Zetsubou Sensei / Itoshiki Nozomu
^{Itoshiki Nozomu is the titular character and protagonist of SZS, and the teacher of class 2-He. His name written horizontally can be read as 'zetsubou'. Because of this and his extremely negative and pessimistic attitude, hes usually called Zetsubou Sensei. He usually wears a hakama and frequently shouts "Zetsuboushita! (I'm in despair!)".}

Kafuka Fuura ( Pen Name )
^{Kafuka Fuura is the overly-optimistic and positive student of class 2-He. Her real name is unknown, so her pen name is instead a reference to the author Franz Kafka since her favorite book is 'The Metamorphosis'. She's recognized by the cross-clips in her hair and her ability to find positive (and bizzare) solutions to every situation.}

Abiru Kobushi
^{Abiru Kobushi is the heavily-bandaged and quiet student of class 2-He. Her name means "to bathe in fists." Most people believe her bandages come from domestic violence, but it's actually the after-results after she pulls the tails of animals at the zoos due to her tail-fetish. She's recognized through braids and bandages.}

Ai Kaga
^{Ai Kaga is insecure and guilt-complex having student of class 2-He. Her name is a wordplay on the word 'kagai' which means harms, referring to her guilt complex. She is always constantly apologizing to everyone. She's recognized through her small, reactive ponytail and a mole under her right eye.}

Aoyama
^{Aoyama is a student in class 2-He thats nearly as negative as Zetsubou-sensei. Not much is known about him other than the fact that he's part of a friend group that has Kino and Haga in it. Hes recognized by his red glasses.}

Chiri Kitsu
^{Chiri Kitsu is the methodical and murderous student of class 2-He. Her name has multiple word plays; her name being derived from the word 'Kicchiri' which means precisely, two of the kanji in her name meaning 'Clairvoyance' (she's shown to have a 3rd eye sometimes), and the kanji in her first name could mean 'to bury'. She's recognized through her straight part down the middle.}

Haga
^{Haga is a student in class 2-he. Not much is known about him other than the fact that he is perverted and friends with Aoyama and Kino.}

Harumi Fujiyoshi
^{Harumi Fujiyoshi is the yaoi-fan and artist of class 2-He. Her first name is a reference to the first Comiket location and the surname is wordplay on the word 'fujoshi', which usually refers to girls that are obsessed with BL (boys-love). She's recognized by her square glasses and shocking athletic ability.}

Jun Kudou
^{Jun Kudou is the genius-storyteller of class 2-He. His name is a reference to the bookstore 'Junkudou-Shoten' and the owner, Jun Kudou. He's recognized by usually having one-eye closed, notable lower lashes, and tired eyes.}

Kaere / Kaede Kimura
^{Kaere Kimura is the foreigner that suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder of class 2-He. Her name is both a reference to a Japanese idol named 'Kaela Kimura' and an imperative form of a verb named 'kaeru', which means 'to return, go back'. She's recognized by her blonde hair and her habits of exposing her panties and sueing everyone.}

Kagerou Usui
^{Kagerou Usui is the practically invisible class president of class 2-He. His name is a pun on the phrase 'kage ga usui', which means 'overshadowed'; the 'usui' in his name is also a reference to his thinning hairline. He's not usually recognized, but when he its by his baldness being exposed.}

Kanako Oora
^{Kanako Oora is the open-minded but spaced out girl of class 2-He. Her name derives from the phrase 'oraka no ko', which means 'big-hearted'. She's recognized by her lazy expression, her oversized bow and clothes, and her ponytail.}

Kino Kuniya
^{Kino Kuniya is the competitive student and fashion disaster of class 2-He. His name comes from the bookstore chain Kinokuniya. He's recognized by his tacky shirts, competitiveness against Jun, and his friend group with Aoyama and Haga.}

Kiri Komori
^{Kiri Komori is the hikikomori (and zashiki-warashi) of class 2-He. Her name is derived from the word 'komorikiri', which means 'always stays indoors'. In western order, it also sounds like hikikomori. She's recognized by being wrapped up in her favorite blanket and her long hair.}