Karl Childers, played by Billy Bob Thornton

Description

Karl Childers is a mentally-handicapped man, who murdered his mother and her lover as a child. He has spent many years in a mental institution, and when the film starts, he is finally being released. Karl has been happy there and has no desire to leave; however, his life begins to change when he gets a job in his hometown and meets Frank and Linda.

Karl becomes friends with Frank and his mother, Linda and eventually moves into their garage. He sees what an evil man Doyle is and tries to warn Linda about Doyle. When Doyle begins to ruin their lives, Karl takes matters into his own hands and murders Doyle.

Analysis

Karl is a good, kind man who tries to stand up for right and wrong, although he doesn't always go about it the right way. Karl believes that...