Nora is a young girl coping with severe post-traumatic stress disorder following a mass shooting at a restaurant exactly one year ago. Formerly outgoing and adventurous, she now experiences anxiety, panic attacks, and volatile emotions, mentally organizing her life into "Before" and "After" periods. She uses writing poetry as a coping mechanism and builds an emotional wall to protect herself from pain and a recurring nightmare.

Dad is an experienced outdoorsman who previously loved rock climbing and exploring the desert with his family. After sustaining a severe leg injury during the restaurant shooting, he suffers from hypervigilance and extreme paranoia regarding public places and other people. He fiercely loves his daughter and tries to keep her safe by isolating her from society.

Mom is Nora's late mother, a passionate writer and nature lover who died in the Café Ardiente shooting one year prior to the canyon trip. She possessed a strong joy for life, enjoying zip-lining, Beatles music, and sharing the desert with her family. Her memory serves as a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for her daughter.

The Beast is a frightening, insect-like figure with sharp teeth, claws, and a camouflaged exoskeleton that torments Nora's dreams. It represents the unprocessed terror and trauma from the shooting, emerging whenever Nora's emotional defenses weaken.

Danielle is Nora's childhood best friend from the "Before" period of her life. The two girls used to swim, gossip, and camp together, sharing a close and comfortable bond. Following the tragedy, Danielle attempted to offer support, but she currently remains estranged after being angrily pushed away by her grieving friend.

Mary is the cognitive behavioral therapist treating Nora for post-traumatic stress disorder. She provides practical coping skills, such as grounding exercises using the five senses, and encourages her patient to face her fears. Her therapeutic advice frequently echoes in Nora's mind during moments of high stress.

Sofía Moreno is a mother who was dining at Café Ardiente with her two young sons on the day of the shooting. When the gunman entered, she tackled him to protect her children and the other patrons, sacrificing her life in the process.