Haley is a college freshman who recently suffered a career-ending concussion on the soccer field. Stripped of her defining athletic identity, she struggles to find her place on campus and connect with her peers. She generally presents in less stereotypically feminine ways, favoring sweatpants and spending hours studying in the math lounge. When her quiet roommate experiences a traumatic incident, Haley is reluctantly drawn into serving as a student advisor for the formal investigation.

Richard is a college sophomore living in Taylor House, a rowdy dorm infamous for its partying and drinking culture. He comes from a less affluent background than many of his peers, which colors his view of their entitled behavior. Though he largely abstains from his housemates' most extreme antics, his proximity to them forces him into a difficult position when one is accused of sexual assault. He actively avoids drama but possesses a strong internal moral compass.

Jenny is a quiet, studious college freshman who initially keeps a low profile. Often described by peers as a "mouse," she tries hard to meet her strict father's expectations of being a perfect daughter. Following a traumatic experience at a campus party, her behavior becomes erratic, and she files a formal complaint against another student. The subsequent investigation forces her out of her comfort zone as she deals with public scrutiny.

Jordan is a wealthy, confident student living in Taylor House with Richard. Used to getting what he wants, he views relationships with women primarily as conquests and uses crude analogies to describe his encounters. When a freshman accuses him of sexual assault, he immediately works to secure his defense and insists on his complete innocence. He leverages his family's money and legal connections to protect his position at the college.

Carrie is a striking older student who lives in Out House, an environmentally conscious housing co-op. She serves as a victim support advocate on campus, bringing strong feminist beliefs to her role. While she is fiercely protective of students who report assault, her rigid adherence to her principles sometimes makes her possessive and critical of those who disagree with her methods.

Brandon is an entitled, wealthy student who frequently hosts and manages social events at Conundrum House. He acts as the primary bartender, concocting potent mixed drinks for freshmen and other partygoers. He holds significant social power among his peers and uses intimidation to maintain his status, viewing women and parties as tools for his own entertainment.

Bruce is Jordan's uncle and a practicing lawyer. He visits the college campus specifically to manage the fallout from the accusations against his nephew. He uses his professional expertise and intimidating presence to coerce students into specific roles, ensuring Jordan's defense remains as legally secure as possible.

Dean Hunt is a former English professor who now oversees disciplinary investigations at the college. He conducts formal interviews with students involved in severe policy violations. He employs a methodical, questioning approach to establish facts, trying to balance institutional procedures with the emotional volatility of the students he interviews.

Gail is an older college student who lives at Out House. She is deeply involved in campus activism and acts as a supportive friend to Carrie. She occasionally offers advice to younger students about relationships and campus dynamics, though she sometimes inadvertently leaks private information.

Madison is a freshman and one of the strongest players on the college soccer team. She bonded with Haley during early hazing activities, but their friendship faces strain when Haley suffers a season-ending concussion. Madison remains focused on the team's success and struggles to support her friends through non-athletic crises.

Joe is a resident of Taylor House who frequently participates in the dorm's drinking culture. During the party in question, he managed the alcohol distribution and interacted with heavily intoxicated freshmen. He wrestles with immense guilt over potentially contributing to a dangerous situation by serving drinks to vulnerable students.

Tamra is a confident freshman who prioritizes her social life and drinking over the well-being of her peers. She attends the Conundrum party with Jenny but quickly abandons her to flirt with older students. When the investigation begins, Tamra is primarily concerned with protecting herself from underage drinking citations.

Mr. James is Jenny's strict, demanding father. He immediately travels to the college to take control of his daughter's situation, insisting on formal police involvement rather than the school's internal process. He struggles to listen to Jenny's actual needs, prioritizing his own ideas of justice over her emotional recovery.

Carole Patterson is a college administrator responsible for coordinating formal investigations. She strictly enforces the confidentiality rules required of students acting as advisors and ensures all parties understand the bureaucratic steps of filing a complaint.

Mona is a resident of Out House who volunteers to give up her own bedroom so Jenny has a safe place to stay during the investigation. She is observant and cynical about the influence of wealth on the college's disciplinary outcomes.

Haley's mother is highly invested in her daughter's athletic career. She frequently calls to offer unsolicited, sometimes inappropriate advice about Haley's social and physical well-being, pushing for solutions that ignore Haley's actual desires.