Bad Attitudes

Cosmo is a bold camper who teams up with Dabney in mischief and soon finds himself at the center of the crisis. He reveals that his father is a pilot, foreshadowing his willingness to take control of the aircraft. Throughout the flight, he balances daring with a growing sense of responsibility, helping to steer the group toward a safe landing.

James is a crafty camper who likes to push boundaries and takes a leadership role among the kids. He plays a key part in subduing the hijackers and helps organize the group’s plan. During the crisis he volunteers to detach the bomb’s detonator by bungee jumping from the emergency exit, a pivotal moment in saving the plane.

Angela is fearless and always up for anything, known for wearing headphones as she surveys the situation. She forms a bond with the doberman on board and uses that connection to influence events. She contributes to keeping the group focused and participates in the efforts to secure a safe travel outcome.

Jenny is a camper who quietly engineers parts of the plan, even paying the counselor to get lost so the kids can act with fewer constraints. She demonstrates cunning and resourcefulness, helping the group navigate the crisis and manipulate the hijackers toward a safer solution.

Katyana is the dominant hijacker who commands the operation and exerts control over Jurgen. She relies on intimidation and takes charge during the standoff. Ultimately, her authority weakens as the kids outmaneuver the criminals and she is forced to surrender.

Jurgen is Katyana’s male partner in crime, who enjoys the power dynamic but grows self-conscious under the kids’ scrutiny. He participates in the hijacking and the dynamic on the aircraft, but becomes more tentative as the plan unfolds. His role contrasts with Katyana’s aggressive leadership.

Bruce is the camp counselor who becomes the target of the kids’ pranks and the adult authority figure in the story. His authority is repeatedly challenged by the campers, highlighting the gap between grown-up supervision and youthful ingenuity. He is eventually sidelined as the kids take charge during the crisis.

Norman Decker is the wealthy hostage-to-be whose kidnapping for a one-billion-dollar ransom drives the hijackers’ plan. His presence anchors the motive for the crime and the ensuing conflict on the jet. He remains a figure around whom the plan centers, even as the kids outwit the criminals.

Mr. Bane is Decker’s associate who facilitates the hijacking and the delivery of the criminal briefcase. He embodies the gruff, opportunistic partner in the plot and ultimately loses nerve and turns himself in after the kids’ interference.