Karl Childers is a fictional character from the 1996 film Sling Blade, directed by Billy Bob Thornton, who also plays the role. He is a mentally challenged man who has spent much of his life in a psychiatric hospital after committing a violent crime in his youth. The character is known for his distinctive speech pattern and simple, straightforward worldview. In the film, Karl is released from the hospital and returns to his hometown, where he forms a bond with a young boy named Frank Wheatley. As he navigates his new life, Karl's past and his struggles with morality and violence become central themes, highlighting his desire for acceptance and understanding.