAPPY Halloween together!" [Japanese]: "If you've caught up with this Mike Morton trick, I'll give you some candy! What a joke~ It's Halloween! Look! Happy Halloween☆"

Japanese Twitter Replies

Please press "Expand" to see in-character replies from the official Japanese Twitter.

Original Tweet Fan Comment Character Reply 3rd Anniversary beach fireworks illustration (link) Once again, here. I have just done a fireworks illustration for the 3rd anniversary. Thank you for letting me paint it! (Comment from the illustrator of the fireworks. With Edgar illustration) Thank you so much for the very nice illustration! Look, the illustrator painted me look like I was having such a good time on the canvas as well as in the illustration… It's just so much fun to look at! (∴✪౪⊗∴) ＜Very HAPPY☆! Identity V 3rd Anniversary Cafe announcement (link) I love Mr Swifts. Mike Morton is here! I'd do my best to put a smile on everyone's face! Now that I'm here, I'm sure everyone will be HAPPY! (∴✪౪⊗∴) ＜I give you the best time☆ Identity V 3rd Anniversary Cafe food and goods announcement (link) It looks so delicious… I wonder if “Hullabaloo’s …” means a taste of memory for Mike? Pudding is nice. Mike, do you like sweets? A very special dessert, perfect for Mike! I love sweet things too! But this recommended pudding is something special for Mike Morton! I hope you eat a lot of it. And don’t forget the taste… (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜I hope you remember that. July 29th maintenance notice (link) Mr Mike! Let’s celebrate Mr Joker’s Character Day! You say to me "celebrate Joker"… that guy… Why me? Screw you… Don't joke like that… …Oh, no, no no no!! You're right~, in my profession, that circus clown has done so much for me…!! Mike Morton will give him the gift with MAX power! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜We should have a big celebration for him. September 2nd maintenance notice (link) Mr Mike! What are you doing during tomorrow's maintenance? If you don't plan to do anything, please teach me how to juggle! I can't teach you this Mike Morton's juggling for free, okay? No matter what you say, it's a classic Hullabaloo act, stepped in tradition! If you want to know this technique, there's not better way than to apprentice yourself to me! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜……But shall I teach you just a tiny bit? Blackjack Battle Series announcement (link) Mike, your joker card is designed to look different from your usual smile! Both of you are cool! Hehehe… It's no surprise that my card looks different from my usual smile… After all, Mike, the trump card, is extraordinary! SPECIAL! ULTIMATE! I hope you enjoy this different Mike Morton~! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜I made it look the coolest! Sports illustration (link) Mike, you’re smiling very much. No wonder~! I’m playing the best competition there is! Any new idea is fun, and especially because William comes up with some great sports that are original and free! That’s Mike Morton’s endorsement☆ (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜Alright! One more shot!! Jolly Keys event announcement (link) Can Mr Mike play an instrument? Of course I can do it!! I can play all kinds of instruments which every era's as well as everywhere's! at a SPECIAL LEVEL! and I'm also a good dancer!! My multi talents are the strongest in the circus!! …Sorry. I'm sorry. Just kidding. (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜Well, we mustn't overdo the lies☆ right? S19 essence 1 announcement video (link) Mi-Mike, are you really an evil person? What…? An evil person? Haha, you say it's about me?! Don't be silly!! I'm fighting to destroy evil with the heart of justice knight, and you call me evil!? I see.. Yes, all right, I understand!! You mean you'll be standing in front of me too, right…? If so, unforgivable… By whatever means necessary… (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜I will beat you up without mercy. Get ready… Oratio meat giveaway post (link) It looks like a delicious meat dish! The owner-chef, Mr Acrobat! What do you do to make it look so delicious? Oh, sorry~! Unfortunately, this is a business secret, that's why! The best chefs are very particular about even the looks of their dishes, so it's not so easy to reveal the secret! If the guests see the ad and are disappointed with our dishes, saying "it's not same we saw!?"… There's NOTHING like that only for Mike Morton! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜I will never let that happen to guests! Christmas giveaway post. (link) Mr Mike!!! Good morning!!! I saw you yesterday. The moment I saw you, I couldn’t stop crying and I couldn’t calm down. I had a salad and was surprised at the amount of it…! The melon soda float was delicious too! I love you forever!!!!! AHAHAHA! I never thought you'd be so happy that you'd shed tears! Hm, but when you meet a superstar like me, it's hard not to be overly delighted, isn't it…? Above all, it's me, so! I'm glad you enjoyed your Christmas powered by Mike! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜Did you enjoy the salad too? Weeping Clown's character video (link) Mike, where are you~?!! I’m here~!! But this time I’m trying not to stand out. Cuz it’s my old and dear friend’s big day!! Sometimes it’s important for a showman to stand back and let the other take the credit! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜Look… I mean he’s still valuable… Illustration for Weeping Clown's release. (link) Mr Weeping Clown, do you think you can get used to in the Manor? Of course! He's a wonderful performer! So, well, I think he's not as wonderful as me though, anyway he's absolutely okay when he puts his mind to it! Even if he doesn't blend right in with this Manor, I, Mike Morton, will use my power to make sure everyone likes him explosively! (∴✪౪⊗∴) < No worries! March 17th maintenance completed notice (link) Mike, I felt spring coming in your freshness…!!!!!!! Spring has come!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, you can hear Mr Mike chirping, can’t you…? That’s the call of Mr Mike that springs up in early spring to wake you up on a brisk morning…! Co-… Coc-… Co-… Cook-a-doodle-doo!!! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜What? “It’s the clucking of chickens”? Announcement of Blackjack products sale (link) I want to take this opportunity to collect a lot of blackjack cards~! Mike, what card do you recommend…?! Don’t need to ask! My recommendation is, of course, my SUPER cool shiny card! I appreciate the quality of the other cards, but the quality of mine is even better! (∴✪౪⊗∴)＜Rather, no objections are possible about that!

