Jordyn is a freshman at Frazier University, stepping out of her predominantly white hometown in Connecticut to seek community at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Still grieving the recent death of her brother, she tells her new friends that she is an only child in a desperate bid for a fresh start. She is observant and eager to please her new dormmates, though her internal conflict often pits her desire for independence against her deep need for acceptance.

Nick is the president of the Arts and Sciences wing of the Frazier University Student Association (FUSA) and the only white student at the HBCU. Raised by a Black family in North Carolina, he is deeply invested in Black history and community activism. He is highly supportive and holds strong moral principles, though he harbors his own trauma that keeps him emotionally guarded.

Devonte is introduced as Vanessa's older brother who temporarily moves into the girls' dorm suite. Charismatic and highly opinionated, he positions himself as an enlightened caretaker, cooking meals and dispensing advice about systemic oppression. He uses his confidence to slowly exert control over the students' daily routines and personal relationships.

Vanessa is one of Jordyn's freshman roommates at Frazier University. Charismatic and popular, she serves as a welcoming guide to campus social life for Jordyn. She frequently brags about her brother Devonte's connections in the music industry and quickly integrates Jordyn into their close-knit dorm community.

Loren is one of Jordyn's suitemates at Frazier University. She struggles with managing her diabetes, often keeping it a secret from others to avoid being treated differently. She looks to the group for support and quickly falls under the sway of Devonte's alternative health advice.

Kammy is another of Jordyn's freshman suitemates. Initially dating a pastor-in-training, she is highly social but carries unresolved trauma from her past. As Devonte's presence in the dorm grows, she becomes intensely devoted to his teachings and increasingly defensive of his actions.

Jordyn's mother and father are strict, successful lawyers living in Connecticut. They strongly disapprove of Jordyn's decision to attend an HBCU instead of a prestigious Ivy League school like Yale. While they provide financial backing, they remain emotionally distant and highly critical of Jordyn's choices.

Kevin is Jordyn's older brother who recently passed away. His death casts a long shadow over Jordyn's life and heavily influences her decision to attend Frazier University, a school he had shown interest in. Jordyn often thinks of him when making decisions about her new life.

Kareem is a fraternity member at Frazier University who initially dates Vanessa. He starts out as a typical college student involved in Greek life but eventually becomes captivated by Devonte's anti-establishment rhetoric, stepping away from his fraternity to join the new movement.

Dr. Barnes is a history professor at Frazier University. His office is filled with books and African art, reflecting his deep knowledge of history. He serves as a voice of reason and mentorship for Jordyn, helping her distinguish between genuine cultural empowerment and dangerous manipulation.

Jack is Jordyn's ex-boyfriend from her predominantly white high school in Connecticut. He is frustrated by Jordyn's decision to abandon their shared college plans and struggles to understand her perspective and grief.

Kerry is a classmate and friend of Jordyn's at Frazier. Though she initially warns Jordyn about Devonte's strange behavior, she ultimately succumbs to his influence and becomes an enforcer within the dorm community.

Mercy is a classmate of Jordyn's who also volunteers with the Frazier University Student Association (FUSA). She is part of the broader campus social scene that Jordyn experiences during her freshman year.

Brianna is a student at Frazier University who interacts with Jordyn at off-campus events and FUSA meetings. She operates on the periphery of Jordyn's social circle.

Ms. Rogers is the head of Student Housing at Frazier University. She handles administrative dorm issues and represents the institutional authority of the college.

Anita is an older Black woman who was originally hired as Nick's nanny but ended up raising him. She provides a warm and authentic environment that contrasts sharply with the controlling atmosphere in Jordyn's dorm.

Richie is Nick's childhood friend who lives near Anita in North Carolina. He provides Jordyn with crucial context about Nick's guarded nature and past traumas.

Ashley is Nick's deceased ex-girlfriend. Her tragic death at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend deeply traumatized Nick, leaving him fearful of forming new romantic attachments.

Nina is Kammy's sister. She becomes increasingly worried when Kammy stops communicating and threatens to involve the police to find her.

Arnold Woods is Devonte's parole officer. He becomes a point of contact when Jordyn seeks institutional help regarding Devonte's activities.

Detective Gates is a police investigator who looks into the fraudulent activities and crimes surrounding the Frazier University campus.

Neveah is a classmate who encourages Jordyn to run for office in the student association, recognizing Jordyn's potential for leadership before the dorm situation spirals out of control.

Legacy is a friend of Kareem's at Frazier University. Like Kareem, he becomes enthralled by Devonte's teachings, joining the growing group of students who gather in the girls' dorm suite.

Micah is Kammy's boyfriend at the start of the semester. He is studying to become a pastor, a path that causes friction when Kammy begins questioning Christianity under Devonte's influence.