Editing Nelson Muntz (section)

==Relationships with other characters==
Even though in the first season (and for many seasons afterward) Nelson seemed to be [[Bart Simpson|Bart]]'s antagonist, he eventually becomes what can be considered Bart's second closest friend after Milhouse.

In [[Bart the General|his debut episode]], Lisa was the initial target of Nelson's friend. Nelson had two minions at first one of which snatched a box of cupcakes from Lisa which prompted Bart to defend her. Bart's actions resulted in frequent beatings by Nelson and his gang, but finally ended when Bart received help from [[List of recurring The Simpsons characters|Herman]], who came up with the idea of standing up to Nelson and his gang by pelting them with [[water balloon]]s. From that point on, Nelson shows grudging respect for Bart, though he occasionally reverts to his past behaviour towards him.

Although still prone to violence, Nelson hangs out with Bart and his less popular friends, such as [[Milhouse Van Houten]] and occasionally even common bullying target [[Martin Prince]]. In "[[The Debarted]]", it is shown that Nelson has become Bart's "other best friend", along with Milhouse. Nelson is shown participating in many things with Bart further proving they're friends. Some of the activities they do consist of football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, going to read comics, and playing pranks on people. They even competed on the same e-sports team and went to the world championship.

Nelson has many other moments where he displays his hidden good nature, such as his brief amorous relationship with Lisa. Although he cannot control his delinquent tendency, he treats her with respect and even tries to change for her, although both of them realize that he is not being true to himself by doing so. In "[[Lisa's Date with Density]]", Nelson kisses Lisa, only to be berated by [[Jimbo Jones|Jimbo]], [[Kearney Zzyzwicz|Kearney]], and [[Dolph Starbeam|Dolph]], who believe that kissing girls is "[[gay]]" (despite the events that occurred revolving around Jimbo in "[[New Kid On The Block]]").

He also punishes [[Sherri and Terri]] for tormenting Lisa by having a skunk spray on them. Another curious example of his "good side" is with Martin, a boy whom Nelson picks on perhaps more so than any other kid in town. Despite the utter cruelty, there are occasional hints that Nelson does not harbor any real hatred towards Martin and only does so to maintain his 'tough guy' reputation. In "[[Dial 'N' for Nerder]]", when it is believed that Martin has died, Nelson endeavors to learn the truth and find Martin's killers. When it is revealed that Martin is alive, Nelson mocks and punches him, but also states that he is glad Martin is not dead. In this same episode, however, when Lisa tries to bribe him to not rat her out by offering to get back together with him, he rejects it. In another episode, it is revealed that both Martin and Nelson went to space camp and that Nelson was a loyal officer to Martin. (See "[[I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can]]")

In "[[Loan-a Lisa]]", Lisa uses $50 to help Nelson fund his bicycle company, which becomes a success. When Nelson almost drops out of school to spend more time on the company, Lisa is saddened and attempts to stop him from doing so, but eventually respects his decision after realizing he will not change despite the money used to fund it. Nelson eventually decides not to drop out after all and takes Lisa skating to make it up to her.

Though Nelson is often said to not really have friends aside from his on-and-off relationship with Bart and the others, Nelson sometimes hangs out with his fellow school bullies [[Jimbo Jones|Jimbo]], [[Dolph Starbeam|Dolph]], [[Kearney Zzyzwicz|Kearney]], and (to a lesser extent) two smaller and younger fraternal twin minions known as the Weasels. Though only seen with them occasionally, Nelson is also ironically the leader of the school bullies (possibly by virtue of being the most often seen and most recognizable of the gang).

In "[[Sleeping with the Enemy (The Simpsons)|Sleeping with the Enemy]]", [[Moe Szyslak]] appears briefly during a Muntz family reunion. The facial similarities between Moe and the Muntzes are surprisingly quite apparent and Moe's childhood experiences and behaviour are somewhat relatable with Nelson's. Moe briefly appears and claims that he is part of the family and is then shunned off-screen by the Muntzes' confused looks.