Accidents Happen

A foul-mouthed, fiercely protective mother who takes responsibility for the family's actions and harshly administers discipline. Her rigid control fuels tension at home, masking underlying vulnerabilities. Her arc involves confronting the consequences of the accident and navigating the fragile path to forgiveness.

An easy-going, supportive father whose calm demeanor contrasts with the escalating conflicts in the family. His approach to marriage and parenting is tested by divorce and the chaos surrounding Doug and the children. He embodies a counterweight to Gloria's intensity while being drawn into the family’s turmoil.

An accident-prone teenager whose impulsive actions pull him deeper into trouble with Doug. His loyalty to his friend and his own reckless decisions propel the story toward the fatal accident and its long aftermath. Billy embodies youthful bravado shadowed by guilt and consequence.

The younger sister whose death in the car crash marks the turning point of the family’s tragedy. Her absence hangs over the household and fuels the emotional weight carried by Gloria, Ray, and the surviving siblings. Linda’s memory becomes a catalyst for the family’s reflection and remorse.

A brain-damaged, paralyzed brother whose decline and eventual death intensify the family’s pain. Gene’s condition serves as a constant reminder of the accident’s lasting impact and the emotional costs borne by those who survive him. His fate compounds the sense of unresolved grief within the family.

Billy’s older brother, whose belligerent alcoholism and aggressive behavior exacerbate domestic conflict. His actions and hostility add to the volatility of the home environment, influencing Billy’s own choices and sense of threat. Larry embodies the destructive side of family dysfunction.

The Conway neighbors and a friend to Billy, who Gloria strongly dislikes. Doug’s presence, coupled with the boys' rebellious acts, contributes to a chain of events that culminate in tragedy. His relationship with Billy evolves into a conflicted, opportunistic dynamic as the truth begins to surface.