Tom, seventeen, has all the problems a teenager might face under his extraordinary situation. He had been a popular, successful rugby player and a member of a family that was liked and respected. For him to become an object of hatred would have been complicated and difficult for him to deal with. He is fearful of anyone in his new town knowing about the accident. Tom does have a strength of character that pushes him to become fit again and resume rugby. Tom is also loving towards his family. He also has a strong sense of duty. His relationship with his grandmother is good. He began to manage his emotions, he sees the kindness in her and, in wanting to do something she would feel was a miracle. Tom also matures sexually and his romantic interest in Chrissie is possibly all that is needed for him to leap forward. As he says in the final line of the story, 'that was the morning Tom Brennan came back, forever'.  

Daniel when we are first introduced to him, an angry nineteen-year-old under the influence of alcohol. Daniel was once a rugby player of repute, even though he had no love of the game and was only interested in winning. Although Claire, his former girlfriend, had lost interest in him, he was still able to easily attract others. His football ability had lessened, however, owing to his wild lifestyle, and he became to those in Mumbilli an accident waiting to happen'. This suggests that many people had clearly determined that his aggressive personality could be dangerous, but perhaps like his parents did little to caution him, fearing his reaction. 

Kylie has become an angry teenager who has had her life uprooted by the tragedy. She was once part of a family that was not only cohesive, but almost revered in the town where she was living, due to the football prowess of her brothers. Now her family are despised by many and her oldest brother is a target of hatred. The whole situation has left Kylie emotionally fragile and she spends a great part of the story showing resentment and dislike of everything, from living in her grandmother's house to her brother Daniel. Kylie spends a great deal of time at her new friend Brianna's house. She also spends a great deal of time feeling frightened and this has made her tearful. Of course, Kylie also has a secret as she feels guilty that she had encouraged Fin and Claire in their relationship. As Kylie does return closer to her former state as she becomes close to Tom  

Brendan is Tom's mother's younger brother. 

Although he was closer to Daniel in the past, since the accident he has forged a friendship with Tom, even telling him to drop the 'uncle', because he was not going to be forty till the following year. It is through this friendship that Tom has regained his fitness as Brendan pushes him physically to extend himself. Brendan is, however, very sensitive, as Tom witnesses when he finds Brendan crying over a sentimental song titled 'Daniel', but he hides this side of his character well by mounting a practical approach to their dilemma. He is still straightforward when it comes to disciplining Tom when he feels he has behaved badly. For instance, he lectures him about not seeing his brother and his lack of communication. Brendan also keeps a strong presence in the lives of Fin and Daniel.  

 

Meeting Jonny's Sister Chrissy: Tom meets Chrissy, Jonny's sister, (they attend the same school). They discuss the difficult situation surrounding Jonny's family. It's shown that Jonny's father passed away after having a stroke and undergoing pneumonia.

Concern for Daniel's Condition: Brendan tells Tom that Daniel's condition is not good. And it implied that Daniel's health is weakening, probably due to the accident.

Mixed Emotions at the Beach: positive memories of vacations occur whilst at the beach, also triggering a memory of a traumatic incident by Daniel. Tom recalls a time when Daniel's anger got the best of him, and he almost drowned Tom during rage.

Visit to Fin in Hospital: Tom and Brendan visit Fin in the hospital. Fin appears to be struggling emotionally, admitting that he despises the long nights in the hospital when he can't quiet his thoughts.

Flashback to the Accident: The chapter ends with Tom having a flashback to the moment he first witnessed the accident. He vividly remembers Daniel's car, a blue Falcon, overturned against a tree. Tom recalls the words, "I'm going to get you, you dobber."

Impact on Tom: The night of the tragedy continues to haunt Tom. The vivid images of his friends' deaths and Fin's spinal injury are difficult for him to cope with. Tom struggles with moving forward, especially as he observes the changes in Fin's personality due to his injuries.

