SURVIVAL CLASS
BRADLEY - Bradley is the emotional core of Survival Class. Intelligent, sensitive, and socially isolated, he exists at the bottom of the school’s hierarchy. Where others define themselves through dominance or bravado, Bradley defines himself through curiosity, creativity, and empathy—traits that make him a target in a culture that equates masculinity with aggression.
VAL – Val is a former high school football star who walked away from the spotlight. Once admired and respected, he’s now labeled a “quitter” by his peers—especially DeShawn—after abandoning the expectations placed on him. Val is grounded, observant, and morally centred, often serving as the film’s emotional compass.
COLE – Cole is the primary human antagonist of Survival Class. Volatile, cruel, and deeply insecure, he rules the group through intimidation and humiliation. Where others bully to belong, Cole bullies to dominate. He enjoys control, pain, and fear—especially when inflicted on someone weaker like Bradley.
DESHAWN – DeShawn is the group’s physical powerhouse and a projected future star—an athlete with real talent and real stakes. Unlike Cole, DeShawn is not fueled by cruelty for its own sake; his violence is situational, learned, and enabled. He represents how strength, when guided by fear and ambition rather than conscience, becomes dangerous.
TERRELL – Terrell is loud, charismatic, and endlessly joking—often the life of the group. On the surface, he comes across as harmless comic relief, but beneath the humour is a dangerous need for approval. Terrell rarely initiates cruelty, yet he enthusiastically participates in it, especially when it earns him laughs or acceptance from stronger personalities like DeShawn and Cole.
EMILIO – Emilio is street-smart, combative, and deeply shaped by class and cultural tension. He occupies an uneasy middle ground within the group—neither leader nor outcast. Constantly mocked and othered, Emilio responds by hardening himself, using aggression and bravado to demand respect in a system rigged against him.
MR. OWENS – Mr. Owens is the adult who should protect these boys—but repeatedly fails them. A domineering Phys Ed teacher who thrives on competition and control, he mistakes toughness for character and cruelty for bonding. His authority is unquestioned, yet deeply irresponsible.