Main Characters

Will Freeman - A 36-year-old Londoner who is wealthy, carefree, and immature. He lives off the royalties from a Christmas song his father wrote. Will avoids responsibility and romantic commitment, but his life begins to change when he meets Marcus.

Marcus Brewer - A 12-year-old boy who is socially awkward and bullied at school. He lives with his eccentric, depressed mother. Marcus is unusually mature in some ways, and his friendship with Will leads both of them to grow emotionally.

Fiona Brewer - Marcus’s mother. She is a vegan, a feminist, and somewhat emotionally unstable, suffering from depression. She tries to raise Marcus in a nonconformist way, which contributes to his social struggles.

Ellie McCrae - A rebellious teenage girl who befriends Marcus later in the story. She is obsessed with Kurt Cobain and acts out at school, but she plays a key role in Marcus’s development and his confrontation with growing up.

Rachel - A smart, attractive woman Will becomes interested in. She is a single mother, and dating her forces Will to confront his own emotional immaturity.

Supporting Characters

Suzie – Fiona's friend who initially introduces Marcus to Will.

Ned – Rachel’s young son.

Ali – Ellie’s friend.

John and Christine – Marcus’s absentee father and his new partner.