Our Lives/Characters

Andrea Watkins-Samuels (née Carson) (portrayed by Alicia Nolan)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * Childhood Friends:
 * She has been best friends with Jenn Travis since she was in the 6th grade.
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * To her younger sister, Caroline.
 * Good Parents :
 * To her children and stepchildren.
 * Good Stepmother:
 * To Bridgette, Brendan, Ryan, Jake and Darien.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Mitch; was happily married to her first husband, Jason until his death.
 * High School Sweethearts:
 * With Mitch.
 * Like Parent, Like Child:
 * Andrea becomes a hair stylist like her mother, Kathy-Rae was, and Finley later follows in her mother and grandmother's footsteps.
 * Long-Distance Relationship:
 * Andrea tries to maintain one with Mitch while he is attending college in Indiana, but they later decide to mutually end their relationship.
 * Mama Bear:
 * To her children, stepchildren, grandchildren and step-grandchildren.
 * Widow Woman:
 * Prior to the beginning of the series, Andrea's first husband, Jason died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver (who later died in the hospital from his own injuries).

Mitch Samuels (portrayed by Darryl Barnett)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * Amicable Exes: Averted.
 * Mitch's ex-wife, Jasmine cut of all contract after they divorced due to her alcoholism and she rarely keeps in touch with her children.
 * Family Man:
 * Good Parents:
 * To his children and stepchildren.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Andrea; was happily married to his first wife, Jasmine until their divorce.
 * High School Sweethearts:
 * With Andrea.
 * Long-Distance Relationship:
 * After Mitch goes away to college in Indiana, he and Andrea try to maintain one, but they later decide to mutually end their relationship.
 * Only Sane Man:
 * Papa Wolf:

Bridgette Harper (née Samuels) (portrayed by Danielle Kendrick)

 * The Alcoholic:
 * Bridgette first began indulging in alcohol every now and then during the 5th season which began to increase after the death of her biological mother almost a month after her wedding which progressed into addiction by the 6th season. Royce and her family tries to intervene when they find about it, but Bridgette was in denial and refused to get help. It wasn't until she ended up in the emergency room after smashing her hand on the bathroom mirror while drunk and speaking with family friend Gwen (who is a recovering alcoholic herself), she agrees to get help.
 * Alcoholic Parent:
 * Her biological mother, Charmaine and adoptive mother, Jasmine.
 * Breaking the Cycle of Bad Parenting:
 * While Bridgette was getting treatment for her alcoholism, she tells her therapist that she doesn't want to end up like her biological and adoptive mothers who were unwilling to get help for their own alcohol issues.
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * To her brothers and stepsiblings.
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Bridgette's biological father died in a car accident (which left her mother with minor injuries) when she was 6 years old which caused her mother to fall into alcohol addiction. She and her brothers were placed in foster care when she was 9 years old after her mother accidentally set a table on fire when her cigarette lighter fell on the ground while she was passed out drunk. She lived in five different foster homes with her brothers. Her last foster parent, Hillary was unable to keep them due to financial issues. Mitch and Jasmine took them into their home and adopted her when she was 16 years old; however, they ended up divorcing due to Jasmine's alcohol addiction.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Bridgette's biological father died in a car accident when she was 6 years old.
 * Foster Kid:
 * Good Parents:
 * To Celia and Natalia.
 * Happily Adopted:
 * By Mitch and his first wife, Jasmine.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Royce.
 * Mama Bear:
 * To her children, grandson, siblings and stepsiblings.
 * Married to the Job:
 * Especially during the first two seasons.
 * Missing Mom:
 * Bridgette's biological mother suffered from alcohol addiction which caused her to lose custody of her children. Her parental rights were later terminated when she failed to follow court-ordered instructions. In the 5th season, it was revealed that Charmaine died from cirrhosis and liver failure due to her alcoholism. Her adoptive mother, Jasmine cut off all contact with her children after she divorced Mitch and doesn't keep in touch with them.
 * Outnumbered Sibling:
 * Before Mitch got remarried, Bridgette was the only girl in her family with four brothers (Brendan, Ryan, Jake and Darien).
 * Recovered Addict:
 * Bridgette struggled with alcoholism during the 5th and 6th seasons that she tried to keep hidden, but after she injured her hand while drunk, she entered an outpatient treatment program and got her life back in order.
 * There Are No Therapists: Averted.