Tess's Concern for Daniel: At Gran's place, Tom's mother Tess tries to engage in conversation with Tom. However, her thoughts are largely preoccupied with Daniel, who is in a depressed state and being transferred to a different wing of the prison. Tom has difficulty forgiving Daniel for the immense impact the accident has had on so many lives.

Kylie's Coping Mechanisms: Kylie continues to grieve for her past life but has adopted a rebellious attitude as a coping mechanism. She starts smoking and using strong language. Unlike Tom, Kylie is open about discussing the accident with others, including her new friend Brianna, and she has also reached out to her former best friend Becky.

Tom's Interaction with Rory and Others: After a conversation with Rory at school, Tom meets up with him and some others at the local pool. Tom encounters Chrissy again, adding another layer of interaction among the characters. 

Tom's Emotional Progress: Tom takes a significant step forward in his emotional recovery by reaching out to Matt, his former best friend. Tom is surprised when Mrs. O'Rourke, Matt's mother, is warm and affectionate towards him. Despite this, Tom still feels uncertain about resuming their previous close relationship and questions his decision to contact Matt.

Flashback to Police Statements: Through a flashback, Tom recalls the day after the accident when the police were taking statements from witnesses. Luke's father expresses anger and blame towards Daniel, suggesting that Daniel should be locked up permanently. Tom provides his statement on the following day. In contrast to Tom's clear belief that Daniel was responsible for the accident, Tess tries to deflect blame away from Daniel by implicating Fin and Claire.

Daniel's Legal Proceedings: Daniel's solicitor, Talbot, recommends that Daniel pleads guilty in the legal proceedings. As a result, Daniel goes to trial and is subsequently sentenced for his role in the accident.

Internal Struggles: Tom reflects on his personal growth and emotions, realizing that some of his earlier ideas may not have been as effective as he initially thought. This introspection demonstrates his internal struggles in coming to terms with the accident and its aftermath.

Daniel's Sentencing: Daniel is sentenced for his role in the accident. The town's newspaper, the Billi Weekly, features a photograph of Tom throwing a dive pass to Daniel, possibly capturing a moment from a rugby match. This image becomes symbolic of their shared past and the positive aspects of their relationship.

 

Community Reaction: The community's sentiment regarding Daniel's actions is expressed through a quote featured in the newspaper article. The quote reflects the viewpoint of a respected citizen of the town, emphasizing that "Daniel Brennan was an accident waiting to happen." This statement conveys the idea that Daniel's behavior and recklessness were well-known to some, and the tragedy felt like an inevitable outcome of his actions. The quote also conveys a sense of regret that the accident affected innocent people.

 

Family's Response: The excerpt also mentions the family's reaction to the sentence. The family acknowledges that they will be present in court during the sentencing, but they hold the sentiment that no sentence will truly be long enough to address the gravity of the situation. This reflects the enduring pain and sorrow experienced by the families of the victims.

 

Gran's Perspective: Gran maintains her stance of not catering to their emotions, including Tom's. Instead, she insists on adhering to religious practices, even incorporating prayers into their mealtimes. Her stern approach contrasts with the emotional turmoil the family is experiencing.

 

Facing Fears: Tom takes a significant step forward in his personal growth by confronting one of his fears. He decides that he wants to visit Daniel, indicating his growing willingness to engage with the situation and move beyond his emotional struggles.

 

Flashback to Counselling Sessions: Through a flashback, Tom and Kylie are shown attending countless counseling sessions in the aftermath of the accident. Daniel is deeply aware of the devastation his reckless actions have caused. He expresses his grief in a letter he writes to the parents of Nicole and Luke, indicating his sincere intention to become a better person. However, the response from Luke's family reveals the bitterness and anger that extend beyond those directly affected by the tragedy.

 

Tess's Blame and Claire's Departure: Tess continues to hold Claire responsible for the situation, even though Claire is innocent of any wrongdoing. Claire decides to leave Mumbilli and travel overseas, becoming another victim of the tragedy's fallout.