Cast of Characters

The Teachers:

• Andrew Montgomery, principal of Arcadia High School - visionary for the school and its programs, but in this second year perhaps a little remote from the teachers' struggles.

• Fiona Johnson - team leader for Cowan. Fiona is having a number of problems, and having trouble leading a group that is full of leaders, and that doesn't share her personal style.

• Robin Black, Cowan 1 early - first year teacher, with a very tough group. Really struggles with class control, reminding David of himself at that stage. Leaves the school in the middle of the year in discouragement - teaching is not for her. Supported by her team, but had trouble learning from experience.

• Colin Chapman, Cowan 1 late - takes over from Robin when she leaves. Very capable beginning teacher.

• Emma Wallace, Cowan 2 early - excellent young teacher, leaves on maternity leave at the end of Term 1.

• Andrea King, Cowan 2 late - violent and abusive, because insecure and embattled, teacher who replaced Emma. Very intelligent and capable teacher, experienced in the most traditional of senior high schools, finds the transition difficult/impossible, and doesn't see the need for it based in her own perspective.

• Carolyn Young, Cowan 3 - bitter, not very secure, yet quite confident in her abilities and judgements. Does not want to be at the school, disappointed with David's approach and performance. Tends to treat students negatively, especially Tony.

• Alyx Nilssen, Cowan 4 - exemplary new teacher with some science background. Finds the demands of Arcadia daunting, but does a great and creative job.

• Candace James, Cowan 5 - sympathetic with the vision for the school, reflective and talented - an exemplary teacher, but one who also requires lots of attention and affirmation. A good friend and ally to David.

• Tanya Simpson, Cowan 6 - runs her science herself throughout the year, not really involved in the study.

• Etta Webster, Cowan 7 - Education support teacher who tries to integrate a class of very difficult students. Needs support in science that David can't give her.

The Students:

• Simon, Cowan 2 then 5 - was in Emma's/Andrea's class, but responded dramatically to Andrea's abuse. Moved to Candace's class and has responded extremely well to trust - now a top student.

• Therese, Cowan 3 - very bright, but a little cynical and a lot anti-science. Perceptive enough to see the conflicts between David and Carolyn, and clever enough to exploit them.

• Tony Case, Cowan 3 - teachers call him 'hard' or sometimes 'nut' in the staff room, and are scared they'll say it to his face one day. Carolyn's mistrust and negativity make him worse - David tries to trust him.

• Shannon, Cowan 4 - Alyx can't figure out her 'silent days', and tries to find a cause in her own teaching.

• Adrian, Cowan 5 - a very naughty boy, who Candace has chosen to trust with a simple job, and who has responded well.

The Academics:

• David - writer of the story, sometimes protagonist, rarely hero. Trying to merge teaching, learning and research.

• Peter - supervisor, friend and confidant of David. Involved in attempts to understand and change his own teaching and that of others, and in collaborative reflection.