Aoife is an 18-year-old student who works at a local pub and comes from a stable working-class family. She is stubborn, deeply loyal, and highly independent. Despite Joey recently ending their relationship to focus on his sobriety, she refuses to let his struggles push her away. She quietly deals with unexplained physical symptoms and mood swings while remaining determined to support the boy she unconditionally loves.

Joey is an 18-year-old student, mechanic, and skilled hurling player. Burdened by his parents' severe abuse, he acts as the primary breadwinner and surrogate father to his five younger siblings. He frequently uses substances to numb his emotional pain and recently separated from Aoife because he feels his trauma makes him unworthy of her affection.

Teddy is Joey's father and a severe alcoholic. He routinely inflicts physical and emotional violence on his wife and children. He contributes nothing to his family's survival, instead spending their money at the pub while expecting total obedience and fear at home.

Marie is Joey's mother. She consistently fails to protect her children from Teddy's violence, instead defending her husband's actions to maintain the family status quo. She relies entirely on Joey for financial support and childcare, enforcing a toxic environment by demanding his loyalty while offering little maternal care in return.

Shannon is Joey's 15-year-old sister. Having faced intense bullying at previous schools, she transfers to Tommen College in hopes of a fresh start. She frequently bears the physical brunt of her father's outbursts and relies completely on Joey for protection and comfort.

Tony is Aoife's father and the owner of the mechanic garage where Joey works. He provides a healthy, stable father figure for Joey while maintaining a highly protective stance over his own children. He values hard work and honesty.

Trish is Aoife's mother. She watches her daughter closely, expressing immediate concern over Aoife's physical changes and relationship drama. Though sometimes overbearing, she offers unconditional support when her family faces difficult situations.

Kevin is Aoife's twin brother. He shares a close bond with their mother but often clashes with Aoife, especially regarding his resentment over Joey's closeness with their father.

Johnny is a star rugby player at Tommen College who is predicted to eventually make the national team. He strikes up a friendship with Shannon Lynch, drawing Joey's immediate and protective scrutiny regarding his intentions.

Darren is the eldest Lynch sibling who fled the family home when Joey was 12 years old. His departure forced Joey into the difficult role of primary caretaker for the rest of the children.

Tadgh is a 12-year-old brother in the Lynch family. Growing up in a volatile home, he increasingly mimics Joey's protective behavior, attempting to step up when his older brother is overwhelmed.

Ollie is another of Joey's younger brothers. He relies completely on Joey for meals, routine, and safety in an otherwise unpredictable household.

Sean is the youngest of the Lynch siblings. He requires constant care and supervision, a duty that falls entirely on Joey due to their parents' blatant neglect.

John is Johnny's father. He provides a healthy, loving family environment that differs completely from the toxic dynamic in the Lynch household.

Edel is Johnny's mother. She maintains a warm and unconditionally supportive household, serving as an example of healthy maternal love in the community.

Casey is one of Aoife's best friends. She is fiercely protective of Aoife and highly skeptical of Joey, actively trying to shield her friend from further heartbreak and making her opinions bluntly known.

Katie is another of Aoife's close friends. She often acts as a mediator, encouraging Aoife to confront her feelings directly rather than running from conflict.

Podge is Joey's good friend and teammate on the Ballylaggin Community School hurling team. He offers Joey unconditional brotherly support and tries to keep him focused on healthy habits.

Alec is a friend and hurling teammate of Joey's. He looks out for Joey on and off the pitch, offering assistance when school or personal life becomes overwhelming.

Shane is a local drug dealer who constantly attempts to lure Joey back into substance abuse. He exploits Joey's vulnerability and family trauma for his own profit.

Hughie is a wealthy student at Tommen College. He occasionally seeks out Joey to purchase marijuana and dates Aoife's friend Katie.

Gibsie is a good-natured, wealthy Tommen College student. As Johnny Kavanagh's close friend, he frequently attends local social events and offers help without strings attached.

Lizzie is a student at Tommen College and a friend of Shannon Lynch. She occasionally interacts with Joey to discuss Shannon's well-being, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings with others.

Paul is Aoife's ex-boyfriend. He can be abrasive and excessively rough during school sports, harboring lingering resentment over their past relationship and occasionally directing his frustration at Joey.