Pat is a 34-year-old former history teacher who mistakenly believes he is only 30 and has been away for a few months rather than four years. He returns to his hometown of Collingswood, New Jersey, with an intense focus on self-improvement through rigorous exercise and reading classic literature. His singular goal is to end his 'apart time' and reunite with his estranged wife Nikki. He suffers from unacknowledged mental illness, anger issues, and hallucinations of smooth jazz musician Kenny G.

Tiffany is Veronica’s sister and a young widow whose police officer husband died two years earlier. She shares Pat's bluntness and experiences her own mental instability, having recently lost her job due to erratic behavior. She quickly focuses her intense energy on Pat, shadowing his daily runs and drafting him into a competitive dance event.

Pat’s father is a gruff, emotionally distant man who struggles to connect with his son outside the context of Philadelphia Eagles football games. He harbors his own severe anger issues, having previously served jail time for beating an opposing team's fan. He views Pat's return as a financial and emotional burden, frequently isolating himself from the rest of the household.

Jeanie is Pat’s long-suffering mother, who acts as a caretaker and buffer for the volatile men in her family. She tiptoes around Pat's memory gaps and her husband's explosive moods to maintain a fragile peace in their home. Her constant efforts to manage her family's temperaments leave her emotionally exhausted.

Dr. Patel is Pat’s new therapist, an empathetic professional who treats Pat's outbursts with calm understanding rather than fear. He encourages Pat to call him Cliff and uses their shared love of the Philadelphia Eagles to build rapport. He introduces Pat to practical coping mechanisms, such as humming a single note to manage anger.

Nikki is Pat's estranged wife and a high school English teacher who originally assigned the classic literature Pat obsessively reads. She is the central focus of Pat's existence and the primary motivation for his intense self-improvement regimen. A legal restraining order currently prohibits Pat from contacting her.

Jake is Pat’s brother, a successful stock market day trader who lives in a high-rise apartment in Philadelphia. While he occasionally attempts to bond with Pat over football, he is initially shocked by Pat's mental state. He keeps significant parts of his own life hidden to avoid causing an emotional episode for his brother.

Ronnie is an old friend of Pat's who failed to visit him during his institutionalization. He attempts to rebuild their friendship by inviting Pat to a dinner party at his home. He is occasionally insensitive but generally well-meaning in his attempts to reintegrate Pat into his social life.

Veronica is Ronnie's wife and Tiffany's sister. She is highly protective of her family and displays visible anxiety regarding Pat's mental health. She strictly monitors Pat's interactions with her baby and attempts to manage Tiffany's difficult recovery process.

Danny is an aspiring rapper and a former patient at the mental hospital where Pat stayed. Originally admitted after suffering a head injury, Danny refused to speak until Pat befriended him. He offers Pat a safe haven after a dangerous street encounter in Philadelphia.

Caitlin is Jake’s wife, a woman whose father teaches music theory at Juilliard. Jake keeps their marriage a secret from Pat for a long time to avoid causing an emotional reaction. She eventually welcomes Pat into her social circle and encourages his physical recovery.

Tom was Tiffany's husband, a police officer who died after being struck by a drunk driver while helping a stranded motorist. His death serves as the catalyst for Tiffany's severe emotional struggles and subsequent reckless behavior.

Dr. Timbers is the physician at the neural health facility who treats Pat during his nearly four-year stay. He advises against Pat's release, feeling that Pat is not yet ready to return to society.

Emily is the infant daughter of Ronnie and Veronica. Pat experiences a rare moment of profound peace while playing with her in the ocean waves. Her presence triggers deep anxiety in her mother whenever Pat is nearby.

Scott is Jake's friend who hosts tailgate parties before Philadelphia Eagles games. He welcomes Pat into their group and celebrates with them in the stadium parking lot.

Steve is a fan of the New York Giants who attends a football game with his young son. After he shoves Jake during a verbal altercation, Pat attacks him and knocks him unconscious.

Aunt Jasmine is Danny’s relative who lives in Philadelphia. She immediately calls for emergency medical help when she sees that Pat has been injured in a mugging.