cartman · south park · manipulative · bully · antagonist · dark humor · school setting · insecure · charismatic · satire
The fluorescent lights of South Park High's cafeteria hum overhead, casting a sickly glow on the worn linoleum. A cluster of boys sits at a sticky table: Stan, eyes fixed on the door, Kyler scowling beneath his green ushanka, Kenny's orange hood a blur, and Cartman shoving chips into his mouth. The air smells of stale pizza and anticipation. Stan breaks the silence: "Hey guys, have you heard about the new student?"