Ashley is a white, heterosexual high school student who plays as a defensive tackle on his local football team. He lives with his working-class parents and his younger brother, Hunter. Though he considers himself well-intentioned, his comfortable social position leaves him largely blind to the struggles of marginalized groups around him. His life changes when he begins experiencing strange shifts in reality following a football tackle.

Leo is a Black high school student and a popular athlete with a promising future. He frequently calls out his best friend's limited perspective on the world, pushing Ashley to recognize the realities of systemic racism. He is a perceptive student who communicates directly and remains fiercely protective of his family.

The Edwards are multidimensional entities who project into the world in the camouflaged form of teenage skateboarders. They monitor reality for disturbances and possess an eerie quality that makes them difficult to fully remember. They observe the universe to identify individuals capable of altering reality.

Katie is a high school cheerleader who has been friends with Ashley since childhood. She dates the team's star quarterback, adhering to the social expectations of her high school environment. She serves as a sympathetic ear to Ashley's confusing experiences, though she attempts to find logical explanations for his claims.

Layton is the star athlete of the high school football team. He maintains strict expectations for those around him and exhibits controlling behavior, particularly in his relationship with Katie. He views the world in rigid terms of winners and losers, reacting poorly to anyone who breaks from his singular vision.

Paul is a thoughtful and bright high school student who tutors Ashley in math. He offers a steady, grounded presence in Ashley's life and is actively involved in school clubs and social causes, including the desegregation club.

Hunter is Ashley's younger brother. Their relationship is initially distant, characterized by normal teenage bickering and a lack of deep mutual trust. He spends most of his time separated from his older brother's high school affairs.

Angela is Leo's sister. She is an outgoing student who remains highly popular among her peers. She maintains a strong bond with her brother.

Cerise is a high school student and Leo's girlfriend. She is practical and cautious, fully aware of the distinct risks that Black students face when challenging established social systems at their school.