Dave is a contemplative father trying to connect with his almost 12-year-old daughter during the 2016 election season. He relies on traditional media and print subscriptions, finding the modern digital world baffling. He frequently feels alienated from others and masks his anxiety with internal monologues. He actively seeks to decode his daughter's online posts, hoping to bridge the emotional distance between them.

Ivy is an almost 12-year-old girl entering adolescence while managing knee tendonitis that affects her ballet practice. She relies heavily on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to curate her identity, favoring a specific pink color palette in her photos. She experiences frequent mood swings, alternating between talkative enthusiasm and sullen silence. She turns to digital influencers and inspirational quotes to process her emotions.

Dorothy is Dave's wife and Ivy's mother. She is politically engaged and deeply focused on current events. She possesses an intuitive understanding of her daughter's needs, easily noticing visual patterns in Ivy's social media posts that entirely escape Dave. She acts as a practical presence in the household, balancing her husband's intense worry with direct observation.

The unnamed physical therapist is a young healthcare professional treating Ivy's knee issues. She establishes a warm, conversational rapport with her patient that contrasts sharply with Dave's awkward attempts at communication. She is civically responsible and highly observant of physical details. She demonstrates genuine care for her patient beyond standard clinic hours.