Shannon is a 15-year-old secondary school student who views Tommen College as a necessary refuge from her highly abusive home life. She struggles with severe anxiety and low self-esteem directly caused by relentless verbal and physical attacks from her father. Despite her trauma, she deeply loves her older brother Joey and attempts to shield her younger siblings from their unstable household.

Johnny is a 17-year-old star center for the Tommen College rugby team and the national U18 squad. He drives himself relentlessly, maintaining a strict diet and playing through a severe groin injury to secure his future in professional sports. Though he often projects an arrogant and violent persona to the public, he shows genuine care and gentleness when interacting with Shannon.

Joey is Shannon's 18-year-old brother and a talented hurling player with professional aspirations. He serves as the primary protector of the Lynch siblings, frequently engaging in physical altercations with their father to defend Shannon. He carries the heavy burden of keeping his family safe while trying to maintain his own athletic commitments.

A rugby player at Tommen College and Johnny's best friend, commonly called Gibsie. Known for his humor and loyalty, he often tries to pull Johnny out of his obsessive focus on sports by dragging him to social events. He observes Johnny's developing feelings for Shannon and encourages him to pursue a relationship rather than isolating himself.

The patriarch of the Lynch family who subjects his wife and children to severe violence. He frequently targets Shannon, blaming her for his own violent outbursts and projecting his misogynistic insecurities onto her interactions with boys. His drinking and aggression dictate the daily survival tactics of his children.

A 19-year-old former sexual partner of Johnny who refuses to accept that their casual relationship is over. She won a competition among older girls to be the first to sleep with him and treats his attention as a status symbol. She actively bullies Shannon to reassert her social dominance and claim over Johnny.

Joey's girlfriend, who serves as a vital pillar of support for the Lynch siblings. Understanding of their traumatic home life, she steps in to provide groceries, child care, and financial assistance when their parents abandon the children.

A student at Tommen College and one of Shannon’s friends from primary school. She helps Shannon integrate into the new school environment and provides a buffer against the social anxieties Shannon faces, though she occasionally struggles to keep secrets.

Another of Shannon’s childhood friends who attends Tommen College. She forms part of Shannon's immediate social circle and helps her navigate the school's social dynamics, keeping her informed about rumors.

A successful fashion consultant whose career requires frequent travel. Despite her busy schedule, she is deeply perceptive about Johnny's life, worrying that his intense focus on rugby is robbing him of a normal teenage experience, and she actively encourages his connection with Shannon.

A successful barrister whom Johnny considers his absolute hero. Though often absent due to demanding legal work, he provides unwavering emotional support when it matters most, assuring Johnny that his worth is not tied solely to his athletic achievements.

Shannon's mother, who works constantly to pay for Shannon's tuition but is completely complicit in her husband's abuse. She often defends Teddy, prioritizes his well-being over her children's safety, and acts as a negligent and unpredictable presence in their lives.

Shannon's 23-year-old eldest brother who has been completely estranged from the family for five years. He suffered horrific abuse in foster care and was subsequently targeted by his father's violent homophobia, causing him to permanently flee the home.

A rugby player at Tommen College who heavily resents Johnny's stardom and authority. He attempts to pursue Shannon against Johnny's explicit warnings, leading to a violent locker room confrontation.

Johnny's rugby teammate who hooks up with Bella Wilkinson. He allows himself to be used as a pawn in Bella's attempts to manipulate Johnny, which ultimately strains his relationship with his team captain.

Claire's brother and one of Johnny's friends and teammates. He is perceptive of Johnny's budding feelings for Shannon and tries to warn Johnny about her terribly difficult family background.

A girl from Shannon's old school who previously pinned her against a wall and violently beat her over a misunderstanding. Her presence at the local pub triggers a severe panic attack for Shannon.

Shannon's 11-year-old younger brother. He is caught in the horrible crossfire of his father's rage, prompting Shannon to bravely use her own body to shield him from the abuse.

One of Shannon's younger brothers who lives in constant fear of his father's unpredictable and violent outbursts.

Another of Shannon's younger brothers. He relies entirely on his older siblings, primarily Shannon and Joey, for care and protection in their highly unstable home.

A rugby teammate of Johnny's who notices his discomfort and pain at social gatherings and attempts to offer him a graceful exit.

The school secretary at Tommen College. She holds the keys to student files and is easily manipulated by the popular rugby players who seek special favors.