Dr. Royce Harper (portrayed by Kendall Avery)

 * Black and Nerdy:
 * Royce was a straight-A student during his school years which helped him earn him an academic scholarship to UCLA.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Celia and Natalia.
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * His father abandoned him before he was even born and his mother, Samantha died of cancer when he was 10 years old.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Bridgette.
 * Raised by Grandparents:
 * Royce was raised by his grandparents, Charlene and George after his mother died of cancer.
 * The Mentor:
 * To Adrianna, when she first begins working as an emergency room nurse at Oakridge General Hospital.
 * Mr. Fanservice:
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * He made his first appearance on the show in a guest-starring role in the 1st season and was promoted to recurring co-star in the 2nd season. By the 3rd season, he was added to the main cast.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * His late mother, Samantha gave birth to him when she was 19 years old.

Celia Harper (portrayed by Nina Shaye Boyd: seasons 9-current; Ashley and Maya Fuller: seasons 5-8)

 * Nice Girl:

Natalia Harper (portrayed by Krystal Alvarez; seasons 15-current)

 * Breaking the Cycle of Bad Parenting:
 * Natalia is determined to give Mateo stability which is something that she lacked during her years in foster care.
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Good Parents:
 * To her son, Mateo.
 * Happily Adopted:
 * By Bridgette and Royce.
 * Foster Kid:
 * Natalia was in and out of the foster care system for almost nine years of her life until she was adopted by Bridgette and Royce.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * She became pregnant with her son, Mateo when she was 14 years old; she was 4 (almost 5 months pregnant) when she came to live with Bridgette and Royce. She was 15 years old when she gave birth to Mateo.
 * Troubled Teen:
 * Due to her childhood and years in foster care.

Mateo Harper

 * Born in an Elevator:
 * Mateo was born in Bridgette's car as Bridgette was driving Natalia to the hospital when she went into labor. Natalia was unaware that she had given birth until they got to the hospital.
 * Teen Pregnancy :
 * His mother, Natalia was pregnant with him when she was 14 years old and gave birth to him when she was 15 years old.

Brendan Samuels (portrayed by Isaiah Dunne)

 * Alcoholic Parent:
 * His biological mother, Charmaine and his adoptive mother, Jasmine
 * Big Brother Instinct:
 * Children Raise You:
 * Cool Big Bro:
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Brendan's biological father died in a car accident (which left his mother with minor injuries) when he was 6 years old which caused his mother to fall into alcohol addiction. He and his siblings were placed in foster care when he was 9 years old after their mother accidentally set a table on fire when her cigarette lighter fell on the ground while she was passed out drunk. He lived in five different foster homes with his siblings. His last foster parent, Hillary was unable to keep them due to financial issues. Mitch and Jasmine took them into their home and adopted her when he was 16 years old; however, they ended up divorcing due to Jasmine's alcohol addiction.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Brendan's biological father died in a car accident when he was 6 years old.
 * Foster Kid:
 * Good Parents:
 * To Adrianna, Corey and Riley.
 * Happily Adopted:
 * By Mitch and his first wife, Jasmine.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Cheyenne.
 * Love at First Sight:
 * Missing Mom :
 * Brendan's biological mother suffered from alcohol addiction which caused her to lose custody of her children. Her parental rights were later terminated when she failed to follow court-ordered instructions. In the 5th season, it was revealed that Charmaine died from cirrhosis and liver failure due to her alcoholism. His adoptive mother, Jasmine cut off all contact with her children after she divorced Mitch and doesn't keep in touch with them.
 * Parental Substitute:
 * To his stepddaughter, Adrianna.
 * There Are No Therapists: Averted.

