Meet the Beans
21 lovable characters, 21 hilariously tragic endings
Get to know each Bean character, learn their unique death methods, and discover tips to help them survive (or at least try to)! 💀
Numpty
Death Method:
Set fire to his hair
Hapless
Death Method:
Poke a stick at a grizzly bear
Bonehead
Death Method:
Drive around the boom gates at a level crossing
Stumble
Death Method:
Stand on the edge of a train station platform
Putz
Death Method:
Run across the tracks between the platforms
Pillock
Death Method:
Eat medicine that's out of date
Dippy
Death Method:
Use your private parts as piranha bait
Dummkopf
Death Method:
Get your toast out with a fork
Dimwit
Death Method:
Do your own electrical work
Stupe
Death Method:
Teach yourself how to fly
Lax
Death Method:
Invite a psycho killer inside
Clod
Death Method:
Scratch a drug dealer's brand new ride
Doomed
Death Method:
Take your helmet off in outer space
Numskull
Death Method:
Use a clothes dryer as a hiding place
Bungle
Death Method:
Keep a rattlesnake as a pet
Mishap
Death Method:
Sell both your kidneys on the internet
Dunce
Death Method:
Eat a two week old unrefrigerated pie
Calamity
Death Method:
Press a mysterious red button
Ninny
Death Method:
Dress up like a moose during hunting season
Botch
Death Method:
Disturb a nest of wasps for no good reason
Doofus
Death Method:
Stand on a bridge during a lightning storm
About the Dumb Ways to Die Characters
The Beans: Iconic Design, Unforgettable Deaths
The Dumb Ways to Die characters, affectionately known as "Beans" due to their bean-shaped bodies, are one of the most recognizable character designs in modern gaming. Created by Melbourne-based animator Julian Frost for Metro Trains Melbourne's 2012 safety campaign, these seemingly innocent creatures have captured hearts worldwide while meeting spectacularly dumb ends.
Character Design Philosophy
Each Bean character features a simple yet distinctive design:
- Unique Color Scheme: Every Bean has a signature color that makes them instantly recognizable
- Minimalist Features: Simple dots for eyes and a curved line for a mouth create maximum expression with minimal detail
- Bean-Shaped Bodies: The iconic oval shape that gave them their nickname
- Stubby Limbs: Short arms and legs that enhance their cute, helpless appearance
- Personality Through Color: Each character's color often hints at their personality or fate
The Original Cast
The original Dumb Ways to Die video introduced 21 characters, each meeting their demise in increasingly absurd ways. While the video's primary purpose was to promote railway safety (with the final three deaths all railway-related), the characters became beloved for their charm and the darkly humorous contrast between their cute appearance and gruesome fates. Characters like Numpty (who set fire to his hair), Hapless (who poked a grizzly bear), and the railway safety trio (Bonehead, Stumble, and Putz) became instant icons.
Evolution Across Games
As the franchise expanded into games, the Beans evolved from passive victims to active participants in their own potential demise. The games gave players the chance to save these characters through quick reflexes and good decision-making. Each installment introduced new characters and expanded the backstories of existing ones, building a rich universe around these simple designs. The characters remained visually consistent while gaining costumes, accessories, and personality traits that made them even more endearing.
Cultural Impact
The Beans have transcended their original purpose as safety mascots to become cultural icons. They've appeared on merchandise, in music videos, and even in theme park attractions. Their simple, memorable design makes them instantly recognizable across generations and cultures. The phrase "dumb ways to die" itself has entered popular vernacular, and the characters remain symbols of how effective public safety messaging can be when delivered with humor and heart.
Explore Each Character
Click on any character above to learn more about their unique story, death method, game appearances, and fun trivia. Discover tips and tricks to help you keep them alive in the games, and learn about their relationships with other Beans. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering the series, there's always something new to learn about these lovably doomed characters! 🎮