A brilliant lawyer who lives with chronic physical pain and deep emotional trauma from his youth. Raised in a monastery and a series of abusive environments, he battles low self-worth and turns to self-harm as a coping mechanism. Despite his intense privacy and reluctance to share his past, he draws a fiercely loyal group of friends who try to support him.

A humble actor from Wyoming who works as a waiter before booking successful stage and film roles. Having lost his parents and beloved older brother, he values his chosen family immensely. He centers his adult life around caring for Jude, offering him unconditional support and companionship.

A confident, ambitious visual artist born to an affluent Haitian American family. He frequently paints portraits of his closest friends, using his art to express the affection he sometimes struggles to communicate verbally. He deals with drug addiction and occasional bouts of selfishness that strain his relationships.

An architect from a wealthy New York family who initially lives in his parents' basement. He questions his biracial identity and his sexuality, seeking his place in the adult world. As his career takes off, he designs ADA-compliant, accessible living spaces for his friends.

A law professor who recognizes Jude's legal acumen and forms a deep bond with him. Grieving the loss of his own young son, he welcomes Jude into his personal life. He eventually adopts adult Jude, offering him unconditional parental love and support.

A monk at the monastery where Jude is raised. He initially appears as a protective figure, offering Jude a rare sense of specialness, but uses this trust to groom and abuse the boy, leaving lasting psychological scars.

A sadistic man who takes in a teenage Jude under the guise of helping him. He subjects Jude to horrific captivity and physical abuse, causing the severe spinal and leg injuries that plague Jude for the rest of his life.

A fashion executive who enters into a romantic relationship with Jude. He exhibits cruel behavior regarding Jude's disability, which escalates into severe physical and emotional abuse.

An orthopedic surgeon who serves as Jude's primary physician. Having known Jude since college, he is uniquely entrusted with Jude's medical history and the secrets of his self-harm. He frequently struggles with how best to treat his friend's emotional wounds.

Harold's wife, a warm presence who opens her home to Jude. She becomes Jude's adoptive mother, providing him with the maternal affection he never experienced in childhood.

A social worker assigned to Jude during a teenage hospital stay. She becomes the first genuinely loving caregiver in Jude's life, advocating for his future and encouraging him to process his trauma.

A wealthy friend who inherits a building. He provides Jude with a more accessible living space by selling him a loft at a discounted rate.

A young, lonely boy whom Jude tutors on the side to save money for medical procedures. Jude comforts him by sharing his own experiences of growing up without friends.

Malcolm's girlfriend and eventual wife who co-owns his internationally recognized architecture firm.

Willem's long-term girlfriend who eventually ends their relationship, citing Willem's intense devotion to Jude as a barrier to their romance.

An abrasive influence in JB's life who encourages JB's drug addiction and models cruel behavior.

Harold's biological son from his first marriage who died at the age of five from a rare genetic disease.

Willem's older brother who had cerebral palsy. His death deeply affected Willem, who loved him fiercely.

A therapist who works with Jude after a severe mental health crisis. Over time, he attempts to help Jude process his severe trauma.

A woman who takes Jude for a one-week trial adoption. She hints that the adoption is likely but never contacts him again after the trial ends.