There is no character named "Brad" in Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower . The main character is Charlie . The love interest is Sam . Sam's stepbrother (and Charlie’s best friend) is Patrick , who is affectionately nicknamed "Pat" or "Nothing."

Here’s an exploration of Brad’s character, his role, and why his story matters. Brad is a popular, good-looking high school student. He’s the quarterback of the football team, comes from a wealthy, strictly religious family, and dates a cheerleader publicly. Privately, he is deeply in love with Patrick. The Secret Relationship Brad and Patrick meet at a party and begin a passionate, clandestine affair. They hook up in basements, cars, and Brad’s house when his father is away. For Patrick, this relationship is real love. For Brad, it’s a desperate mix of desire, shame, and self-hatred. Why Brad is a Tragic Figure Brad is not a villain, but a victim of internalized homophobia and family pressure. His father is violently homophobic—he once beat Brad so severely for being “sensitive” that Brad ended up in the hospital.

Here’s a clarification and then a detailed content piece on the topic.