This show dives into life of Hannah Baker, a high school student. She leaves behind 13 tapes after her tragic decision. Each tape reveals reasons for her choice. It tackles heavy stuff like mental health, bullying and sexual assault. Some love it for its honesty, while others think it goes too far. Either way, it got people talking about mental health. So, grab your popcorn and get ready!

Meet the characters from 13 Reasons Why

Clay

Oh man, Clay is that painfully earnest guy who thinks in slow motion — like every tiny detail is Important and his face gives away the whole essay he’s writing in his head. He’s loyal to a fault, awkward in the best way, and kind of clumsy with words but intense with feelings (he’s both a softie and a mountain of anxiety, honestly). He overanalyzes everything, then surprises you by doing something impulsive, which is both endearing and infuriating. Little thing: he hoards old mix CDs for reasons he can’t explain and sometimes hums to himself like he’s trying to remember a line from a movie.

Alex

Alex is soft-spoken but not weak — complicated, fierce in small ways, and the kind of person who builds tiny defenses for survival and keeps them forever. He’s got this quiet, dry humor that sneaks up on you; also very stubborn when it comes to protecting the few people he lets in. You can see both bravery and a fragile, guarded core; he laughs but you can tell he’s tallying things inside. Random note: I feel like he always chooses the weirdest comic book covers at the shop and pretends not to care.

Tony

Tony is basically the puppetmaster-slash-cool-bro who knows everyone’s addresses and probably has a spare key, and you kind of both admire and slightly fear him. He’s smooth, a little mysterious, super observant, and unnervingly useful — the human search engine who might also make you laugh when you least expect it. He plays both helper and schemer, but usually with charm; also kind of allergic to being pinned down emotionally. Also, he definitely chews a lot of gum and has a beanie rotation that deserves its own Instagram.

Jessica

Jessica is fiery and fragile in turns, like someone wearing armor that doesn’t quite fit yet but she keeps polishing it anyway. She’s popular but not shallow, holds grudges, forgives on her own timetable, and is way more complicated than people assume — she can be fierce and then quietly undone with one look. Somewhere between revenge and redemption, she keeps trying to take control of her story even when the plot keeps sliding out from under her. Oh, and she has a ridiculous lipstick collection she insists is “for serious business” but really it’s comfort, okay?

Charlie

Charlie is the softly intense film-nerd type, always scribbling notes and carrying a notebook like it’s a lifeline — awkward but with these sudden, sincere bursts of warmth. He watches more than he speaks but when he speaks it matters, which is why people misread him and then wonder why they didn’t listen. He’s got this heartbreaking sweetness and a tendency to disappear into old movies, and also an annoying habit of saving ticket stubs like treasures. I swear sometimes he looks like he remembers being brave once and is trying to find that again.

Bryce

Bryce is that dangerously charismatic guy who makes you look twice — gold-chain swagger, star-away smile, and a real talent for making terrible choices look like confidence. He’s entitled and predatory in ways that ripple outward, using charm like a shield and keeping messes hidden behind privilege. He gives off this monied, sporty energy (think basketball courts and expensive cologne) but underneath is a lot of brittle, selfish insecurity. Weirdly, he can be almost helpful in small doses, which is how he keeps everyone fooled — ugh, frustrating.

Zack

Zack is loud, messy, and somehow deeply loyal — the class clown who will prank you and then show up when you need someone to punch the air with you. He’s big on bravado, impulsive, loves parties and video games, and says the stupidest things at the worst times, but also surprises you with sincere, dumb kindness. Like, he’ll egg your car at three a.m. and then bring you chicken soup when you’re sick; not consistent, but real. Also, he owns way too many graphic tees and thinks sunglasses indoors are a personality trait.

Justin

Justin is rough around every edge, a walking contradiction: reckless and desperate for redemption at the same time. He makes bad choices fast, protects the people he loves with fierce (sometimes toxic) intensity, and is wrestling with a lot of fighting to be better even when he stumbles. He’s got that tough-guy exterior but small, private gestures that hint he cares more than he wants to admit. Little detail: he keeps a mixtape in his glove compartment and pretends it’s for dates when actually it’s for himself.

Tyler

Tyler is the quiet kid with a camera who sees the world in frames and extremes — obsessive about visuals and easily swallowed by his inner monologues. He’s creative and painfully isolated, brilliant at making something cinematic out of nothing, and also brooding enough to scare the hell out of himself sometimes. There’s a simmering revenge fantasy vibe but also a deep loneliness and a weird tenderness for small things (like stray animals or old movie reels). Fun note: he probably has a terrible playlist he swears by and then denies when asked.