* Time: The story is set in the future, as evidenced by the advanced technology of "Marionettes, Inc." and the implication that interstellar travel is commonplace.
* Place: While the story doesn't specify a location, there are hints that it could be a large city or a space station.
* Atmosphere: The story evokes a sense of isolation and alienation, with the characters feeling trapped in a world where human connection is increasingly difficult. This could be due to a technological dystopia or even a situation where humanity has spread across the cosmos, leading to a lack of community.
Ultimately, the ambiguity of the setting allows readers to imagine their own interpretation, focusing on the story's themes of identity, technology, and the human desire for connection.