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Character Role Analysis

Headmaster Nolan and John Keating

From the beginning of the film, Headmaster Nolan represents the core values of Welton: Tradition, Discipline, Honor, and Excellence. (Otherwise known as Yawn, Yawn, Yawn, and Yawn.)

He represents them by strictly implementing them both inside and outside the classroom: he expects the boys to live rigid lives in accordance with the rules of Welton. He opposes the DPS and Mr. Keating's teachings, and doesn't believe in the value of individual expression. This makes him a foe to everything the DPS stands for…and the exact opposite of Mr. Keating.