Four broke people, one room, no power.

Protagonist · reluctant leader

The Mongoose

A dry, philosophical Indian grey mongoose who smokes blunts and possesses secret shinobi skills.

Wants

To maintain his independence and emotional safety while navigating a world that has already destroyed his trust.

Fears

Trusting others again and the emotional vulnerability that comes with leading a group.

“Taking advice is the death of yourself and the death of others.”

Can you fly? No. I. Can't. Fly.

See The Mongoose in chapter 10

Comic relief · heart of the group

The Vampire

A theatrical, bisexual Russian vampire who finds a new purpose as a police officer in the 47th Precinct.

Wants

To find a stable community and a host or institution where he can feel valued and protected.

Fears

Being truly alone and the existential weight of his long, often purposeless life.

“I'm trying to say we're all in this together.”

Can you fly? No.

See The Vampire in chapter 1

Wild card · aspiring stand-up comedian

The Girl

A sharp, emotionally volatile human who processes her trauma through stand-up comedy and sarcasm.

Wants

To find success as a comedian and a sense of belonging that doesn't require her to be "on" all the time.

Fears

Failure, both in her comedy career and in her ability to maintain a stable life without a safety net.

“I bet everything on you! I cancelled my health insurance for this!”

Can you fly? No.

See The Girl in chapter 5

The innocent · emotional anchor

The Robot

A literal-minded industrial robot programmed to love, currently serving as a police officer.

Wants

To understand the world of living things and protect the family he has chosen.

Fears

Being overwritten by a software update that would delete his personality and his capacity for love.

“I've always been homeless.”

Can you fly? I can fly though.

See The Robot in chapter 2

Antagonist · catalyst of all problems

The Flying Rat

A manic, narcissistic rat with feathered wings who crashes the stock market and returns as an annoying ghost.

Wants

To be rich, powerful, and surrounded by an audience that validates his perceived genius.

Fears

Being ordinary or being forced to acknowledge the consequences of his actions.

“When you have use in society, people really appreciate you.”

Can you fly? And I can fly.

See The Flying Rat in chapter 1

Supporting · benefactor

The Manager

The cynical, exhausted owner of the comedy club who provides the group with a place to stay.

Wants

To keep his failing club operational and find some small entertainment in the chaos of his tenants' lives.

Fears

The total financial collapse of his club and being forced to deal with even worse tenants.

“Man, that was a putrid set. No offense.”

See The Manager in chapter 5

Supporting · police captain

Captain Marsh

The jaded, career-officer leader of the 47th Precinct who handles specialized supernatural cases.

Wants

To manage the precinct with as little paperwork and as few interdimensional incidents as possible.

Fears

The city's supernatural chaos finally becoming too much to manage with just coffee and spite.

“This is just the word 'crime' printed forty times.”

See Captain Marsh in chapter 9