Walter Brown, formerly pejoratively nicknamed Walter the Softy, or Softy Walter, is the archenemy of Dennis the Menace. Walter was originally introduced as a well behaved boy, the opposite to how Dennis was a very naughty boy. Walter was later changed to a softy, and was an effeminate boy, which Dennis was vilified because of his lack on interest in stereotypically masculine activities and attitudes. Because of it, he became the target of Dennis' pranks and misbehaviour but would brush it off. Sometime in the 1980s, Walter's characterisation changed after reader backlash and made him a snobbish rich boy foil to his enemies. However, he would later become a softy again, but was given his snobbish rich boy personality in the 1996 Dennis and Gnasher TV series.
Personality[]
Walter's personality has changed drastically over the years.
In the beginning, Walter was a "softy", a boy who preferred peace and quiet over mischief, and liked mostly girly things like smelling flowers or playing with teddy bears.
Later, he was characterized as a spoiled but intelligent child.
Now, he is more of a child with the mind of an adult. He is deeply involved in his father's business schemes and hates people having fun without his permission.
Physical appearance[]
Originally, he had short black hair, round black glasses, a blue jumper, a pink bow tie (later red), black shorts and yellow socks with pink shoes.
Trivia[]
- In the 1996 TV series, Walter was given a girlfriend called Matilda, to show that he was not gay and that therefore Dennis picking on him doesn't count as homophobic bullying. Despite this, there still was some controversy about Dennis being homophobic to Walter in 2008.[2]
- Walter's most prized possession is his briefcase, because it makes him feel so grown-up. All the other kids at Bash Street School are jealous because they do not have one.[1]
- Walter's motto is "Fun is for failures!".[1]
- Walter's super skill is that he can take the fun out of anything.[1]
- Walter only listens to classical music. He does not really like it, but he thinks it makes him clever and grown-up.[1] However, he is seen listening to rap music in the Beano Videostars.
Gallery[]
