Deborah is a sixteen-year-old girl struggling with a severe mental health condition that isolates her from the outside world. Highly intelligent and artistic, she copes with early childhood trauma, invasive medical procedures, and severe bullying by retreating into a self-created inner reality called Yr. She feels she is made of a poisonous substance, which makes her fear close contact with others.

Dr. Fried is a renowned psychologist and a German immigrant who intimately understands the sting of antisemitism. She is perceptive and honest, refusing to lie to her patients to pacify them. She recognizes Deborah's potential and commits to helping her unearth the roots of her suffering without forcing a timeline on her recovery.

Jacob is Deborah's father, an immigrant's son who struggles with severe defensiveness regarding his daughter's condition. He refuses to accept that his parenting or actions might have contributed to her illness. His quick temper and emotional reactions often mirror the internal anger Deborah feels.

Esther is Deborah's mother and a visual artist. She tries to maintain a facade of normalcy and initially lies to her extended family about Deborah's whereabouts. She struggles to understand the complex roots of her daughter's condition, often viewing it as a straightforward problem to be neatly solved.

Carla is a patient in the mental healthcare facility and becomes Deborah's closest peer. She carries severe trauma from a violent family tragedy but provides a safe space for open communication. She appreciates the freedom of the Disturbed ward, where the patients do not have to hide their symptoms from one another.

Suzy is Deborah's sister, five years her junior. She grows up in the shadow of Deborah's mental health crises, often feeling overlooked by her preoccupied parents. She shows a surprisingly calm and accepting attitude toward the reality of her sister's condition when finally told the truth.

Helene is a patient on the D ward known for her violent and aggressive physical outbursts. Underneath her hostile exterior, she harbors a hidden vulnerability and a desire to get well. Her unpredictable actions keep the other patients and staff on high alert.

Miss Coral is an elderly, highly educated patient known for her strong will and occasional physical resistance. She identifies with the spirit of the Middle Ages but shares her extensive knowledge of Greek, Latin, and poetry with anyone willing to listen.

Ellis is a ward attendant who views the patients' conditions as divine punishment for sin. He is prejudiced, judgmental, and quick to use violence against the vulnerable people in his care, taking advantage of their institutionalized status.

Anterrabae is a primary god in Deborah's imagined world of Yr. He has hair made of fire and appears to eternally fall toward a pit of nothingness. He actively warns Deborah against trusting the outside world, acting as a powerful internal barrier to her medical treatment.

Lactamaeon is the second in command among the gods of Yr. He strictly enforces the rules of Deborah's inner world, interpreting her life events as a sequence of prescribed changes, mirrors, and ultimate punishments.

Deborah's grandfather is a Latvian immigrant whose intense drive for success cast a long shadow over the family. He placed immense pressure on Deborah to be a golden child, demanding perfection and actively discouraging her from showing pain or vulnerability.

Doris is a patient who holds a legendary status in the ward because she transitioned to life outside the facility. Her existence, and the rumors surrounding her success and struggles, cause significant anxiety and debate among the remaining patients.

Dr. Royson is a temporary replacement doctor at the facility. He is strictly logical and clinical, demanding straightforward answers and failing to connect with the complex emotional realities of Deborah's inner world.