Youth in Revolt

A highly intelligent, mischievous 14-year-old whose wit helps him navigate a chaotic adolescence. He repeatedly engineers schemes to win Sheeni and escape consequences, even as his plans spiral out of control. Throughout the film, Nick oscillates between clever ingenuity and reckless risk-taking as he searches for identity and belonging.

Nick's crush and intellectual equal, Sheeni is curious, perceptive, and not easily fooled by Nick's disguises. She challenges him to grow and confront the consequences of his actions while offering genuine affection. Her presence catalyzes Nick's transformation, for better and worse.

A truck driver dating Nick's mother; Jerry is rough-edged and opportunistic, quick to manipulate situations to his advantage. His actions set off a chain of trouble that spurs Nick's flight and lies. He represents a volatile adult influence in Nick's life.

Nick's father, a working-class man whose divorce creates distance and tension in Nick's world. He embodies the friction between parental authority and a teen's need for independence. His relationship with Nick underscores the film's family dynamics.

Nick's mother, who is dating Jerry and navigating a complicated single-parent life. She cares for Nick but often clashes with his ambitions and schemes. Her decisions reflect the imperfect, sometimes humorous real-world dynamics of family life.

Sheeni's father, a figure in the Saunders family dynamics who adds to the social backdrop of Nick's world. His presence anchors the home life that Nick inadvertently disrupts. He represents the more traditional adult authority in the story.

Sheeni's mother and Nick's mother's partner figure who becomes part of the central adult ecosystem Nick navigates. Her relationship with Jerry shapes the household environment Nick treads through. She provides stability and tension in equal measure.

Nick's ally in Ukiah who helps him with disguise and escape plans, contributing to Nick's ongoing schemes. His practical help enables Nick to improvise and continue evading authorities. He embodies the quirky, loyal sidekick archetype.

An elderly neighbor who takes a liking to Nick and pretends to be part of the fortune arc. His death sets off a chain of events that briefly makes Nick richer before the money is seized. This character acts as a plot catalyst in Nick's financial turn of luck.

A friend in Nick's social circle who adds to the teen atmosphere and the web of relationships surrounding his schemes. Her presence helps illustrate the complexity and variety of Nick's teenage world.