27 pages • 54-minute read
The Bad Guys: Episode 1
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Character Analysis
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Wolf is the story’s protagonist who occasionally addresses the reader directly. He is the leader in a group of four predator friends who are classically labelled as “bad guys.” Mr. Wolf is known to prey on grandmothers and their relatives, as well as vulnerable animals like pigs; he is also known to dress up in disguises. Mr. Wolf is trying to change the reputation built for him in stories like Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. His experience is thus defined by his past villainy, developing the theme of Being Misunderstood and Fighting Stereotypes. Mr. Wolf initially appears as a dark, brooding shadow, and when his full form is shown, his large, pointed teeth are evident. Although Mr. Wolf insists he can be trusted, Blabey’s portrayal leaves that in some doubt.
Mr. Wolf insists that he and his friends wear black suits and white cowboy hats to portray a more positive and respectable image, but Mr. Wolf’s friends often don’t take him seriously. Because of Mr. Wolf’s past tendencies to dress in disguises and fool others, the suit and hat are warning signs. Mr. Wolf is a flawed protagonist who wants to be a hero, but the way he occasionally yells at his friends or uses them in ways that hurt them (like hurling them against the prison walls) show that he still hasn’t really figured out what “good” means: “What am I talking about? Well, sit down and I’ll explain” (40). His intentions, however, are good, and by the end of the novel, he has convinced his friends to join him to embark on a journey of Transformation and Going Against One’s Nature.
Mr. Snake
Mr. Snake is a secondary character who is always shown as cold, sarcastic, and constantly unamused, but Mr. Wolf insists he’s a “sweetheart,” despite his tendency to eat pet store animals and owners. Mr. Snake is illustrated with a scowl and seedy-looking eyes, contradicting the claim that he is sweet. He wears the same black suit as the others, but he doesn’t wear the hat, as he doesn’t think it makes him look very cool. Mr. Snake is in some ways a foil to Mr. Wolf’s character, as he either complains about having to go along with things or is responsible for some of the group’s most serious errors, as when he swallows Mr. Piranha. Mr. Snake shows in that moment that he doesn’t really have “friends” and is most interested in serving his own goals, even if that means eating his teammate.
Even though Mr. Snake never seems enthusiastic about being a good guy, he goes along with the group anyway, suggesting that there is more to Mr. Snake than he originally lets on. In the end, Mr. Snake discovers that being good feels good, admitting, “It felt better than nice. It felt… good” (133). He continues to struggle with the change that Mr. Wolf is advocating for, but he’s getting there with a little encouragement from his teammates.
Mr. Piranha
Mr. Piranha is a secondary character who is abrasive and outspoken, and he brings a certain chaos to the group. Mr. Piranha came all the way from Bolivia and is known for eating tourists. The first thing he asks is, “Where’s the meat?” (31), suggesting that at least in the beginning, he isn’t ready to reform. Mr. Piranha is a fish, so his absurdity comes through in the fact that he is literally a “fish out of water” and wears human clothing.
Mr. Piranha has a violent reputation and is known for passing gas in the presence of others, making him unabashedly himself. The other members of the group complain about his smell but also accept Mr. Piranha; there is a certain unconditional tolerance that exists among the four friends. Mr. Snake eats Mr. Piranha at one point, but he doesn’t even hold a grudge about it, showing that he values their friendship and the team. Although Mr. Piranha isn’t the one who decides what the plan will be, he always goes along with it, clearly wanting to change to some degree. Even when Mr. Piranha is confused or being tossed against a wall, he sticks with the group, demonstrating Teamwork Amongst Unlikely Allies. Mr. Piranha is thrilled with the results of being good and becomes convinced that the best way forward is to aim for good.
Mr. Shark
Mr. Shark is the most physically imposing and visually absurd character in the story. He is so large that he often doesn’t fit within the comic panels, emphasizing his oversized and overbearing presence and awkwardness. Mr. Shark is depicted as always hungry and slightly clueless, with a blank, dumbfounded expression. He casually mentions wanting to eat seals and even consumes his own “good guy” hat, making it clear that he’s not entirely committed to being a good guy at first.
Mr. Shark’s unavoidable presence means that he also gets some big moments in the story, like taking on Mr. Wolf’s usual role of disguising himself as a lady and breaking into the animal shelter. In a humorous twist, the guard instantly has a crush on Mr. Shark. The illustrations of Mr. Shark also undercut his deadly reputation, his blank eyes make him more comedic than anything. Still, like the rest of the gang, he helps with the rescue and eventually admits that helping others felt good. Mr. Shark’s arc shows that even the most unlikely and misunderstood creatures can find joy in growth and transformation if they’re given the chance.
Unlock analysis of every major character
Get a detailed breakdown of each character’s role, motivations, and development.
- Explore in-depth profiles for every important character
- Trace character arcs, turning points, and relationships
- Connect characters to key themes and plot points