Craig is a 15-year-old student living in Brooklyn who attends the elite Executive Pre-Professional high school in Manhattan. He places immense pressure on himself to succeed academically, leading to overwhelming anxiety and a severe depressive episode. Highly self-aware but fiercely self-critical, he checks himself into a psychiatric hospital to find a way to manage his mental health.

Nia is an attractive, outgoing high school student who dates Craig's best friend, Aaron. She also struggles with her mental health and takes medication, forming a brief bond of shared illness with Craig. Though bubbly, she can be self-centered and often seeks validation through romantic attention.

Aaron is Craig's best friend and sole remaining companion from middle school. He frequently smokes marijuana to cope with the pressures of high school and his parents' issues. Although he shares Craig's interest in film trivia, he can be dismissive of Craig's mental health struggles and often acts immaturely.

Noelle is a teenage patient in the adult psychiatric ward, Six North. She carries facial scars from self-inflicted cuts, stemming from the overwhelming societal pressures placed on young women. Introverted but fiercely honest and down-to-earth, she communicates with Craig via written signs before eventually opening up to him.

Craig's mother is a stately, confident, and deeply supportive parent who wants the best for her son. She tries her hardest to understand his depression and models healthy coping mechanisms, remaining a steady and encouraging presence as Craig works through his illness.

Craig's father is a caring but somewhat reserved man who struggles to understand the gravity of his son's depression. He frequently uses humor as a coping mechanism during tense situations, though his ultimate goal is to see his son healthy and succeeding.

Sarah is Craig's nine-year-old younger sister. Highly intuitive and observant, she displays a natural empathy for Craig's condition without forcing him to talk about it. She offers a comforting, uncomplicated sibling dynamic amid Craig's internal chaos.

Bobby is a gaunt, seasoned resident at Six North with a stately gray mop of hair and a trademark 'Marvin the Martian' sweatshirt. Having dealt with lifelong depression and substance abuse, he acts as an informal mentor to Craig, showing him the ropes of the hospital ward with a calm, affirming presence.

Dr. Minerva is Craig's polished, professional therapist. She maintains a reserved 'psych-poker face' that allows Craig to freely share his thoughts. She quickly understands his personal terminology, challenging his negative self-assumptions and pushing him to rethink his academic environment.

Muqtada is an older, gray-bearded Egyptian man who shares a hospital room with Craig. He rarely leaves his bed, preferring to stay under the covers and missing the music of his homeland.

Armelio acts as the energetic, de facto 'President' of the Six North residents. He organizes ward activities, such as card games where patients bet with buttons, and keeps track of the floor's social dynamics.

Humble is a highly vocal and often abrasive resident at Six North. He holds complex theories about society and human nature, frequently rambling or escalating arguments with other patients. His outbursts mask his underlying grief over his homelessness and estranged family.

Amanda, known among the residents as "The Professor," is a resident who often squabbles with Humble and is easily bothered by loud noises. She is highly protective of the ward's rules and insists on maintaining quiet hours.

Jennifer is an outgoing trans woman residing in Six North. She wears beautifully hand-embroidered pants and is highly welcoming to Craig's family during visiting hours, kindly explaining the hospital environment to ease their worries.

Jimmy is an older, bald Black man who arrives at the hospital at the same time as Craig. He frequently calls out about his traumatic past but finds moments of joy in the ward's music activities.

Ebony is a kind resident at Six North who uses a cane for mobility. She becomes an enthusiastic supporter of Craig's map drawings, finding comfort in his artwork as she processes her own personal grief.

Johnny is a long-time resident of Six North who shares a history of substance abuse with Bobby. He often makes crude or teasing remarks but helps welcome new residents to the floor.

Nurse Monica is a practical and attentive nurse at Six North. She manages the intake process, enforces the ward's safety rules, and directs Craig toward beneficial therapeutic activities rather than dwelling on his outside stressors.

Dr. Mahmoud is a large, gray-haired psychologist in a dark suit with bushy eyebrows. He oversees Craig's care at the hospital, firmly but gently reminding him that recovery takes time and cannot be rushed.