Gerald is a 17-year-old high school student who gained childhood infamy as the out-of-control "Crapper" on the reality television show Network Nanny. Deeply traumatized by his older sister's unchecked cruelty and his family's complicity, he struggles with extreme anger, violent impulses, and an unfair reputation. To cope with his overwhelming emotions, he attends anger management classes and frequently retreats into an imaginary mental safe haven he calls "Gersday."

Gerald's parents enable the toxic environment of their household. His mother is obsessed with public appearances and heavily favors Tasha, going so far as to medically gaslight Gerald to cover up his trauma. His father feels powerless and trapped in the marriage, recognizing the family's dysfunction but initially doing little to intervene and protect his younger children.

Tasha is Gerald's oldest sister, characterized by a complete lack of impulse control and a cruel, manipulative nature. She frequently terrorizes Gerald and Lisi, committing acts of physical and psychological violence that her parents continuously excuse. Her desire for attention and dominance drives much of the family's severe dysfunction.

Hannah is a high school student and coworker of Gerald's who struggles with her own difficult family dynamics. Burdened by heavy household responsibilities due to her brother's military absence and her mother's mental health struggles, she finds solace in writing and planning escapes. Her straightforwardness challenges Gerald to confront his own defensive walls.

Lisi is Gerald's older sister and a fellow survivor of Tasha's violence. Diagnosing Tasha as a psychopath, Lisi managed to escape the family's toxic dynamic by seeking guidance counselors, applying for scholarships, and moving overseas for college. She maintains strict distance from her parents but holds sympathy for Gerald's situation.

Joe Jr. is a teenager who travels and works with his family's circus. Though Gerald romanticizes the circus life as a magical escape, Joe Jr. provides a grounded perspective, repeatedly warning Gerald that the lifestyle involves grueling work rather than glamorous freedom.

Nanny, whose real name is Lainie Church, is a British actress hired to play a strict childcare expert on reality television. During the filming, she enforced rules and chore charts but actively dismissed Gerald's warnings about Tasha's violent behavior, prioritizing the show's narrative over his physical safety.

Roger is an anger management coach who works with Gerald to develop healthier emotional outlets. He encourages Gerald to focus on stability, notably cautioning him against the emotional complexities of dating while in recovery, and introduces him to physical exercises like boxing to manage stress.

Beth is the manager at the Penn Entertainment and Convention Center food stand. She oversees Gerald and Hannah, often intervening to protect her employees from unruly customers and underage drinkers.

Nichols is a high school classmate of Gerald's who delights in bullying him. He frequently uses Gerald's infamous reality television past as ammunition, loudly identifying him as the "Crapper" to humiliate him in public spaces.

Todd is a high school student who follows Nichols's lead. He participates in taunting Gerald at work and attempting to skip lines to cause trouble.

Danny is Tasha's boyfriend. He spends time at the Faust family home, participating in loud and inappropriate behavior that further heightens the tension in the household.

Jacko is an aggressive individual who frequents the same boxing gym as Gerald. He constantly pushes boundaries and instigates physical altercations, serving as a dangerous catalyst for Gerald's violent impulses.

Mr. Fletcher is a passionate and patient special education teacher. His classroom provides a rare environment where Gerald feels unjudged and safe from the intense teasing he endures elsewhere in the school.

Deirdre is a student with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair. She shares a special education class with Gerald and sharply challenges his tendency to wallow in embarrassment, offering him a new perspective on his infamy.

Ashley is a welcoming and hospitable young woman who lives with her partner, Nathan. She provides a peaceful, supportive refuge for Hannah away from the intense stress of Hannah's family life.

Nathan is Ashley's partner. He is kind and supportive, showing genuine interest in Hannah's dreams of becoming a marine biologist and demonstrating a healthy relationship dynamic that Gerald admires.

Bob is a trainer at the local boxing gym. He recognizes Gerald's physical potential but inadvertently adds to Gerald's frustration by lamenting how his anger issues prevent him from competing professionally.

Within the mental sanctuary of Gersday, Snow White serves as an imaginary confidante and guide for Gerald. She acts as a comforting presence, offering him the childhood gifts he missed out on and acting as a supportive guidance counselor for his future ambitions.