Ratcatcher

A sensitive boy grappling with guilt over his friend Ryan's death. He seeks solace by exploring new places and forming a fragile friendship with Margaret Anne, revealing a compassionate yet troubled nature. His inaction and contemplation mirror the harsh, indifferent world around him.

James's friend whose impulsive decision to play near the canal leads to a tragic drowning. The event haunts James and underscores the fragile line between play and danger in their environment. His family's upheaval after the tragedy adds to the sense of a community under strain.

A girl who becomes James's confidante and ally as they navigate abuse and loneliness. She offers warmth and vulnerability, helping James momentarily escape his surroundings. Her resilience and trust in James highlight a fragile bond formed in hardship.

James's friend who holds a vivid but troubling presence in the gang’s world. He can be teasing and cruel, yet the episode with the mouse reveals a capacity for mischief and a longing for belonging. He becomes a foil to James’s gentler nature.

A heavy-drinking man who briefly becomes a local hero after rescuing Kenny, illustrating a mix of courage and volatility. His alcoholism and moments of tenderness complicate the family dynamics, showing both flaws and care.

A resilient presence who endures domestic volatility and supports her son through guilt and confusion. She shares moments of reconciliation with James's father and provides emotional grounding amid chaos.