Dead Poets Society Characters Overview

Questions and Answers

Who is Mr. Keating?

English teacher who inspires boys to be free thinkers and is a Welton Academy alum.

What subject does Mr. McAlister teach?

Latin

What is Mr. Nolan's role at Welton Academy?

He is the traditional, strict headmaster.

What are Mr. Perry's plans for his son Neil?

He plans for Neil to become a doctor. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action does Neil Perry take?

He commits suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What is Todd Anderson known for?

He is extremely shy and reserved, living in his brother's shadow. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Charlie Dalton?

He is a nonconformist who wants girls at Welton and changes his name to Nwanda. Signup and view all the answers

What is Knox Overstreet's main characteristic?

He is bold and brave, in love with Chris. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Chris Noel?

Chet Danberry's girlfriend who goes on a date with Knox. Signup and view all the answers

What is Steven Meeks known for?

He is the most intelligent of the group and a Latin scholar. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Gerald Pitts?

He is tall with a brushcut dark hair and builds a radio with Meeks. Signup and view all the answers

What did Richard Cameron believe in?

He believed in the honor code. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hopkins known for?

Having the only poem in history to get a negative score on the Pritchard Index. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dead Poets Society Characters

Mr. Keating: Inspirational English teacher at Welton Academy; encourages free thinking among students; a former student of the academy.
Mr. McAlister: Latin teacher and colleague of Mr. Keating; embodies realism and responds to the boys’ rebellious acts, such as ripping pages from texts.
Mr. Nolan: Strict headmaster of Welton Academy; prioritizes parental expectations over student needs; present during pivotal moments including the boys standing on desks.
Mr. Perry: Neil Perry's father; has clear, traditional aspirations for his son to pursue a medical career.
Neil Perry: A central character who rejuvenates the Dead Poets Society; his struggle with parental expectations leads to his tragic suicide; portrayed as a romanticist.
Todd Anderson: Overlooked by family, living in the shadow of his brother; characterized by shyness; takes a stand by being the first to stand on his desk; creatively influenced by Walt Whitman.
Charlie Dalton: A nonconformist student eager for romance at Welton; adopts the name "Nwanda" to express his rebellion; often acts impulsively.
Knox Overstreet: Romantic student infatuated with Chris Noel; exhibits bravery and boldness in pursuing his feelings.
Chris Noel: The girlfriend of Chet Danberry; becomes the object of Knox's affection, leading to a significant date.
Steven Meeks: Intellectual member of the group; identified by his red hair and glasses; creates a radio with Gerald; understands and defines the concept of "carpe diem."
Gerald Pitts: Tall student with a brush haircut; collaborates with Meeks on building a radio, showcasing teamwork.
Richard Cameron: Adheres strictly to the honor code; reports the group’s activities after conflict; notable for not participating in standing on desks.
Hopkins: Noted for creating the only poem in history to receive a negative score on the Pritchard Index, indicating unexpected failure in artistic evaluation.

Description

Explore the key characters from the film 'Dead Poets Society', each portraying different values and conflicts in the setting of Welton Academy. Learn about the dynamics between the inspirational Mr. Keating, the strict Mr. Nolan, and the struggles faced by students like Neil Perry and Todd Anderson. This quiz will test your knowledge of their roles and contributions to the narrative.