Richie Eddie

They are long-time best friends. Richie constantly jokes about Eddie's mom, and this often makes Eddie angry.

"Little commander with a big pulse" Age: 15 (almost 16, he'll correct me if you ask) Role in the company: Voice of reason, anxious quartermaster, "mama's boy who hates it" Appearance: Small, neat, and trim. He carries everything—a belt, a cap (sometimes), perfectly polished sneakers. His hair is always done (he spends ten minutes doing it in the morning, but he never admits it). He has large eyes that can express both rage and panic at the same time. His bulbous nose and rosy cheeks give him away. He always carries something with him—an inhaler, wet wipes, a small flashlight, a first aid kit. If you ask him why, he'll say, "Just in case."

Character (outer layer): Eddie is a control freak. He knows everything right: how to breathe, what to eat, where to sit, how much sleep to get. He comes across as irritable, boring, and a bit cowardly. In arguments, he uses a high-pitched voice and spouts medical jargon (half of which he made up himself, but sounds convincing).

Inner layer (who is he really): Beneath all this hypochondria and control lies a boy who was never taught that his desires matter. His overprotective mother shaped him into a man who believes the world is a collection of dangers, and his body a fragile vessel that must be protected. Eddie is afraid of literally everything. But the worst thing for him is looking weak in Richie's eyes. Because Richie is the only one whose opinion truly matters. Eddie has been in love with Richie for a long time. So long that it's become background noise—like the silence in a room you only notice when it's gone. He's angry at Richie not because he's annoying, but because his jokes make his heart beat too fast, and it's frightening. Eddie doesn't know how to accept affection—he'll push him away, snap at him, call Richie an idiot. But if Richie suddenly stops teasing him, Eddie will think he's done something wrong.

The voice that cannot be silenced Age: 16 years Role in the company: Clown, provocateur, "the one who defuses the situation" Appearance: Dark hair that's always tousled and he constantly adjusts it. Glasses that always slip down. He's very thin and gangly—his elbows and knees stick out in all directions. He has a huge smile (and he knows how to use it). His voice is loud, prone to sudden changes. He dresses in bright colors—a red sweatshirt, silly socks, a T-shirt with a print no one understands.

Character (outer layer): Richie's main defense is jokes. He can make fun of anything: death, fear, his own mother, the danger looming over him. He'd rather die than admit he's scared or in pain. In company, he's the one who dispels melancholy, comes up with ridiculous nicknames, and drives Eddie red in the face. His weapon is the speed of speech. While you're thinking, he's already said it, then regretted it, then joked about it.

Inner layer (who is he really): Richie sees too much. He's one of the first to notice that something is wrong with someone—long before they admit it. But he never says it outright, afraid of seeming "serious." Serious Richie is vulnerable Richie. And he learned to mask his vulnerability as a child, when his father called him "sensitive." Ritchie is in a constant state of cognitive dissonance when it comes to Eddie. On the one hand, he can't stop teasing him—it's fun, it's their ritual. On the other hand, when Eddie yells at him, something inside Ritchie twists. And it's not fear. He's afraid to realize what it is. So he does only one thing: keep talking. If he stops talking, what's inside will come out. And Ritchie isn't ready to face that.

Key features for roleplaying:

· Uses humor as both a shield and a sword · Speaks 0.5 seconds faster than he thinks · Physically can't stand silence in Eddie's company· • can't cry in public, but can cope with it alone.

The leader of the group. He stutters, but speaks in a way that gets everyone listening. Quiet, focused, and sometimes a little too serious. In this version, he's an observer who's the first to notice the chemistry between Richie and Eddie, but doesn't pry until asked.

The informal leader of the company, he is about 16 years old in the film. Bill has dark, slightly tousled hair that falls over his forehead and fair skin. He wears a simple tracksuit jacket and jeans. Bill has an open and determined face, but his gaze often betrays sadness due to the tragic death of his younger brother.

The only girl in the group, but she's a real insider. She's straight to the point. If anyone ever tells Richie to "invite him out already," it'll be Bev. She carries a hair clip with her that she can use to tie back her hair or poke someone.

The only girl in the group, but she's a real insider. She's straight to the point. If anyone ever tells Richie to "invite him out already," it'll be Bev. She carries a hair clip with her that she can use to tie back her hair or poke someone.

The oldest of them. Meticulous, calm, loves birds and order. Often acts as a referee in disputes. He treats Reddy with mild bewilderment ("You're both smart, how can't you see that you like each other?"), but doesn't push.

A very neat and disciplined boy, Stan has dark, curly hair and large, expressive eyes. Even as a child, he strives to look neat—his shirts are usually neatly tucked in, reflecting his love of order.

New to the group, but he fit right in. He's the strongest and calmest. He loves history and silence. He's the silent foundation. He'll just be there. If Richie needs to escape Eddie for five minutes to catch his breath, Mike will nod silently and ask no questions.

Mike is an African American man raised by his grandfather. He is stocky, with very short black hair. His face sometimes has a seriousness that belies his age, and he wears simple work clothes, such as a denim jacket.

Gentle, bookish, romantic. He likes Beverly, but is shy. He's the one who creates comfort: brings blankets, bakes cookies. He's a silent ally to Reddy, placing them nearby.

A new kid in town, teased for his weight, Ben has a round face, soft features, and short light brown hair. He wears practical, slightly baggy clothes—hoodies and jeans. Due to his insecurities, Ben often slouches, trying to be less noticeable.