Cheyenne Samuels (née Cantrell) (portrayed by Nicole Harrison-Vaughn)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * Amicable Exes:
 * Although Cheyenne had a falling out with her ex-boyfriend, Carter when she refused to get an abortion after she became pregnant with Adrianna, in the 13th season, they are able to put their differences aside when Adrianna reconnects with him.
 * Children Raise You:
 * Daddy Issues:
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Former Teen Rebel:
 * Cheyenne developed a rebellious streak after her parents' divorce when she was 12 years old which lasted until she became pregnant with Adrianna at the age of 15.
 * Glamorous Single Mother: Averted.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Adrianna, Corey and Riley.
 * Happily Married: To Brendan.
 * Love at First Sight:
 * Mama Bear:
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * In the 1st season, she was a recurring co-star and promoted to the main cast in the 2nd season.
 * Struggling Single Mother:
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * She became pregnant with Adrianna when she was 15 years old and gave birth to her a month after her 16th birthday.

Adrianna Cantrell (portrayed by Simone Lee)

 * A Friend in Need :
 * Daddy DNA Test:
 * Daddy Had a Good Reason for Abandoning You:
 * First Period Panic:
 * Friend to All Children:
 * Long-Distance Relationship:
 * With her ex-boyfriend, Aaron in the 11th while he was attending college in Chicago, but they struggle with it and the stress of trying to maintain a long-distance relationship takes its toll on Aaron, who decides to break up with her.
 * Nice Girl:
 * No Periods, Period: Averted.
 * Nerves of Steel:
 * In the 14th season during her first night shift at the hospital after completing her nursing orientation.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She made her debut in a guest-starring role during Season 1 and was promoted to recurring co-star in the 2nd season. It wasn't until the 10th season that she was added to the main cast.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Her mother, Cheyenne became pregnant with her when she was 15 years old and gave birth to her a month after her 16th birthday.

Ryan Samuels (portrayed by Trey Moore; main cast: seasons 1-15)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * Alcoholic Parent:
 * His biological mother, Charmaine and his adoptive mother, Jasmine.
 * The Bus Came Back:
 * Ryan returns to Oakridge in the 16th season to attend Kathy-Rae's memorial service. According to him, Bree and Lucy didn't come along because they had work and school commitments.
 * Chick Magnet:
 * Ryan was known to be a ladies' man, especially during the first two seasons.
 * Children Raise You:
 * Cool Big Bro:
 * To his younger brothers and stepsiblings.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Ryan's biological father died in a car accident when he was 4 years old.
 * Foster Kid:
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Ryan's biological father died in a car accident (which left his mother with minor injuries) when he was 4 years old which caused his mother to fall into alcohol addiction. He and his siblings were placed in foster care when he was 7 years old after their mother accidentally set a table on fire when her cigarette lighter fell on the ground while she was passed out drunk. He lived in five different foster homes with her brothers. His last foster parent, Hillary was unable to keep them due to financial issues. Mitch and Jasmine took them into their home and adopted her when he was 14 years old; however, they ended up divorcing due to Jasmine's alcohol addiction.
 * Happily Adopted:
 * By Mitch and his first wife, Jasmine.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Bree.
 * Missing Mom:
 * Ryan's biological mom suffered from alcohol addiction which caused her to lose custody of her children. Her parental rights were later terminated when she failed to follow court-ordered instructions. In the 5th season, it was revealed that Charmaine died from cirrhosis and liver failure due to her alcoholism. His adoptive mother, Jasmine cut off all contact with her children after she divorced Mitch and doesn't keep in touch with them.
 * Mr. Fanservice:
 * Parental Substitute:
 * To his niece, Lucy after his sister-in-law, Jeanette dies from a drug overdose.
 * Put on a Bus:
 * Ryan moves to Fort Worth, Texas in the 15th season with Bree and Lucy after Bree gets a job promotion.
 * Really Gets Around:

Sabrina "Bree" Collins-Samuels (portrayed by Johanna Young; seasons 4-15)

 * Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling:
 * Happily Married:
 * To Ryan.
 * Only Known By Their Nickname:
 * Bree was given the nickname by her older sister, Brooke, who had a hard time saying her full name when she was a little girl. She is usually called by her nickname, but her mother refers to her by her full name.
 * Parental Issues:
 * Parental Substitute:
 * To her niece, Lucy after her younger sister, Jeanette dies from a drug overdose.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star in the 4th season and promoted to the main cast in the 6th season.
 * Put on a Bus:
 * Bree moves to Fort Worth, Texas in the 15th season with Ryan and Lucy after she gets a job promotion.

