Ezra is a 17-year-old former golden boy at Eastwood High whose life changes drastically after a hit-and-run car accident leaves him with a permanently damaged knee. Forced to abandon his role as the star tennis player, he feels disconnected from his popular friends. He possesses a dry wit and a natural intelligence that he previously hid to fit in. He begins to question the superficial expectations of his suburban hometown as he spends more time with a new crowd.

Cassidy is a transfer student from a boarding school in San Francisco who immediately stands out at Eastwood High. She wears vintage boys' clothing, rides a bicycle, and speaks multiple languages. Highly educated and naturally eccentric, she introduces her friends to philosophy, clandestine college classes, and impromptu adventures. She maintains a confident exterior while keeping her personal history intensely private.

Toby is Ezra's childhood best friend who drifted away after catching a severed head on a roller coaster at age twelve. Now an unapologetically nerdy, quick-witted senior, he captains the debate team. He drives a burgundy minivan called the "Fail Whale" and organizes secret social events like a floating movie theater. He offers genuine, unpretentious loyalty to those he cares about.

Charlotte is the quintessential popular cheerleader at Eastwood High. She dates whoever she perceives to be the most popular boy in school and focuses heavily on maintaining her elite social status. She frequently mocks students who fall outside her social circle and struggles to accept when she loses control over her peers.

Luke is a confident, somewhat abrasive member of the debate team. He runs the school's Film Club and uses stolen keys to host secret movie screenings around the campus. He views Ezra's sudden arrival in their friend group with suspicion and frequently directs sarcastic or cruel remarks toward him.

Evan is a popular student and athlete who takes over the tennis team following Ezra's accident. He seamlessly steps into Ezra's former social roles, operating comfortably within the school's conventional hierarchy.

Phoebe is a sweet-tempered junior on the debate team. She actively participates in the group's rapid-fire banter but occasionally struggles with insecurity regarding her place in the social hierarchy.

Jimmy is a member of the tennis team and one of Ezra's former close friends. He hosts parties and firmly adheres to the behaviors expected of the popular crowd.

Jill is a popular girl who spends her time with the elite social clique. She frequently joins Charlotte in passing cruel judgments on students who dress or act differently.

Sam is an eccentric and welcoming member of the Eastwood High debate team who participates in their clandestine school activities.

Austin is a member of the debate team who eagerly joins in the group's fast-paced conversations and weekend excursions.

Mrs. Faulkner is Ezra's well-intentioned, health-conscious mother. She attempts to support her son through his physical and emotional recovery by cooking wholesome meals and monitoring his social life.

Mr. Faulkner is a successful corporate lawyer who enjoys golf. He engages in predictable suburban dinner table conversations but ultimately supports his son's academic ambitions.

Owen is Cassidy's brother, who previously attended Yale. Cassidy frequently mentions him as a companion from her past adventures, setting a standard for the unconventional life she tries to emulate.

Ms. Weng is the enthusiastic debate teacher at Eastwood High. She eagerly registers her students for upcoming tournaments and acts as a chaperone during overnight trips.

Coach is Ezra's European history teacher and former tennis coach. He shows little patience for Ezra's new physical limitations, creating friction in the classroom.

Cooper is Ezra's beloved eight-year-old standard black poodle. He stays faithfully by Ezra's side during his long recovery at home and accompanies him on late-night excursions.

Connor is the captain of the varsity football team at Eastwood High. He has a history of bullying and frequently leads his teammates in drunken, disruptive antics around the neighborhood.

Anamica is a highly academic straight-A student at Eastwood High. She becomes the target of a cruel joke vote by the popular crowd, highlighting the toxic social environment of the school.

Emily is Toby's younger sister, a freshman at Eastwood High. She remembers Ezra from when he and Toby were practically inseparable in middle school.