| Billy Bunter | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
William George Bunter |
|
First Appearance |
The Magnet - The Making of Harry Wharton (1908) |
|
Original Publisher |
Amalgamated Press |
|
Created by |
Charles Hamilton |
Origins[]
William George Bunter is a plump, perpetually hungry, and often comically inept schoolboy who attends the fictional boarding school of Greyfriars in the county of Kent, England. He is famously described as "the owl of Greyfriars," with a round, rosy face, gleaming spectacles, and a body that strains the seams of his school uniform. His double chin and protruding belly are constant reminders of his insatiable appetite. He often wears a well-worn cap and sports a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Billy Bunter comes from a lower-middle-class background and is portrayed as somewhat of an outsider at Greyfriars School. He is constantly struggling to maintain his position within the school hierarchy and is often the target of ridicule and bullying by his classmates, particularly the more athletic and academically successful boys. He is also a frequent target of the school's staff, particularly his form master, Mr. Quelch, who is exasperated by Bunter's laziness and lack of academic ability.
Bunter's primary concern is always himself, and he has little regard for the feelings or needs of others. He frequently tries to manipulate his classmates into doing his bidding, often with disastrous results. Despite his cunning schemes, Bunter is remarkably incompetent at executing them. His plans invariably backfire, leading to hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings that serve as the basis for much of the series' humor. Cowardice is another defining characteristic of Bunter. He is quick to abandon his friends at the first sign of trouble and will go to great lengths to avoid physical confrontation.
Bunter's family background is unclear, but it is implied that he comes from a large and somewhat chaotic household, with his behavior at school reflecting his upbringing. Despite his many flaws, the most positive trait Bunter embodies is his remarkable resilience. He never gives up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, and his determination to get what he wants often leads to unexpected outcomes.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Greyfriars School (1908-1928)
Public Domain Comic Book Appearances[]
- Knockout (UK) #1-729