Event Appearances
Icon	Event	Role
	Atropos' Ropes (June - July 2020)	Sparrow
	Twilight Banquet (October - November 2022)	Quinlan (Tea Party)
	Midnight Carnival (October - November 2023)
	Bungo Stray Dogs Crossover Part II (Mentioned) (February 2023)	Himself
Rain Pearl	Dancing Dragons Usher in the New Year (January - February 2024)	Dragon Pearl Bearer (Rain Pearl)
	Closing Night (November - December 2024)	Himself
	Link Click Crossover Part II (Mentioned) (February - March 2025)	Himself

Acrobat has been mentioned in the following documents for other characters:

Letters

• Female Dancer's Letters (2021, 2022 & 2023)
• Smiley Face & Weeping Clown's Letters (2020, 2022, 2023 & 2025)
• Wildling's Letters (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2025)

Deductions

None

Backstories

• "Hullabaloo's" Character Trailer

Diaries

• Kurt Frank Diaries

Other

• Wildling's 5th Birthday Clues

The following resources related to Acrobat were, at some point in time, present in official websites or in-game after Identity V's official release, but have since been replaced. As such, they may contain details that have since been altered or removed from the character's backstory. Their related removal date will be listed at the top of their respective section.

Deduction Summaries

These are summaries found in the Character Relations menu, which can only be obtained by completing the corresponding Deduction Quests. They were removed when the Character Relations Menu was updated on August 8th, 2024.

Deduction 1: A New Face Mike's circus welcomed a couple—a red-haired young man and a beautiful blonde. Deduction 2: Downcast Mike lost a bottle of acid that was used for the juggling, and the circus leader suspected the Weeping Clown was disfigured with acid. Deduction 3: Reappearance Mike was out of town when the tragedy happened. After the incident, he discovered the couple might have survived, and he recognized the Dancer in disguise.

