Cooties

A sweet fourth-grader whose infection rapidly turns her from a playful pupil into a feral carrier. Her escalating violence acts as the catalyst for the outbreak within the school. As her condition worsens, she embodies the loss of innocence and the horror of a disease that targets children.

An aspiring horror writer who substitutes at Fort Chicken Elementary. He becomes a reluctant leader, balancing humor with cautious strategy as he guides others through chaos. His perspective as a storyteller shapes how the group interprets and responds to the crisis.

Clint's former high school crush who is dating the physical education teacher. She remains a steady ally, helping coordinate the group’s plan and offering emotional support amid the fear. Her bond with Clint adds a human dimension to the survival effort.

The physical education teacher who becomes a pragmatic protector of the group. He improvises weapons and makes tough calls to shield others, ultimately putting himself in danger to ensure their escape. His actions reflect leadership under pressure and personal responsibility.

A student who is attacked by Shelly and infected as the outbreak spreads. His condition sparks fear and urgency as the infected ripple through the playground. Patriot's arc highlights how quickly infection upends social order and endangers peers.

Patriot’s friend who also contracts the virus and helps drive the narrative by exposing the scope of the outbreak. He is ultimately sacrificed as part of the group’s effort to contain the spread. Dink's fate underscores the cost of survival in a world overrun by infection.

An uninfected student who succumbs to diabetic shock as the virus takes hold and is saved with urgent aid. His struggle adds a medical-dramatic element to the survival arc and provides a moment of vulnerability amid chaos.

The school janitor who remains alive through much of the crisis and becomes a guardian figure for the group. He is last seen providing support and sharing food, symbolizing steadfast resilience in a collapsing system.

A staff member who deduces that the virus behaves differently for adults and helps develop a vaccine strategy by autopsy. His scientific approach provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim situation.