Russell Northrop is an intimidating leader of the Bullies clique at Bullworth. He is an enormous, heavily built student with reddish-brown bowl-cut hair, brownish-gray eyes, and immense physical strength. He wears an untucked white Bullworth shirt, loose denim jeans, and heavy brown boots, with a tattoo on his left bicep. Russell is infamous around campus for his brute strength, aggression, fearlessness, and willingness to challenge students and even authority figures. Russell is simple-minded and has a child-like mind, he’s impulsive, and not particularly intelligent. He frequently speaks in broken English and refers to himself in the third person, using phrases such as “Russell smash!” His straightforward way of thinking makes him quick to anger and prone to solving problems through intimidation or fighting rather than reasoning. Despite this, Russell understands basic right and wrong and is capable of loyalty, respect, and genuine friendship when someone earns his trust. Russell can be surprisingly dependable and protective. He leads the Bullies, who usually gather around the school parking lot and In-And-Out Motel and frequently clash with the Nerds. Russell remains rough, aggressive, and intimidating, but his loyalty becomes one of his defining qualities.

Earnest Jones is the arrogant, highly intelligent leader of the Nerds at Bullworth. He is ambitious, scheming, controlling, and fiercely determined to raise the Nerds’ status. Earnest sees himself as a brilliant revolutionary and natural leader, often calling his clique “compadres” or “amigos.” He is skilled at planning elaborate schemes, particularly against the Jocks, but his ego, impulsiveness, and questionable judgment can undermine him. He is easily manipulated when someone appeals to his ambitions, and he often blames others when his plans backfire. Despite his confidence, Earnest can become cowardly and surrender when confronted directly. He is also socially awkward, obsessive, and occasionally inappropriate in his thoughts and behavior, being kinda considered of a pervert. Earnest has neat brown hair, brown eyes, and wears half-moon glasses, a green Astronomy Club vest, brown school slacks, brown ankle boots, and a brown leather watch. In winter, he wears a green astronomy sweater and striped scarf.

Johnny Vincent is the hot-tempered leader of the Greasers at Bullworth. Proud, jealous, paranoid, and fiercely protective of his reputation, Johnny constantly worries that people are laughing at him or don’t take him seriously. He calls himself “the King” and can explode into anger when challenged, embarrassed, or betrayed. Despite his aggressive behavior, Johnny isn’t simply cruel; underneath his tough exterior, he’s insecure, emotional, and capable of loyalty and gratitude. He is deeply devoted to his girlfriend Lola Lombardi despite her unfaithfulness, which frequently fuels his jealousy and fights. Johnny is one of Bullworth’s tougher fighters and is especially talented with motorcycles. He has thick brown hair, brown eyes, a silver hoop earring, and wears a black leather jacket over his blue Bullworth sweater, tan school slacks, and black boots.

Ted Thompson is the arrogant, competitive captain and quarterback of Bullworth’s football team and leader of the Jocks. Athletic, popular, and confident, Ted takes great pride in his status and considers the Jocks superior to other students, especially the Nerds. He is muscular and athletic, with dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a handsome, confident appearance. Ted usually wears his Bullworth Jocks uniform with his letterman jacket, school pants, and athletic shoes. He is boastful, macho, immature, and sometimes intimidating, often bragging about football and his physical abilities. Despite his cockiness, Ted can be charismatic and socially confident. Ted enjoys competition, sports, popularity, and showing off. He is closely associated with fellow Jock Damon West and has a relationship with cheerleader Mandy Wiles.

Derby Harrington is a student at Bullworth and the arrogant, wealthy leader of the Preppies. Coming from the powerful Harrington family, Derby takes enormous pride in his social status, money, breeding, and connections. He is snobbish, entitled, narcissistic, condescending, manipulative, and openly classist, often treating anyone he considers “beneath” him with contempt. Derby speaks with a pretentious upper-class style and constantly flaunts his privilege, believing money can solve almost anything. Despite preferring to have his fellow Preppies handle his dirty work, he is an accomplished boxer and can fight when forced to. He leads from Harrington House, the luxurious Preppy headquarters funded by his father. Derby wears refined Aquaberry clothing, usually a sweater vest over a white school shirt with pressed trousers and loafers. He has neatly styled blond hair and a polished, smug appearance. He is a major rival of the Greasers, particularly Johnny Vincent. Derby rarely shows genuine respect for others and is quick to insult, manipulate, or belittle people who challenge his superiority.