Charlie struggles with his mental health and drama in his friendgroup. He spends a lot book finding ways to cope. He picks up smoking, drinking, and other substances. (this doesn't get resolved, but it fluctuates in intensity depending on what happens in the book.)

Charlie's family problems are a constant problem for him in the book. In his immediate family, he worries about his sister being distant. Early on in the book after their parents forced her out of an abusive relationship she became closed off and aggressive towards Charlie. Charlie's dad was abused as a kid and he often comes off as a cold man, but he cares deeply for his family. Outside of that Charlie still mourns the loss of his aunt because she felt like the only person who loved him, but in the end comes to realize she had abused him and he'd been repressing the memories all this time. He also has to deal with a very stand-offish alchohlic grandpa at every family event.