No Down Payment

An electrical engineer with sharp technical skill who values steady, proven work. He wrestles with money troubles and the urge to stay within his comfort zone, even as his wife pressures him to switch to sales for financial security. His calm, methodical nature often clashes with the heated social tensions around him, making him a focal point for how suburban life tests competence and resilience.

David's wife who pushes for a more lucrative career path to stabilize the family finances. She anchors practical concerns and seeks security within the pressures of suburban life. Her perspective reveals the strain of balancing affection with economic necessity, and her influence shapes the couple's choices amid mounting difficulties.

Troy's unhappy and restless wife who longs for a child and a fuller life beyond the confines of their suburban role. She embodies theUnused tension of a life that feels predetermined by neighborhood norms. Leola's decision to leave underscores the personal costs of living under a scrutinizing community and the limits of fulfillment within marriage.

A war veteran clinging to his past achievements while chasing the position of police chief. His ambition is tempered by alcohol and a volatile temper, making him prone to reckless actions. Troy's pursuit of status exposes the fragility of authority and the ways personal insecurities spill into family life and neighborhood relations.

A heavy-spending auto salesman whose debt and 'make it big' schemes threaten his own family and the community's stability. His pushes and provocations test the patience and loyalty of his spouse and neighbors. Jerry embodies the lure and danger of quick success in a tightly wound suburban environment.

Jerry Flagg's wife, who endures her husband's inappropriate advances and the social scrutiny that follows. She navigates a precarious balance between propriety and personal dignity in a judgmental neighborhood. Isabelle's experiences reflect the emotional weight carried by those trapped in troubled marriages within a tight-knit community.

Owner of a neighborhood appliance store who values his employees and their ambitions, including Iko's wish to move into Sunrise Hills. He embodies the sometimes cautious, status-conscious perspectives of suburban leaders who must navigate race, inclusion, and community harmony. Kreitzer's choices highlight the dilemmas of balancing business interests with evolving social norms.

A valued employee who dreams of joining Sunrise Hills with his wife, challenging the suburb's racial boundaries. Iko represents the push for inclusion amid resistance, illustrating how personal aspirations collide with collective prejudice. His presence tests the neighborhood's willingness to welcome new residents and broaden its definition of community.