Charlie Dalton

Outer characterization

Charlie Dalton is a student at Welton and one of Neil’s friends in the film Dead Poets Society (1989) directed by Peter Weir. He appears to know about Neil’s relationship with his father. He also addresses Neil’s father like he knows him and is the only one who tries to appeal to him when he takes Neil home in his car after the play. This appears to suggest that Charlie has known Neil for a while, and they were possibly childhood friends. This is also supported by the fact that they are very familiar with each other. Neil’s nickname for him is “Slick”. 

Charlie’s parents are wealthy, and they want Charlie to become a banker, following the family’s tradition. Neil refers to him as “Mr. Future Banker.” (00:09:10). At Welton, Charlie is roommates with Richard Cameron. He has trouble with several subjects at school, including Latin, where he is helped by Steven Meeks. Charlie can play the clarinet well, as his parents made him take lessons for years. 

Inner characterization

Charlie is a rebel who does not shy away from defying authority. During lessons, he draws pornographic images on his notebook. When Keating makes the students pick a walking style of their own, Charlie chooses...