Tate
Tate is the central character in the novel Under the Bridge. Tate is Indy’s elder brother. Readers realize that Tate is a go-getter and a bright student in school. Tate also plays skating. Tate is a good skater but cannot compare himself with his brother, Indy. Tate knows that the neighborhood is affected by drug abuse and prefers to play skating whenever he is free to avoid interacting with idle friends. Tate is also a great friend and companion because he supports his friends to excel in skating and academics.
Tate encourages Indy to avoid drugs and concentrate on skating because he is the most talented in their town. Unfortunately, Indy is not keen to avoid bad company. Indy ends up in Jail for getting involved in illegal drugs. Fortunately, Tate secures his freedom after convincing the police that Indy will change for the better.
Michael
Michael is a drug dealer who secretly recruits new members in their syndicate. Michael believes he can become rich through the illegal drug business. Michael works closely with Lucius, the gang leader in the drug business. Indy is introduced into the drug business by Michael.
Lucius
Lucius is the gang leader in the illegal trade of drugs in the town. Luscious has a network of friends who help him accomplish his business. Lucius sells heroin and other drugs to students. Despite being a young man, the illegal trade of drugs has made Lucius super-rich.
Tate’s father
The narrator depicts Tate’s father as a stern parent who expects everything to be done according to instructions. Tate keenly follows his father’s orders in whatever he does to avoid any unnecessary confrontation. However, Indy is a rebellious son who does anything that excites him regardless of his father’s approval. When the police arrest Indy for getting involved in drugs, the father says he does not want to see him in his home.
Sid
Sid is eager to explore new opportunities. Sid is not talented in sports, but he believes hard work and determination can enable become a good skater like Tate and his brother Indy. Sid works extra hard in training, and Tate is ready to support him. Towards the end, Sid proves that nothing is impossible if one is determined to learn. Sid excels in skating and his studies.
Indy
Indy is a rebellious young man who wants to experiment with everything. Indy is Tate’s brother and is very talented at skating. Everyone in school wants to be a good skater like Indy. However, Indy does not realize he is a talented young man who can make a difference in society through skating. Instead, Indy chooses to join Michael and other gangs in the illegal trade of drugs. As a result, the police arrest Indy arrest Indy for getting involved in drugs.
