Peter is the original small-town boy turned hometown hero. When he returns to Beartown with his family to take over as General Manager of the Ice Hockey Club after a brief career in the NHL, he swiftly loses his golden reputation. Sometimes, people become unified when they have a common enemy, and many people try to make Peter their common enemy. He is used by local politicians, local gangsters, and his well-respected townspeople. Peter must undergo his own personal search for happiness and must learn when it is time to let go of a dream that won’t provide security and happiness. Peter must choose family over career, and must forgive himself for not doing more. 

Benji is an unlikely hero but proves himself to be more than anyone ever bargained for. The perception of Benji around town is that he is brutish, loyal, and not to be messed with. However, Benji is also vulnerable, kind, and oppressed by people’s assumptions that he is a dangerous person. Benji must find happiness within himself because he discovers how disappointing it can be when he attempts to glean his happiness from others. Only Zackell sees Benji’s potential as a leader; when given the opportunity, Benji rises to the occasion.