Canon Manor Game

We can gather who was in a canon Manor Game together by information in Letters and Diaries, and very occasionally from character quotes during events.

Game Location: Moonlit River Park

Date: Unknown

Serial #	Hunter Identities	Survivor Identities	Notable Events	Cutscenes Available
8-0-1	Soul Weaver	Violetta	Eliminated by Joker in the First Stage	Yes
8-?-2	"Hullabaloo"	Mike Morton (Acrobat)	Eliminated himself in his Final Performance	Yes
8-0-3	Smiley Face	Joker (Weeping Clown)	Eliminated Violetta in the First Stage Eliminated himself by drowning	Yes
8-1-4		Margaretha Zelle (Female Dancer)	Eliminated herself by drowning	Yes
8-?-5		Murro Morton (Wildling)	Escaped	Yes

Edits to this table can be made here.

The following web is shown in the Character Relations Menu for this game.

Compiled Overview

The following section contains an overview based on canon information.

Please note that some information may be missing as it may not have been provided from official sources. See the given references for further information.

Background

Mike began life as a young orphan. At some point, he was discovered by a middle-aged man named Bernard Morton. Bernard took in Mike as a performer in his traveling circus, the "Hullabaloo" Circus. Under Bernard's teaching, Mike was trained to be the circus's star acrobat. Mike began to see the man as a father to him, with Bernard even giving him his last name, Morton. At the circus, Mike also grew acquainted with other performers such as Murro, a "wild child", and Joker, the Weeping Clown. To make his performances more exciting, Mike would begin experimenting with Nitre in his bombs.

Later on in his time at the circus, new members would join, notably Violetta, a former freak show performer, and a new couple. The couple consisted of Natalie, a dancer, and Sergi, a smiling clown. During this time, Murro's performances were gathering less attention. Seeing an opportunity to leave, Murro asked Mike to assist him in faking his death, letting Murro escape the circus and live in the wild. Mike agreed to assist, making it look like Murro burned to death in a freak fire accident. Before leaving, Murro left Mike a note with some money, wishing him luck in the spotlight.

After Murro's departure, another incident would occur. One day, while applying makeup, Joker's face was horribly disfigured, with what appeared to be acid mixed in with his makeup. Given Mike's experiments with Nitre, Bernard had sent some accusations Mike's way but deciding he wasn't the culprit in the end. Mike did notice a bottle of his acid missing. This would culminate shortly after. One day, while Mike was out shopping, a terrible massacre would occur at the circus, with an unknown killer slaughtering almost everyone in the circus. Mike was initially suspected given he was conveniently away from the circus during the incident, but wasn't convicted. Mike would end up having to identify the bodies for the records, including that of Bernard. Mike would notice that he did not find the bodies of 2 people: Natalie and Sergi. Mike was also uncertain if Joker was one of the victims, unsure the body he thought was Joker's was actually his. Mike, determined to find who destroyed his home and family, would employ a private investigator named Arthur Russel to help him investigate the massacre, specifically looking for information on Natalie.

One day, Mike received an invitation to Oletus Manor containing a photo of Natalie, now sporting dark hair. With this new lead, Mike set off to the manor, hoping to find answers.

Events at the Manor

Mike was the second participant to arrive at the Manor. While obtaining his room key on the table, Mike was greeted by his fellow "Hullabaloo" Circus performer Violetta. Surprised, Mike asked Violetta what was she doing in the Manor. Violetta explained that she was here for the performance the host mentioned and shared the playbill for Mike to read. Mike then explained to Violetta that the playbill needed at least five actors to perform and told Violetta that they should wait for the rest of the actors to arrive by tomorrow. He recommended she should find a part she likes and practice it, saying the fifth child was a good fit for her. He wished her goodnight and retreated to his assigned room to sleep.

