Straight Out of Brooklyn

Dennis's mother, who endures domestic violence and watches her family unravel as poverty bites. She loses her job due to injuries and becomes a stabilizing presence even as fear and pain mount. Her death at the hospital, with her children by her side, marks a devastating turning point.

A young man living in poverty who dreams of a better life beyond the projects. His impulsive plan to rob a dealer thrusts him into a violent world and triggers a chain of deadly consequences for his family. He is driven by hope and fear, balancing loyalty with risk.

Dennis's sister who witnesses her family's struggles and bears the emotional weight of the violence around her. She represents the collateral damage of the neighborhood's cycle of crime and tragedy. Her support and fear collide as the family fights to survive.

A neighborhood presence who interacts with the Brown family while the events unfold. She reflects the wider community's gaze on the tragedy and contributes to the texture of life in the housing project. Her position highlights how trauma impacts those nearby.

Dennis's father, a depressed man worn down by years of labor with little reward. His volatility and sense of failure contribute to the family's instability, and his fate unfolds as violence encroaches on the home. His arc represents the pressure of systemic hardship on men in the community.

One of Dennis's two friends who participates in the robbery but quickly becomes scared of the consequences. He serves as a foil to Dennis's ambition, illustrating how fear can derail plans and alter loyalties under pressure.