Lucy Collins (portrayed by Krystina Duran: seasons 14-15; Evelyn and Evette Fernandez: seasons 11-13)

 * Cheerful Child:
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Her biological dad, Armando abandoned her before she was even born.
 * Missing Mom:
 * Her mom, Jeanette died from a drug overdose in the 12th season.
 * Put on a Bus:
 * Lucy moves to Fort Worth, Texas in the 15th season with Bree and Ryan after Bree gets a job promotion.

Jacob "Jake" Samuels (portrayed by Hakeem Warren)

 * Alcoholic Parent:
 * His mother, Jasmine.
 * Big Brother Instinct:
 * Black and Nerdy:
 * Breakout Character:
 * Book Smart:
 * Cool Big Bro:
 * Deadpan Snarker:
 * Good Parents:
 * To his son, Elijah.
 * Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling:
 * Missing Mom:
 * Jake and Darien's biological mother, Jasmine struggled with alcoholism and her refusal to get help for it led to Mitch divorcing her. Jasmine has cut off all contact with her children and doesn't keep in touch with them.
 * Only Known By Their Nickname:
 * Jake is usually referred by his nickname. His grandmother, Christina sometimes refers to him by his full name.
 * Only Sane Man:
 * "The Reason You Suck" Speech:
 * The Perfectionist:
 * When it came to his schoolwork and when it comes to his job at the restaurant.
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Their First Time:
 * Vocal Evolution:

Skylar Timmons (portrayed by Breanne Rollins; seasons 6-current)

 * Abusive Parents:
 * Her father, Keith.
 * Book Smart:
 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Good Girls Avoid Abortion:
 * Good Parents:
 * To Elijah.
 * Mama Bear:
 * To Elijah.
 * New Transfer Student:
 * Skylar began attending Oakridge Junior\Senior High School during her senior year of high school in the 5th season after attending an all-girls school since the 6th grade.
 * Nice Girl:
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star from the 6th season to the 8th season. She was promoted to the main cast in the 9th season.
 * There Are No Therapists: Averted.
 * Their First Time:

Elijah Samuels (portrayed by Dallas Colton Isaacson: seasons 13-current; Tyler and Tyson Anthony: seasons 9-12)

 * Cheerful Child:

Darien Samuels (portrayed by Bryant Chase)

 * Alcoholic Parent:
 * His mother, Jasmine.
 * Big Brother Instinct:
 * Breakout Character:
 * Character Development:
 * Cool Big Bro:
 * Foolish Sibling, Responsible Sibling:
 * Missing Mom:
 * Darien and Jake's biological mother, Jasmine struggled with alcoholism and her refusal to get help for it led to Mitch divorcing her. Jasmine has cut off all contact with her children and doesn't keep in touch with them.
 * Really Gets Around:
 * Their First Time:
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Troubled Teen:
 * There Are No Therapists: Averted.
 * Darien begins seeing a therapist in the 7th season to help him with his issues with anxiety.

Connor Watkins (portrayed by Vincent Kyle)

 * Academic Athlete:
 * Big Brother Instinct:
 * Connor is protective of his younger sisters, especially Karina, given their close age difference.
 * Breakout Character:
 * Cool Big Bro:
 * To his younger sisters.
 * Consistent Clothing Style:
 * Since his college years, Connor is usually seen wearing one of his hockey caps backwards.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * His biological father, Jason died in a car accident when he was 11 years old.
 * Game-Breaking Injury:
 * Happily Married:
 * To Maxine.
 * Heterosexual Life-Partners:
 * With Owen, Dylan and Bradley.
 * Mr. Fanservice:
 * Outnumbered Sibling:
 * Before Andrea got remarried, Connor was the only boy in his family with five younger sisters (Karina, Alyssa, Finley, Savannah & Haylie).
 * Their First Time:
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Trauma Button:
 * Connor is against drunk driving after what happened to his dad, Jason.
 * Vocal Evolution:

Maxine Watkins (née Blair) (portrayed by Gaby Marlow: seasons 7-current)

 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Domestic Violence:
 * She was physically abused by her ex-boyfriend, Kyle as a teenager.
 * I Have Brothers:
 * She is the youngest of two older brothers in her family.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Connor.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star from the 7th season to the 8th season, and promoted to the main cast in the 9th season.