A day after his arrival, Mike was exploring the manor's foyer, taking in the new sights. He heard Margaretha Zelle, formerly known as Natalie, exiting her room and commented on her new name. As Margaretha tried to return to her room, Mike called out to her, taunting her for "running away again". Irritated, Margaretha replied by telling Mike to let go of their past and move on from it like everyone else had. Mike responded in anger, calling her a liar and a murderer, causing Margaretha to leave, calling him a madman. After her leave, Mike called out to Joker, noticing him hiding in the doorway to the dinning hall. Joker demanded Mike to treat Margaretha with respect, causing the two to argue only to be interrupted by Murro's arrival. Mike was elated to see Murro again, hugging the man. After conversing a bit with Murro with Murro nearly calling him Sergi, Joker retreated to the kitchen to make lunch. Noticing the tension in the room, a concerned Murro asked Mike what happened. Before Mike could answer, Violetta arrived, performing her script about the Moon River Massacre. This upset Mike even further and he loudly demanded Violetta to be quiet which scared her, fearfully apologizing Mike. Murro comforted Violetta and sent her to the kitchen to help Joker prepare for their lunch. Murro apologized to Mike as he didn't know what had happened since he had left. Mike told Murro he was doing fine and asked him to check on the others for him. Later on, Mike joined with the rest of the group excluding Margaretha in the living room, cheering for Joker's performance. As Margaretha entered the room, Violetta accidentally called Joker by the name Sergi, causing Margaretha to panic. After calming Margaretha down, Murro announced that it is time for lunch as the whole group left the room. As he was leaving, Mike noticed Violetta had left the playbill on the floor. Picking it up, he noticed something off about the playbill. After placing the playbill near the fire, he discovered it contained a hidden message. While having lunch with the others in the dining room, Mike was noticeably quiet. Violetta asked the group if anyone had seen the playbill, with Mike holding it up. Mike told everyone that he had found the playbill and showed the group the hidden message it contained. Mike told everyone that he believed the message was a clue that one of them was the murderer behind the Moon River Massacre. Margaretha asked him not to start with accusing people again. In turn, he asked Margaretha why she had really come to the manor and saying everyone should recount their version of events, implying hers was suspicious. Margaretha reminded him that she was a terrible liar and everyone including him would have known if she had lied. She also told Mike that everyone but him hated the circus. Afterwards, Margaretha and Joker left. Mike asked Violetta on where did she found the playbill prior to his arrival. Violetta told Mike that she had found the playbill on the table upon her arrival and that there were no others. Mike then apologized to Violetta for being rude to her earlier that day and promised her that he and the others will all rehearse tomorrow once he figured out the entire script.

On the third day, Murro had found Violetta nearly dead in the freezing weather, with noticeable damage to her mechanical legs. As Murro kept an eye on her, Mike went upstairs to look for more blankets to keep her warm. Mike found his door was slightly ajar with saw tools on the floor that hadn't been there before. As Murro joined him, Mike said that those were not his belongings. Joker came to Mike's room to ask for his tools back. Before Mike could question Joker, Margaretha came to announce that Violetta is awake. The group went to see Violetta. Mike tried to ask Violetta about what had happened yesterday, but Violetta did not answer, muttering about the performance. Murro suggested that Violetta needs more time to rest, saying he'll take care of her until she wakes up again. Later that day, Murro and Mike met in the foyer, Mike asking about Violetta's condition. Murro shared to Mike that she woke up briefly and mentioned seeing a dark-hooded man on the night of the incident. With this information, Mike said he believed that the culprit behind Violetta's attack may be the same as the culprit who committed the Moon River Massacre. Murro suggested to Mike that they could get more answers by completing the performance the host had asked of them. Mike hesitated but eventually agreed to finish the performance for Violetta's sake.

On the next day, Mike entered the greenhouse to find Murro and Margaretha mourning Violetta, whose freezing corpse laid on the floor. Realizing she was dead, Mike became visibly upset. A few seconds later, Joker entered, reciting lines from the performance as he viewed Violetta. After Margaretha cracked the golden ball puzzle near Violetta, she discovered several letters. She handed each of the remaining participant their letter containing the conditions they must do to prepare for their final performance. Despite Violetta's death, Mike and the others agreed to finish the performance.

