When Jeff Tried to Save the World

Carl is the owner of Winkys World and the practical counterweight to Jeff's idealism. He plans to sell the alley, testing the loyalty of his staff and the attachment his workers feel to the place. Although he respects Jeff, he ultimately makes a business decision that forces everyone to cope with change.

Jeff is an anxious thirty-something general manager who left MIT for Winkys World. He designed the video game Wizzing Winkys and treats the bowling alley as his home. He devises a weekend plan to stop the sale and learns to open up to his family in the process.

Sheila is Carl's ex-wife and the operations manager of Winkys. She is pragmatic and loyal to the business, working to woo Carl and keep the staff's morale high. She teams with Jeff to save Winkys but faces the reality that not all plans can change a sale.

Stanford is Jeff's laid-back coworker and the teenaged nephew of Carl, who helps Jeff with the plan. He offers humor and loyalty, balancing Jeff's intensity with a more relaxed approach.

Ernie is an elderly homeless man secretly living in the bowling alley; he is a friend of the original Winkys and a former founding member of the Winkys World bowling team. He falls into a coma after a hospital visit and later attends the closing ceremony, representing the alley's history.

Bowler is a member of Winkys World community who appears during the film as part of the alley's colorful cast. He contributes to the sense of belonging and the lived-in atmosphere of Winkys.

Lindy is Jeff's sister who reappears during the story, encouraging him to reconnect with their mother. Her visit helps reunite the family and restore Jeff's confidence and sense of belonging.

Samantha is Lindy's friend who forms a romantic connection with Jeff during the events. She supports him and promises to stay in touch after leaving town.