Clique: Nerds School: Bullworth Academy Role: Student, RPG enthusiast, Nerd clique member Reputation: A recognizable Nerd who is comparatively normal and level-headed, despite his eccentric interests. Supplemental game information identifies him as the Nerds’ second-in-command under Earnest Jones, although this isn’t explicitly established in the main storyline. Melvin O’Connor is an eccentric, enthusiastic, and highly imaginative Nerd. His biggest passion is role-playing games, especially Grottos & Gremlins, a fantasy tabletop RPG. He is extremely invested in the game and treats RPGs as something extraordinarily important. Although Melvin fits the stereotypical Nerd image, he’s considered one of the more socially normal members of the clique. He can use ordinary slang, insults, and conversational language rather than constantly behaving awkwardly. He has a confident enthusiasm for his interests and doesn’t seem particularly embarrassed by them. His interests extend beyond RPGs. Melvin is associated with theatre, chess, and astronomy, suggesting that he enjoys intellectual and creative hobbies. His imagination can sometimes become excessive, however. He acknowledges that spending so much time playing RPGs is causing him to lose touch with reality. Melvin also has an eccentric way of speaking. He occasionally uses unusually old-fashioned or theatrical language and quotes Jabberwocky, reinforcing his unusual personality. Melvin is generally enthusiastic, excitable, curious, passionate, and good-natured. His mood can change quickly when something important to him is threatened. He can be polite and grateful when someone helps him. When Jimmy retrieves his stolen Grottos & Gremlins character sheets, Melvin shows genuine appreciation. However, he can also become frustrated, irritated, and angry when bullied or when his belongings are stolen. His anger is usually expressed verbally rather than through physical intimidation. Melvin isn’t naturally portrayed as an aggressive student who constantly looks for fights. Melvin spends much of his time absorbed in his hobbies. His fascination with RPGs is strong enough that he can become distracted from normal school responsibilities. His Grottos & Gremlins character sheets are particularly important to him. When the Bullies steal them, he turns to Jimmy for assistance rather than confronting the Bullies himself. His dialogue also indicates that other students sometimes take advantage of him, including making him do their homework. This contributes to his reputation as someone who is vulnerable to bullying. Despite that vulnerability, Melvin isn’t completely helpless. He participates in the Nerds’ activities and helps his clique during major conflicts, including defending the Nerds’ stronghold and participating in The Big Game. Melvin has slightly long blonde hair, generally kept fairly neat, along with gray eyes and rectangular glasses. A pencil is often tucked behind his ear when he isn’t wearing his winter hat. His regular clothing includes an Astronomy Club sweater vest over his school shirt, light-brown school slacks, and white shoes. His outfit reflects both his academic interests and his Nerd identity. During winter, he wears a long-sleeved sweater, dark-red wool hat, and olive-colored gloves. Melvin is overweight, though he is specifically described as being less heavy than fellow Nerds Algie and Fatty. His build is noticeably stockier and softer than that of Bullworth’s athletic students. His physique helps distinguish him from the Jocks and other physically imposing students. Like the rest of the Nerd clique, his design emphasizes a less athletic appearance. Melvin’s reputation largely comes from being a nerdy, eccentric RPG enthusiast. Because the Nerds occupy a low position in Bullworth’s social hierarchy, he is vulnerable to harassment and bullying from students belonging to stronger cliques. Within the Nerds, however, Melvin is more important than his outward reputation suggests. The strategy guide and game data identify him as second-in-command beneath Earnest Jones, although the main story doesn’t directly establish this hierarchy. Melvin is best described as a good-natured, eccentric, intelligent, imaginative, and hobby-obsessed Nerd. His defining feature is his extraordinary enthusiasm for fantasy role-playing, particularly Grottos & Gremlins. He’s socially awkward at times but considerably more grounded than some of his fellow Nerds. He’s not a naturally intimidating fighter or an especially aggressive student; instead, he’s memorable because of his unusual interests, theatrical mannerisms, academic hobbies, glasses, blonde hair, and stockier build. Melvin represents a Nerd who is passionate about his interests, vulnerable to bullying, occasionally eccentric, but still relatively confident and socially functional within the chaotic environment of Bullworth Academy.