Scotty, known primarily as Weems, is a sophomore at Tattawa Regional High School and a dedicated member of the varsity basketball team. He tends to categorize his peers based on superficial labels, such as sports affiliations or basic personality traits. As a chronic worrier, he is highly protective of his spot on the basketball team, making him hesitant to break rules or take risks even as conditions in the school deteriorate.

Pete is one of Weems's closest friends. Unlike his peers, Pete does not fit neatly into a specific high school clique or club, making him an "average" kid who easily blends into the background. He ends up stranded at the school simply because he has nothing else to do and wants to help his friend.

Jason is a mechanically minded student who spends his time in the school's shop classroom. He possesses a strong interest in military history and survival tactics. He is currently focused on passing shop class by building a functional go-cart, which he has named Flammenwerfer.

Les is known throughout the school as a bully with a history of causing trouble. His aggressive reputation makes the other stranded students nervous. Despite his intimidating demeanor, his willingness to force open locked doors proves useful as the group requires access to food and supplies.

Elijah is labeled as the "creepy" kid by Weems. He has wide eyes and an odd sense of humor, frequently laughing at inappropriate moments. He isolates himself with Les early in the ordeal, further alienating himself from Weems and his friends.

Krista is a popular and attractive student. Weems harbors a massive crush on her, initially viewing her entirely through the lens of her physical appearance. As the group spends more time together, she proves to be smart and capable of defusing tense situations.

Julie is Krista's best friend. Because Weems is heavily distracted by Krista, he barely registers Julie's presence and is not even certain of her last name. She largely remains in the background but grows closer to Pete as the storm intensifies.

Mr. Gossell is Weems's history teacher. He is an older man who takes charge of the stranded students initially. When he spots a flashing light from a stuck truck on the nearby highway, he braves the blizzard to investigate.

Coach Kielty is the varsity basketball coach at Tattawa Regional High School. Though he does not physically appear in the stranded school, his demanding nature serves as a strong internal motivation for Weems to persevere through difficult situations.

Mr. Trever is the assistant principal. He attempts to herd the remaining students to the gym to await their rides, but the boys deceive him to sneak back to the shop room.

Mr. Holloway is the school's shop teacher. An older New Englander, he possesses a deep respect for harsh winter weather. He tries to convince Jason and his friends to leave before the storm hits but ultimately allows them to stay in the shop.