Born Innocent

A 14-year-old runaway who has endured years of domestic abuse. Intelligent and decent at her core, she is quickly hardened by abuse, isolation, and the callous indifference of the system. Her experiences drive a corrosive mix of anger, distrust, and manipulative behavior as she nears adulthood.

A dedicated reform-school counselor who tries to reach Christine and encourage her to talk about her problems. She is one of the few staff members who shows empathy and a belief in the possibility of change, even as the system grinds on.

Christine's social worker who initially blames the troubles on the girl herself rather than the broken home. She is overworked and limited by a system that fails to address underlying family abuse.

Christine's abusive father, a constant threat of violence who embodies the dangerous dynamic of the home environment. His behavior catalyzes Christine's flight from home and shapes her perception of men and authority.

Christine's mother, portrayed as resigned and neglectful, seemingly indifferent to the abuse and the impact on Christina. Her denial reinforces the sense that the family environment is broken beyond repair.

Christine's older brother, aware of the abuse and trying to care for his own family, yet unable to protect Christine. He represents a fractured family’s attempt to intervene from afar.

A staff member within the facility who appears in the background of the system, illustrating the routine roles that keep the juvenile center running with limited attention to individual trauma.