Esquire is Rashad’s best friend and a prep-school student aiming for an Ivy League college. He seeks a recommendation from John Garnett, but hides the truth about his background and knows that New New is Garnett’s daughter. His secrecy damages his friendship with Rashad before he returns the letter and seeks reconciliation.
Trey is a barbecue delivery worker who tries to complete deliveries even when Vince abandons the food to pursue women. He has already been intimate with Katherine, whose $1,000 payment sparks jokes between them and Vince. He is also worried about Uncle Mac's indebted recording studio and urges him to sell, while pursuing Keiley despite her long-standing relationship with Carlton.
Behn Grymm is an established battle rapper who initially mocks Adam's academic rhetoric but later agrees to help his research. He is also a video game designer, husband, and father, and protects his family's privacy. He battles Adam after their friendship develops, then rejects him for exploiting private pain.
Charles is a security worker preparing to take the police academy exam. He grows closer to Erica and encourages her to see herself more kindly as she works to rebuild her confidence. Their conversations also reveal that they view hardship and giving differently, adding complexity to their developing connection.
Jackie Long has 30 screen credits in a career dating back to 1996. Signature works include Love for Sale, ATL, I Didn't Do It. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
