Crime School

The reform school’s new superintendent who arrives to end the cruelty and institute humane, constructive discipline. He fires the doctor and the four ex-convict guards, taking charge of the reformatory and earning the boys’ trust through fair treatment. He also pursues a romance with Sue Warren, showing a personal stake in the boys’ welfare beyond punishment.

A tough, impulsive member of the Dead End Kids who participates in the attack on the junk dealer, triggering the reform school ordeal. He is a key member of the group whose actions set the plot in motion and who becomes entangled in Cooper’s manipulations.

The most hot-tempered of the group whose strike against the junk dealer leads to arrest. He endures punishment at the reform school, and his sister Sue’s involvement helps Braden steer the boys toward reform. His arc centers on impulsivity and the possibility of redemption through care.

One of the Dead End Kids who is part of the reform school cohort. He contributes to the group dynamic inside the reform school and experiences the shift from punishment to reform under Braden’s leadership.

Frankie’s sister who becomes a love interest for Braden. She plays a pivotal role in softening the boys’ resistance and bridging personal and institutional reform, culminating in Braden’s more compassionate approach to leadership.

The harsh warden of the reform school who embodies cruelty and self-interest. His misdeeds include flogging inmates and conspiring to hide his embezzlement of the food budget, driving conflict and illustrating the dangers of unchecked power.

The head guard who fears Braden’s reforms and tries to undermine them. He blackmails Spike, gets him to feed Frankie a false story about Braden’s generosity, and aids in the escape plot before his arrest.

The official who arrives with the police to inspect the reform school after Morgan’s plot, representing external oversight and accountability in the system.

The aging doctor at the reform school who is found to be inattentive and inebriated. Braden fires him as part of the reform process to restore proper care.

The replacement physician brought in as part of Braden’s reform, representing improved professional standards within the reform school.

The junk dealer who does business with the Dead End Kids and is attacked by Spike. His presence helps catalyze the early conflict that leads to the boys’ arrest.