Gee, also known by his given name Nelson in adulthood, is a sensitive and quiet character who struggles with the emotional aftermath of witnessing a traumatic event in his childhood and works through issues of identity and expression.

Lacey May is a pragmatic, complex mother who navigates difficult circumstances to provide for her children and struggles with contradictions in her beliefs and actions, particularly regarding race and family.

Jade is Gee's determined mother who, after losing her partner Ray to violence, raises her son while balancing her personal grief and aspirations, rediscovering aspects of herself as Gee becomes an adult.