Tom Brennan
Tom is the main character and narrator of this story. 17 years old, Tom is a rugby player with a passion for the sport and a love for his family. This love, however, is challenged after his brother, Daniel kills two people and injures one in a drunk driving accident. As the novel progresses, Tom must come to terms with the consequences of Daniel's actions and learn how to make the best of his new life in Coghill.
Daniel Brennan
Daniel Brennan is Tom's older brother. Although he is a talented rugby player and popular student, people in the town agreed that he was also “an accident waiting to happen." After a history of having anger issues, Daniel's temper finally goes too far when he causes an accident while driving drunk. Now in prison, his actions have affected not just the families of his victims, but also his own family and the whole town.
Joe Brennan
Tom's father, Joe is also loving and patient, supporting the family throughout this difficult time and throughout his wife's depression. He is also an excellent and compassionate coach, preferring to focus on teamwork and camaraderie rather than competition.
Kylie Brennan
Tom's little sister. A couple of years younger than Tom, she reacts to their situation with far more anger than Tom does. Although she and Tom are somewhat distant at the beginning of the novel, over time, they become closer after Kylie begins to open up to Tom and others.
Brendan
Tom's uncle, Brendan is the youngest brother of Tom's mother's family. Although he was originally going to move to Sydney, Brendan decides to stay to support the family through the aftermath of the accident. While Brendan is initially particularly close to Daniel, over time, he and Tom become close, and he becomes someone that Tom can learn from and confide in.
Gran
Tom's mother's mother, Gran takes the Brennan family into her home after they leave Mumbili. Passionately religious, she initially seems hostile towards Tom and Daniel's situation. Over time, however, Gran and Tom become closer, and Gran becomes the first family member who is close to Tom in particular.
Fin
Fin is Tom and Daniel's cousin. He was another talented rugby player but has tragically been paralyzed as a result of Daniel's drunk driving accident. As the novel progresses, we see Fin start to make progress towards recovery but it is tinged with the knowledge that he will never completely heal from the accident.
Aunty Kath
Kath is Fin’s mother and caretaker, and has a particularly close relationship with Kylie. While Tess struggles with depression as a result of the accident, Kath is overwhelmed with the new demands of taking care of her disabled son. This causes tension between them.
Tess Brennan
Tom's mother. She is initially incredibly depressed as a result of Daniel being in prison but slowly comes back into herself.
Chrissy
A girl from Coghill that Tom begins to open up with, who eventually becomes his girlfriend.
