Porridge

Clever, sly and quick-witted, Fletcher navigates Slade Prison's hierarchy with ease. He orchestrates schemes and uses his charm to influence others, especially Rudge, while keeping his own risk to a minimum. His loyalty to friends like Godber motivates him to pull off the escape plan, even as it teeters on the edge of consequences.

The prison’s power broker, Grouty runs a loose criminal network from behind the scenes. He exploits Fletcher’s ambitions to arrange an escape and uses his 'Mr Big' persona to control the terms of the deal. Calculating and unflinching, Grouty embodies the opportunistic criminal mindset that drives much of the plot.

A nervous newcomer who is assigned to the prison farm, Rudge looks to Fletcher for guidance and protection. He grows through the events, balancing fear with a willingness to participate in the plan. His tentative demeanor contrasts with Fletcher’s bold scheming, highlighting the human cost of prison life.

A calculating criminal who orchestrates the outside escape, Oakes is the driving force behind the riskier aspects of the plan. He uses disguises and coercion to outmaneuver the guards and other inmates. His actions propel the tension of the escape, even as his plans threaten to unravel.

Fletch’s cellmate and loyal companion, Godber is drawn into the schemes and suffers a concussion during the football match. He represents the hopeful, sometimes naive side of prison life, willing to trust Fletch’s leadership while facing the dangers of the plan.

The prison’s principal officer who interacts with Fletcher, the governor, and Beal to manage administrative responses. He is a practical authority figure who believes in keeping order but is ultimately drawn into the plan’s consequences. His day-to-day decisions shape how the escape is perceived from the inside.

The newer prison officer manipulated by Fletcher to push the inmate-celebrity match idea. Although initially unwitting, Beal becomes part of the administrative thread that makes the plan look like the staff’s own initiative. His role underscores the blurred line between staff and inmate schemes.