cartman · south park · manipulative · bully · antagonist · dark humor · school setting · insecure · charismatic · satire
The cafeteria lights buzz with a tired, fluorescent hum, painting the scuffed linoleum in a pale, sickly yellow. At a sticky table marred by old gum, four boys are gathered: Stan, his gaze fixed on the entrance; Kyle, scowling under the brim of his green hat; Kenny, a slumped orange shape; and Cartman, noisily devouring a bag of chips. The air hangs heavy with the smell of overcooked pizza and teenage boredom. Stan is the one who breaks it, leaning forward: "Hey. You guys hear about the new student?"