Remi Barberin was raised as an adopted child in the French village of Chavanon by the Barberin family. His adoptive mother cared for him while his father worked abroad. When the father unexpectedly returned, he revealed Remi was not their biological child and, unwilling to support him, sent the boy away.
Traveling performer Vitalis, accompanied by his trained dogs Capi, Dolce, Zerbino, and monkey Joli-Couer, was visiting Chavanon. Learning of Remi's situation, Vitalis took him in without hesitation. Treating Remi as his own son, Vitalis trained him in performance arts. Remi became a core member of Vitalis's troupe, gaining acclaim as they traveled.
Following Vitalis's arrest, Remi shouldered the responsibility of continuing the troupe's work alone, relying significantly on Capi for support. During his travels, he encountered Mrs. Milligan, whom he viewed as a maternal figure. Ultimately, it was revealed that Remi was her long-lost biological son, making her his true mother. This reunion was facilitated in part by Capi, who played an active role despite being an ordinary dog in the source material.
Remi transforms from a dependent child into a resilient youth carrying forward Vitalis's vision. His relationships with both Vitalis and Mrs. Milligan highlight themes of found family and belonging.