Carpool

Workaholic advertising executive who is pulled into a chaotic road trip when his wife falls ill. He initially resists the ride, but Diane's guilt trip makes him drive so the kids can attend school and the others can ride along. Throughout the day he learns to lead through improvisation and connective empathy, ultimately quitting his job to support his family and the makeshift caravan.

Off-duty detective who is drawn into the standoff at Hammerman's and attempts to manage the chaotic situation. He witnesses the group’s improvisation and gradually shifts from a rigid authority figure to someone who recognizes mercy over punishment. He helps coordinate the arrest of Franklin, but ultimately lets him go after Daniel’s explanation.

Owner of the Laszlo Brothers Carnival, a failing business desperate to stay afloat. He robs the market to get cash, kidnaps Daniel and the kids, and reveals that his plan is motivated by a need to keep his carnival alive for his son. By the end, he and Daniel become co-owners of the carnival with Mr. Hammerman supplying the food.

Daniel's older son who rides along with the group. He is part of the makeshift caravan and shares in the day’s misadventures, contributing to the sense of family that forms on the road.

Daniel's younger son who joins the carpool and experiences the day’s chaos firsthand. He becomes part of the rescue sequence on the Ferris wheel, illustrating the stakes for the family on the road trip.

One of the local girls who joins Daniel's reluctant carpool. She participates in the journey and adds to the sense of community formed among the group.

Kayla's younger sister who accompanies the group. She contributes to the child-friendly dynamic of the carpool and shares in the misadventures.

One of the gunmen who plans to rob Hammerman's alongside Jerry; his plan intersects with Franklin's, leading to a tense standoff.

The second gunman in on the market heist; he confronts the group during the sequence and becomes part of the confrontation with Franklin and Daniel.

An obsessive meter maid who pursues the group, adding comedic tension as she chases them through the city.