Alex is a sixteen-year-old high school student who wrestles with anger and confusion following his parents' separation. He receives a sentence of 100 hours of community service after crashing a car while intoxicated. A passionate guitarist who treasures his American Fender Telecaster, he often hides his true feelings behind sarcasm. He relies heavily on his best friend and struggles to communicate openly with adults.

Solomon is an elderly resident at a local nursing home who suffers from emphysema. He initially presents as combative and harsh, using Yiddish insults to confuse and test his new volunteer. Underneath his abrasive exterior, he is an experienced jazz musician with a deep understanding of rhythm and emotion. He carries a heavy burden of grief related to his late wife.

Laurie is Alex's petite, blonde best friend who contrasts her delicate appearance with goth clothing and karate expertise. She shares the experience of having divorced parents and usually provides a grounded, sensible perspective. She faces her own domestic turmoil as her mother begins a new relationship, causing her to feel displaced at home.

Ms. Gregory is Alex's mother, managing the household alone following her separation from her husband. She works long hours at a local nursing home and takes strict disciplinary action by grounding Alex after his arrest. She attempts to establish boundaries while adjusting to her new status as a single parent.

Mr. Gregory is a bank manager who recently moved out of the family home to date a local elementary school teacher. His departure serves as the primary catalyst for Alex's rebellious behavior. He attempts to maintain a connection with his son, though his efforts usually result in arguments or hostility.

Judge Trent is a municipal judge who oversees Alex's drunk driving hearing. She harbors a strong distaste for drunk driving and orders a community service sentence to teach Alex a lesson. She requires regular written updates and replies with short, pointed feedback regarding his progress.

Steve is a talented high school drummer who dates his bandmate, Annette. He dedicates extensive time to practicing his instrument and approaches music with serious discipline. He agrees to help organize a charity concert, bringing patience and structure to the rehearsals.

Annette is a gifted teenage pianist and an active member of the high school jazz band. She possesses a strong work ethic and frequently assigns practice material to less experienced musicians. She enthusiastically supports charity projects and helps structure the nursing home concert.

Sarah is a quiet high school musician who initially struggles with a speech impediment caused by her dental retainer. She surprises her classmates by dressing up elegantly for the Valentine's Day dance and demonstrates a naive perspective on volunteer work.

Brad is a star athlete at the high school who attends the Sadie Hawkins dance. His athletic status and popularity trigger feelings of insecurity in other male students.

Bryan is a junior at the high school who routinely bullies other students. He targets vulnerable classmates until confronted by stronger personalities.

Nurse Case works at the nursing home where the court assigns community service hours. She manages patient schedules, coordinates hydrotherapy sessions, and provides medical updates to visitors regarding the residents' respiratory conditions.

Ethel is a deceased figure from decades past whose sudden death drastically altered her family's trajectory. She bore a strong physical resemblance to a modern teenage girl, a similarity that triggers memories for those who knew her.