Summer Camp Nightmare

A bright but socially awkward middle schooler who uses a tape recorder as his diary. He is perceptive and adjusts quickly to shifting power dynamics, eventually becoming a key organizer for the campers. His technical tinkering and calm determination help him navigate crises, even as he grapples with moral choices.

A camp bully and the main antagonist among the CITs, known for his domineering presence and bratty influence. He loyally supports Franklin’s plans at first, then becomes a volatile ally whose aggression fuels the conflict. His loyalty wanes as the situation degrades into violence.

A CIT who actively looks out for younger campers and initially challenges Mr. Warren’s authority. He becomes critical of the coup and is forced to navigate loyalties as the moral center of the group shifts. His relationship with Heather and Debbie adds a personal dimension to the unfolding crisis.

A veteran counselor who embodies the camp’s traditional leadership, trying to keep order and safety. He embodies authority but is ultimately outpaced by the campers’ coordinated actions. He serves as a bridge between Warren’s regime and the campers’ rebellion.

The camp director whose pleasant exterior masks a rigid, controlling temperament. He believes in keeping things “appropriate” and maintains a visible but fragile grip on power. His ultimate fate reveals the risks of excessive authoritarian control.

The camp counselor known for his physically demanding routines and insistence on fitness regimens. He is loyal to Warren but becomes entangled in the power struggles as rules become negotiable. His presence underscores the militaristic side of camp life.

A camper who becomes intertwined in the social dynamics of the coup. Her role centers around solidarity with Debbie and Laurie, and she presents a counterpoint to the boys’ aggressive maneuvers. Her reactions highlight the risk of mob mentality spilling into gendered spaces.

A girl whose vulnerability is exploited by John Mason, driving the conflict to a critical breaking point. Her experience fuels the call for accountability and exposes the brutality that can emerge in crowded spaces when power goes unchecked. She becomes a voice for consequences and justice.

A camper who navigates romantic interest with Donald and participates in counseling the camp’s social rules. She demonstrates empathy and resilience, serving as a stabilizing force amid chaos. Her relationship with Donald adds a personal layer to the rebellion’s stakes.

A shy boy who becomes a focal point of fear around the butterfly quest and Warren’s missteps. Peter’s vulnerability underscores the danger that arises when authority abuses its power over the younger campers. He elements help justify the need for accountability.

The CIT who leads the revolution, offering a charismatic but dangerous vision of camp leadership. He disguises his ambition as a game but demonstrates ruthlessness when the plan escalates. His decisions reveal how easily youth can manipulate authority when given the chance.

A boy who crosses boundaries and becomes central to the conflict through coercive acts. His behavior highlights the consequences of unchecked peer pressure and the portrayal of aggression within the group. His actions catalyze the confrontation that propels the climax.