Nick is a 16-year-old high school student ordered to attend family violence classes and keep a journal after his ex-girlfriend files a restraining order against him. He presents a confident, cynical exterior at school to hide the trauma of living with a highly abusive father. He struggles to manage his anger and frequently relies on control tactics in his relationships to avoid feeling vulnerable.

Caitlin is a high school student who bravely files a restraining order against Nick to protect herself. She possesses a passion for singing and previously struggled with body image issues, heavily influenced by her critical mother. Her newfound popularity and weight loss make her eager for acceptance but also leave her susceptible to manipulation.

Tom is a star athlete and Nick's closest friend. He appears to have a perfect life, coming from an affluent family, but he privately struggles with his parents' expectations that he become a lawyer rather than pursue art. He is protective of his friends but grows increasingly concerned by Nick's behavior toward Caitlin.

Nick's unnamed father is a well-dressed Greek immigrant and successful investment banker. Behind closed doors, he is a tyrannical and physically abusive parent who uses intimidation to maintain control over his son. He rationalizes his behavior through a rigid, toxic view of authority.

Mario is the firm and perceptive instructor of the counseling group Nick attends. He establishes strict rules for his sessions, demanding honesty and accountability from the resentful young men in his class. He works to break through his students' defensive masks by challenging their justifications for violence.

Leo is a fellow member of the family violence class who immediately clashes with the other attendees. He shares a background of severe domestic abuse, having grown up under a violent stepfather. He acts aggressively defensive about his relationship and rejects the idea that he belongs in the court-ordered program.

Elsa is a high school student fiercely loyal to her best friend, Caitlin. She openly dislikes Nick and frequently calls out his problematic behavior, making her an obstacle to his control over Caitlin. She refuses to be intimidated by Nick or his social circle.

Miss Higgins is an observant English teacher who runs the school's literary journal. She notices the pattern of bruises on Nick's face and tries to offer him a safe space. She encourages his writing talent and challenges him to rethink his tough-guy image.

Saint is a football player and former associate of Nick who completely turns against him after the abuse comes to light. He uses his physical presence to intimidate Nick and actively tries to date Caitlin following the breakup.

Neysa is Leo's girlfriend, whose relationship with him brings Leo to the family violence class. She is subject to Leo's erratic and controlling behavior, occasionally dropping charges against him due to pressure.

Caitlin's unnamed mother is a vain and superficial woman who prioritizes appearances. Her constant criticism of Caitlin's weight and looks directly fuels her daughter's deep-seated insecurities.

Liana is Tom's Cuban girlfriend. Their relationship is kept hidden from Tom's parents due to their prejudices, adding stress to Tom's seemingly perfect life.

Hector is Leo's abusive stepfather. He uses physical violence to turn Leo and his twin brother against each other, creating a chaotic and deeply traumatic home environment.

Derek is a student in Caitlin's choir group. His physical proximity to Caitlin during rehearsals makes him a frequent target of Nick's suspicion and anger, despite having no malicious intentions.

Tom's father is a successful lawyer who places heavy expectations on his son to follow in his professional footsteps, dismissing Tom's artistic ambitions.

Kelly is an aggressive member of Mario's counseling class who immediately instigates a physical altercation. He is hostile and deeply resentful of the court-mandated program.

Ray is an older member of the counseling group and an active police officer. He frequently complains about modern sensitivity and defends physical discipline, citing his own strict upbringing.

Felix is Leo's twin brother. His tragic response to their stepfather's severe abuse leaves a lasting scar on Leo, heavily influencing Leo's worldview and anger issues.