Scum

New arrival who takes the blame for his brother's theft and tries to stay under the radar. He befriends Archer and gradually asserts dominance to stabilize the wing. His calculated leadership curbs abuse, earns wary respect, and ultimately reshapes the power structure within the borstal.

An eccentric and intelligent inmate serving two years for workplace fraud. He prefers cunning over brute force and aims to peacefully influence staff and events. He becomes Carlin's ally, providing a counterbalance to Banks' brutality.

The wing's current 'Daddy' who maintains power through bullying and intimidation. His position rests on fear and the tacit consent of the staff. Banks embodies the corrosive side of institutional control that Carlin must confront.

Banks' principal enforcer, involved in hazing and beatings to sustain the wing's hierarchy. He thrives within the same brutal system and helps perpetuate the cycle of abuse. His presence marks the everyday cruelty inmates endure.

Another of Banks' lieutenants, using intimidation to keep control. He personifies the loud, physical aspect of the borstal’s oppression. His actions remind viewers of the ease with which violence becomes normalised.

An escapee from an open institution who is hazed and framed for theft, soon drifting into isolation. His suicide highlights the lethal consequences of neglect and the moral failures of the system. Davis's death accelerates the inmates' revolt and reveals the human cost of fear-driven power.

A car thief who arrives at the borstal and endures brutal treatment from Banks and his crew. His experiences illustrate the savagery of life inside and the frequent targeting of vulnerable new arrivals. He remains a marginal figure but underscores the pervasive danger.

Meakin's friend who learns his wife has died and collapses into deep despair. He attempts suicide, highlighting the emotional collapse caused by confinement. His fate and later transfer to an adult prison reveal the harsh paths the system imposes on vulnerable inmates.

The housemaster warder who ultimately recognizes Carlin's leadership and grants him a single cell in exchange for responsible conduct. He embodies the authorities who supervise but also negotiate terms with the inmates. His stance hints at a limited, fragile governance within the borstal.

A warder who witnesses abuses, including Davis's tragedy, but initially reacts with indifference. His reaction exemplifies the casual cruelty and apathy that enable the cycle of violence. Sands' attitude helps precipitate the breakdown of order and trust.