Socially withdrawn and stuck in a repetitive routine, Paul is intelligent but painfully shy and awkward in social situations. He secretly admires his neighbour Emily and longs for connection, but fear and self-doubt keep him isolated. Paul wants to engage with life but freezes when opportunities arise. His story is about confronting his fears, stepping outside his comfort zone, and learning that life is unpredictable and sometimes brutally so.

Ray is a mischievous, bored and comedic guardian angel with a sardonic sense of humour and a love for chaos. He observes Paul with both judgment and amusement and intervenes when he believes it will shake Paul out of his rut. Ray is confident, manipulative, and eccentric, convinced that his interference is for Paul’s own good, even if his methods are reckless.

Emily is quick-witted, playful, and socially confident, with a dry sense of humor and an effortless charm. She naturally takes the lead in conversations, teasing in a way that feels easy and genuine rather than forced. Outgoing and self-assured, she brings Paul into her world with curiosity and amusement, seeing him as harmless and slightly awkward. While she can come across as flirty, it stems more from her personality than any real romantic intent. Emily is perceptive, independent, and comfortable in her own space, moving through life on her own terms.

Craig is a talented, confident young pianist who’s used to being admired. He can come off as cocky and a bit insensitive, but he isn’t a bad person. He starts off confident and carefree, but gets trapped in Diana’s scheme when she drugs him and falsely accuses him. As things spiral, he becomes desperate to prove his innocence. He follows Kevin into his house and discovers the truth, gets into a violent fight with Kevin but the fight makes him realized his self-arrogance eventually.

Kevin is a skilled but insecure pianist living in Craig’s shadow. He struggles with jealousy and self-doubt. He gets pulled into his girlfriend Diana’s plan to destroy Craig, though he hesitates and feels conflicted. During the final confrontation, he fights Craig but ultimately regains his moral clarity. At the last moment, he chooses to save Craig, sacrificing himself and dying in the process.

Diana is a true Femme Fatale, she is Kevin’s girlfriend and the story’s manipulator. She manipulates both men—drugging Craig and pushing Kevin to betray him. She fuels Kevin’s insecurity and drives the central conflict, prioritizing ambition and control over morality. As the plan unravels, she becomes increasingly unstable and aggressive. In the climax, she fully crosses the line by attempting to kill Craig herself, indirectly causing Kevin’s death. She ends the story alone, her scheme collapsing.

Male, 40’s, white. The embodiment of spiritual appropriation—a guy who has built an empire by commodifying ancient practices. Draped in flowing white linen (because purity sells). Equal parts serenity and self-importance, his image is meticulously crafted. Charismatic yet dangerously persuasive, beneath the surface, he’s a master manipulator who uses his influence to blur boundaries and maintain control. Vibe: Krishna Das/Jarad Leto

BEAT THE CLOCK Black woman - playwright, unapologetically self-focused, a creative perfectionist. In Alana's desperate, chaotic quest to secure an apartment, last minute on July 1st, she accepts her classmate Bings unexpected offer to help, which challenges her narrow outlook. Through their whirlwind day together, Alana confronts her own flaws and begins to understand with Bing's help the value of empathy, sparking the first steps toward personal growth.

BEAT THE CLOCK Syrian. Radiates a contagious optimism, seeing possibility and hope even in the toughest situations. His presence is magnetic, a mix of humor and warmth that draws people in and makes him a natural confidant. When Alana faces the chaos of apartment hunting, Bing steps in without hesitation, embodying the role of a selfless friend who’s always there when needed. His support goes beyond mere assistance, revealing his deeply compassionate and generous spirit. ****MUST HAVE A VALID DRIVER'S License****

BEAT THE CLOCK River is openhearted / wise / free-spirit - Indigenous

MILO Vietnamese-Canadian. Small in stature but towering in resilience. Since her father’s passing, she’s shouldered the responsibility of caring for her younger brother and heartbroken mother, stepping into a role far beyond her years. Her maturity contrasts with her youth, revealing a quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. In her pet Milo, Julie finds her only confidant—a silent friend who carries her secrets and fears, especially her worry about what lies ahead for both of them.

MILO . Julie’s mother Vietnamese MUST SPEAK VIETNAMESE & FRENCH / ENGLISH WITH ACCENT a woman frozen in the shadow of grief, struggling to find her footing after the sudden loss of her husband. Her once-vibrant presence is now muted, shrouded in a quiet sorrow that isolates her from her surroundings. The depth of her depression forms a wall between her and her children, leaving her adrift in her own emotions, unable to fully reach out to the family she still has.

MILO Vietnamese-Canadian. Julie's little brother, Kai, is a burst of boundless energy and charisma. Despite not fully comprehending his family's situation, he possesses an incredible ability to shield himself from sadness, determined to infuse his everyday life with joy and positivity.

ASSIMILATION: Korean-Canadian. Determined to carve out a life with her boyfriend, Charles, envisioning a future where they can share a space away from outside influences. However, she can’t ignore her growing discomfort with Charles’ close relationship with his mother, a bond that seems to cast a shadow over their own. As the story unfolds, Sylvia’s eyes are gradually opened to the complex, unsettling dynamics within Charles' family, sparking a transformation within herself that she hadn’t anticipated.

ASSIMILATION: White Charles is Sylvia's boyfriend and Muriel's son and possesses a boyish charm. He has a strong attachment to his mother and although he is not entirely human, he feels a deep affection to Sylvia.

ASSIMILATION: White The poised, elegant matriarch of the family, a woman who commands attention with her composure and refined demeanor. Her bond with her son, Charles, feels unsettlingly close, hinting at a possessiveness that borders on the unnatural. Beneath her graceful exterior, however, lies a chilling secret: Muriel is not entirely human, her composed nature masking reptilian elements that only heighten the mystery surrounding her. This blend of sophistication and subtle abnormality gives Muriel an uncanny presence, making her a figure both intriguing and unsettling in Sylvia’s world.

ASSIMILATION: White. Muriel's brother Devin is on the husky side and has an awkward and uncomfortable presence, particularly towards Sylvia.

ASSIMILATION: Latina. Devin's buxom" wife. She appears to be friendly and supportive of Sylvia, but may also have some hidden aspects to her character.

CUTTING THE CORD Lebanese SKILLS: Must Belly Dance. Kim’s devoted yet deeply co-dependent mother carries the quiet fear of being left alone as her daughter prepares to move out. Heavier set - but also a real beauty which she covers up - like a Sophia Lauren Working as a cleaner, she has endured a strained relationship with her ex-husband, adding to her sense of isolation. Though her protectiveness over Kim borders on possessive, it stems from a vulnerable place, revealing her struggle to let go and trust that her daughter can thrive on her own.