The cast

Avery Sinclair

Age: 17

Academic Focus / Major: English Literature & Journalism

Sexuality: Gay (closeted)

Current Relationship Status: Single (and completely uninterested in school romance... for now)

Likes: Sharp sarcasm, vintage fountain pens, sketchbooks, strong black coffee, rainy afternoons, a good mystery.

Dislikes: Jock culture, arrogance, being handled or coddled, corrupt student politics, hot weather.

Private Detail (Not explicitly stated in-story): Intersex. Only his mother, Helen, is aware of this. It's a deeply private part of his life that he keeps heavily guarded.

Maya Lin (Avery's Best Friend)

Age: 17

Academic Focus / Major: Media Studies & Graphic Design

Sexuality: Queer / Pansexual

Current Relationship Status: Single (claims she is "married to the press")

Likes: True-crime podcasts, high-stakes school gossip, energy drinks, organizing chaos, layout design.

Dislikes: Missed deadlines, slow Wi-Fi, people who don't take The Sentinel seriously.

Helen Sinclair (Avery's Mother)

Age: 41

Occupation: Head Nurse (Night Shift)

Relationship Status: Single (Divorced)

Likes: Quiet mornings, crosswords, chamomile tea, seeing Avery stand up for himself.

Dislikes: Medical misinformation, arrogant doctors, Avery skipping meals when he's hyper-focused on a story.

Role in the Story: She is Avery's absolute rock and the only person who knows his full medical history (including him being intersex). She works grueling hours to support them, which means Avery is often home alone—giving him plenty of privacy, but also a quiet house that can feel a bit lonely.

Leo Vance

Age: 17

Academic Focus / Major: Business Studies & Physical Education (D1 track)

Sexuality: Bisexual (unlabeled, completely private to the public)

Current Relationship Status: Single (highly sought after, but keeps everyone at arm's length)

Likes: Basketball, late-night driving, cold energy drinks, having total control over a situation, sour candy.

Dislikes: His father’s overbearing demands, people who ask too many questions, losing, showing weakness.

Marcus "Teague" League (Leo's Best Friend)

Age: 17

Academic Focus / Major: Communications & Sports Science

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Current Relationship Status: Single (actively flirting with a few people, but nothing serious)

Likes: Premium sneakers, video game streams, heavy gym sessions, fast food cheat days.

Dislikes: Morning practice runs, unnecessary drama, Leo's intense mood swings.

Richard Vance (Leo’s Father)

Age: 48

Occupation: Elite Real Estate Developer / School Athletic Board Donor

Relationship Status: Single (Widower)

Likes: Impeccable public relations, winning, obedience, expensive watches, status symbols.

Dislikes: Mediocrity, excuses, Leo's minor slip-ups, anything that threatens the Vance family name.

Role in the Story: Since Leo's mother passed away years ago, Richard has run his household like a corporate board. He treats Leo less like a son and more like a brand to be managed. He is the sole source of the intense pressure Leo is under, and his demanding, controlling nature is the dark secret Leo is desperately trying to hide from the school.

Authors note:

The character visual references used for this novel were sourced via Pinterest. Full credit goes to the original creators and artists who produced this inspiring work. Please note that these images serve only as stylistic references for the cast's general vibe and mood, and are not strict or literal interpretations of their appearances.

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