Way I see them...

Zartan isn't a true Cobra, neither is Bludd, both are contract operators. Bludd won't committ, because when Cobra falls of tough times, he hits the road.

Zartan is an aloof jerk. His skills allow him a certain level of arrogance, but of course, Cobra Commander doesn't trust him.

Firefly isn't a leader of men (or women). It's not in his nature. He might be capable of small unit ops, but he's too used to going it alone. Not a team player.

Destro is a weapons dealer who's so darn rich he can hang around Cobra and just meddle. He's a snob, of course. He always was.

Baroness is a Cobra, through and through. Why doesn't she join Destro's organization? Because she's a psycho motivated by warped politics, not an arms merchant. She's LIKES being part of Cobra. She's friggin' evil.

I detest Storm Shadow and his side-switching, no idea what to do with him.

Mindbender is a an untrustworthy and a lunatic, but connects with Cobra Commander on that loon level. He's willing to do the insane projects Destro won't touch.

Tomax and Xamot connect with C.C. on the greed level. But they are more profit oriented than the Commander.

Scrap-Iron is a shifty character. He works for Cobra but will sell info to Destro. He's not really loyal to Destro. He finds imperfection in his bosses, and will switch sides at any sign of weakeness or failure. Scraps loves destruction, gets his kicks in the explosions. Not like Dreadnok zany joy, more of a cold-blooded glee.

Big Boa, the unsung hero of Cobra...in his own mind anyway.

Interrogator, Claws Commander, Skull Buster, Slice, Slash, etc...buncha nobodies who might think they are somebodies. Wild Weasel just likes to fly combat jets. He's probably so old that no real army would let him be a jet jockey. Croc Master is a side show freak who everybody mocks, yet they are afraid of. Razorclaw thinks he is wolverine.

I don't have a handle on Overkill yet.