In the Custody of Strangers

Frank Caldwell is the proud, hard-working father who believes a man must provide for his family, often clashing with Danny over independence and work. His unemployment adds pressure to his traditional views on masculinity and discipline. The strain of supporting a family in tough economic times drives his tense, protective demeanor.

Danny is a volatile teenager, angry at his town and its limits, who channels frustration into mischief and petty theft. His reckless acts, including a drunken joyride that leads to arrest, reveal his longing for independence. The jail experience becomes a turning point, showing how environment, law, and family influence his growth.

Sandy is the family matriarch who works to keep the household afloat as unemployment strains the family. She tries to balance care for her children with the harsh realities of the system. Her decisions reflect a desire to protect her family while seeking a future beyond the town's limitations.

Albert C. Caruso is the prison warden who struggles to balance safety with humane treatment of a juvenile inmate. He advocates for keeping Danny from entering the adult jail, yet he is constrained by court policy and procedural limits. His role embodies the push-pull between protection and policy.

David Caldwell is part of the Caldwell family, a younger member whose presence underscores the household's dynamics. His reactions provide a window into how family members adapt as Danny's actions ripple through the home.

Judge Halloran is the stern courtroom authority responsible for handling Danny's case and sentencing. He relies on the law and the evidence before him and weighs the best outcome within the bounds of procedure.

Judge Bennett is one of the judges involved in the case, whose decisions influence the trajectory of Danny's charges and time served. His rulings reflect the legal framework surrounding juvenile justice and rehabilitation.