Joey is an athletic secondary school student and the star of his school's hurling team. He endures a highly stressful home environment, frequently stepping in as a human shield to protect his mother and younger siblings from his father's violence. To cope with his overwhelming responsibilities and trauma, he begins purchasing and using substances, pushing away anyone who tries to offer genuine connection.

Aoife is a popular student at Ballylaggin Community School who is instantly drawn to Joey. She struggles with deep-seated trust issues stemming from her parents' complicated marriage, leading her to stay in a comfortable but unfulfilling relationship with her boyfriend. Persistent and perceptive, she repeatedly attempts to break through Joey's tough exterior and offer him genuine companionship.

Tony is Aoife's father and the owner of the local mechanic shop. He is a hard worker who provides a stable living for his family, though his repeated infidelity causes strain in his marriage. He serves as an essential mentor and source of support for Joey, recognizing the young man's strong work ethic regardless of his troubled reputation.

Teddy is the unemployed, alcoholic father of the Lynch family and a former star hurling player. He physically and emotionally abuses his wife and children, frequently coming home drunk and initiating violent altercations. His cyclical substance abuse and aggressive behavior trap his family in a state of constant fear and instability.

Shane is an older teenager who lives on a poor estate in Ballylaggin. He operates as a local drug dealer, capitalizing on the vulnerabilities of younger students to sell them illicit substances. He becomes a dangerous, enabling presence in Joey's life, pulling him further into addiction.

Paul is Aoife's wealthy, privileged boyfriend whose father is a Garda Superintendent. Popular and superficially charming, he views Aoife as a status symbol, frequently disrespecting her and bragging about their physical relationship to his peers. He views Joey with intense disdain and jealousy.

Shannon is Joey's quiet, frail younger sister who endures severe bullying from her peers at school. Despite her small stature and the abuse she faces both at home and from classmates, she possesses a quiet resilience. She serves as a critical source of non-judgmental support for Joey, stepping up to help care for their youngest siblings.

Marie is Joey's mother, who was impregnated by Teddy when she was just fourteen years old. She repeatedly forgives her husband's violent outbursts, trapped in a cycle of abuse that forces her children to bear the brunt of the household's trauma. Her inability to protect her children leaves Joey with the heavy burden of managing the family's safety.

Darren is Joey's oldest brother. He leaves the family home to move to Belfast on Joey's first day of secondary school, an action that deeply affects Joey and shifts the burden of protecting the younger siblings entirely onto Joey's shoulders.

Casey is Aoife's best friend and confidante at school. She offers Aoife unfiltered advice regarding her complicated romantic entanglement with Paul and her undeniable, growing attraction to Joey.

Trish is Aoife's mother. She maintains a complicated marriage with Tony, continually forgiving his transgressions and accepting home renovations as apologies, which deeply shapes Aoife's pessimistic perspective on love and trust.

Podge is one of Joey's friends and hurling teammates at school. He attempts to look out for Joey, recognizing the signs of physical abuse that other classmates either ignore or fail to see.

Danielle is a classmate of Aoife and Joey. She is heavily involved in the social drama at Ballylaggin Community School and forms a connection with Paul, significantly complicating his relationship with Aoife.

Ciara is a student at Ballylaggin Community School who relentlessly targets Shannon Lynch. Her cruel actions force Joey into violent confrontations to protect his sister.

Tadhg is one of Joey's younger brothers. Growing up in a volatile household, he looks up to Joey for protection and guidance, occasionally attempting to step in and defend his siblings when violence erupts at home.

Kevin is Aoife's brother. He has a typical sibling dynamic with Aoife, occasionally teasing and wrestling with her, which inadvertently leads to a misunderstanding with Joey.