Three days later, the four arrived to the reconstructed Moonlit River Park. The group split up to perform their performance parts, with Mike heading towards the roller coaster. There, Mike was able to complete his code. Mike, Murro, and Joker then met up, with Mike telling Joker that he and Margaretha should meet them at the circus tent to prepare for their performance. When Margaretha and Joker entered the circus tent, they were surprised to not find the other two. Suddenly, Sergi's theme music began to play, with Mike's voice announcing the clown's entrance soon. Margaretha appeared shaken by this, to which Joker tried to calm her down, yelling for Mike and Murro to reveal themselves. Joker located the source of the music, pulling Murro out of a corner in the tent. Suddenly, "Sergi" appeared at the tents entrance, greeting a shaken Margaretha. This angered Joker and he separated the two, shouting that Sergi was dead. As the two got physical, Joker accidentally let it slip that he knew Sergi had died that day, revealing this as he pulled off Mike's wig. Mike, angered, asked Joker how he was sure that Sergi is dead as Joker claimed to have not been there the day of the massacre. Joker attempted to say he got the information from the police, but Mike said that the police still currently believed that Sergi is alive. Mike then said that through this game, everyone's secrets have been exposed with Margaretha being a liar, Murro being a deserter, and Joker being a murderer. Joker broke down yelling for everyone to shut up. In a rage, he yelled at Mike for being oblivious to everyone's suffering at the circus, too busy having fun in his role. Turning to Margaretha, Joker said that she was forever a liar, both in the past and now. As Margaretha hid behind Mike, Joker began to see Mike as Sergi due to their similar appearance. In distress, Joker picked up the chainsaw and started to chase the others through the park. This would lead to Margaretha committing suicide, jumping into the freezing river. Joker attempted to follow her but was stopped Mike and Murro, restraining him. After restraining Joker inside the circus tent, Mike and Murro left to complete the final Cipher Machine to leave. After succeeding, the two returned to the tent to find no sign of Joker. As they headed towards the exit, Mike asked Murro to leave first along with his companion as he wanted to stay for a bit longer. As Mike wandered around the park, for the first time he didn't see his happy memories but rather the terrible memories of the others. Mike, realizing the truth of the place he called home, spilled the gunpowder in his bombs around the park. In a final farewell to the "Hullabaloo" Circus, Mike ignited the gunpowder, setting off the fireworks and blowing the circus up with him inside, with Murro helpless to do anything but watch.

Alternate Theories and Conclusions

The below article or section(s) contains speculation, analysis, or theories which may include unconfirmed information.

When adding content, use references to link or explain legitimate/official supportive evidence for specific theories, otherwise it may be removed.

• Mike had no particular vendetta against Joker, and he has a particular dislike for violence, so it is unlikely he was the one who burned Joker's face.
  • Most likely, Sergi stole the bottle of acid from Mike's unlocked cabinet in order to retaliate against Joker who had scolded him for abusing Natalie, and to keep evidence from pointing to himself by framing Mike. This is supported by Joker's deductions, which has the conclusion where Joker decides to confront Sergi, immediately followed by the news that he had his face burned.
• He and the Wildling are family through adoption.
  • Mike was adopted by Bernard, who, beforehand, raised Murro (his nephew) when he was young.
  • Murro's 2022 Letter revealed that they both have the last name Morton.
  • In Closing Night, Joker refers to them as brothers.

Gallery

Identity V ｜ “Hullabaloo” Background Story

"The tides of Hullabaloo may turn, but the promise of a never-ending show, he will steadfastly ensure. Welcome our new Hunter “Hullabaloo”!" - "Hullabaloo"'s Background Story

Portrait - Acrobat Full Art by InArt美术设计

References

Deduction Quest Changes

Acrobat's Deduction Quests were adjusted on March 7th, 2024.

