Jade is a 17-year-old girl who is hiding her secret of being a lesbian from her friends and family. Her twin brother Olly is popular with other students and has a girlfriend. Their mother Carol is a single English teacher whose past remains a mystery. According to character theory, Jade is the protagonist as the narrative follows her journey, while Olly, Carol, and Jade's girlfriend Cara are secondary characters who influence the story. The head teacher is a minor bit player who informs Jade and Olly of their mother's death.