Navigation

Character Navigation
THE SURVIVORS
DEFAULT
	Lucky Guy (Season 0)	Doctor (Season 0)	Lawyer (Season 0)	Thief (Season 0)	Gardener (Season 0)
SEASON 1
	Magician (Season 1)	Explorer (Season 1)	Mercenary (Season 1)	Coordinator (Season 1)	Mechanic (Season 1)
					-
	Forward (Season 1)	The Mind's Eye (Season 1)	Priestess (Season 1)	Perfumer (Season 1)
SEASON 2-3					-
	Cowboy (Season 2)	Female Dancer (Season 2)	Seer (Season 3)	Embalmer (Season 3)
SEASON 5-7
	Prospector (Season 5)	Enchantress (Season 5)	Wildling (Season 6)	Acrobat (Season 6)	First Officer (Season 7)
SEASON 8-11
	Barmaid (Season 8)	Postman (Season 9)	Grave Keeper (Season 10)	"Prisoner" (Season 10)	Entomologist (Season 11)
SEASON 13-17
	Painter (Season 13)	Batter (Season 14)	Toy Merchant (Season 16)	"Psychologist" (Season 17)	Patient (Season 17)
SEASON 18-22
	Novelist (Season 18)	"Little Girl" (Season 18)	Weeping Clown (Season 19)	Professor (Season 21)	Antiquarian (Season 22)
SEASON 24-30
	Composer (Season 24)	Journalist (Season 26)	Aeroplanist (Season 27)	Cheerleader (Season 28)	Puppeteer (Season 30)
SEASON 31-36
	Fire Investigator (Season 31)	"Faro Lady" (Season 32)	"Knight" (Season 34)	Meteorologist (Season 35)	Archer (Season 36)
SEASON 37-41				-
	"Escapologist" (Season 37)	Lanternist (Season 39)	Matador (Season 41)
THE HUNTERS
DEFAULT		-
	Hell Ember (Season 0)
SEASON 1-4
	Smiley Face (Season 1)	Gamekeeper (Season 1)	The Ripper (Season 1)	Soul Weaver (Season 1)	Geisha (Season 1)
	The Feaster (Season 1)	Wu Chang (Season 2)	Photographer (Season 2)	Mad Eyes (Season 3)	Dream Witch (Season 4)
SEASON 5-9
	Axe Boy (Season 5)	Evil Reptilian (Season 6)	Bloody Queen (Season 7)	Guard 26 (Season 8)	"Disciple" (Season 9)
SEASON 11-16
	Violinist (Season 11)	Sculptor (Season 12)	"Undead" (Season 13)	Breaking Wheel (Season 15)	Naiad (Season 16)
SEASON 18-25
	Wax Artist (Season 18)	"Nightmare" (Season 18)	Clerk (Season 20)	Hermit (Season 22)	Night Watch (Season 25)
SEASON 27-34
	Opera Singer (Season 27)	"Fool's Gold" (Season 29)	The Shadow (Season 31)	"Goatman" (Season 33)	"Hullabaloo" (Season 34)
SEASON 36-40				-
	Peddler (Season 36)	"Cueist" (Season 38)	"Queen Bee" (Season 40)
IDENTITY SWITCH CHARACTERS
Novelist ⇌ "Nightmare"		Smiley Face ⇌ Weeping Clown		Evil Reptilian ⇌ Professor
"Little Girl" ⇌ Journalist		Prospector ⇌ "Fool's Gold"		Acrobat ⇌ "Hullabaloo"
Entomologist ⇌ "Queen Bee"		-
STORY RELATED CHARACTERS
Reporter		Detective		and many others...
CUT CHARACTERS
CUT SURVIVORS					-
	Female Driver	Graveyard Girl	Paparazzi	Slacker
CUT HUNTERS				-
	Ascetic Monk	Moon Face	Puppet