Karina Kirkland (née Watkins) (portrayed by Marisa Raye Lopez)

 * A-Cup Angst:
 * Affectionate Nickname:
 * Annoying Younger Sibling:
 * Sometimes to Connor, Jake and Darien.
 * Brainy Brunette:
 * Breakout Character:
 * Boy Meets Girl:
 * The Cheerleader:
 * Karina was a member (and later captain) of the sideline cheer team while attending Oakridge Junior\Senior High School.
 * Childhood Friends:
 * With Sable, Bradley, Owen, Dylan and Roxanne Emerson (her "dance sister").
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * To Alyssa, Finley, Savannah and Haylie.
 * Daddy's Girl:
 * Karina had a close relationship with her biological father, Jason.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Her biological father, Jason died in a car accident when she was 10 years old.
 * Deadpan Snarker:
 * Death Glare:
 * Usually towards Connor, Jake, Darien, Owen and Dylan.
 * First Period Panic: Averted.
 * In the 1st season, Karina was actually more mortified that Andrea told Jenn about it, who accidentally repeated it out loud in front of the other hair stylists and a few customers.
 * Friend to All Children:
 * Karina is shown to be very caring with kids, especially with her step-nieces and nephews.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Braydon, Willa and Violet.
 * Grade Skipper:
 * She skipped her sophomore year of high school after she was promoted to the 11th grade in the 4th season.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Trevor.
 * Heterosexual Life-Partners:
 * With Sable.
 * High-School Sweethearts:
 * With Trevor. Even though they first met each other when they were in the 7th and 8th grades respectively, they didn't start dating each other until their high school years.
 * Little Miss Snarker:
 * Especially during the first two seasons.
 * No Periods, Period: Averted.
 * Odd Friendship:
 * With Skylar; even though they didn't hang out with each other when they first met each other in high school, they started to develop a friendship around the time Skylar became pregnant with Elijah.
 * She Is All Grown Up:
 * "The Reason You Suck" Speech:
 * Karina has no problem dishing one of these out, especially towards her brothers.
 * There Are No Therapists: Averted.
 * Karina talks to a counselor after she suffers from a miscarriage and later sees a therapist when she is diagnosed with postpartum depression. It is also revealed that she saw a therapist when she was a kid after the death of her father.

Trevor Kirkland (portrayed by Caleb Harkins)

 * Academic Athlete:
 * Beware of the Nice Ones:
 * Although Trevor is known to be a nice guy, he does have his moments when he can lose his cool.
 * Game-Breaking Injury:
 * In the 8th season after sustaining a sprained ankle during a game.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Braydon, Willa and Violet.
 * Love at First Sight:
 * Happily Married:
 * To Karina.
 * High-School Sweethearts:
 * With Karina. Even though they first met each other when they were in the 8th and 7th grades respectively, they didn't start dating each other until their high school years.
 * Nice Guy:
 * Trevor is known as being a friendly and good-natured person.
 * Rich Idiot With No Day Job: Averted.
 * Trevor works as the associate head coach for the Mount Larkin University men's club ice hockey team.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * He was a recurring co-star from the 1st season to the 2nd season, and promoted to the main cast in the 3rd season.
 * Tall, Dark, and Handsome:
 * New Transfer Student:
 * In the 1st season, Trevor began attending Oakridge Junior\Senior High School in the 8th grade.
 * Vocal Evolution:

Alyssa Watkins (portrayed by Soleil Renee Lopez; main cast: seasons 1-14)

 * Affectionate Nickname:
 * A Friend in Need:
 * Beware of the Nice Ones:
 * Big Sister Instinct:
 * Brainy Brunette:
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Her biological father, Jason died in a car accident when she was 8 years old.
 * First Period Panic:
 * No Periods, Period: Averted.
 * Nice Girl:
 * She Is All Grown Up:
 * Teens Are ShortAverted.
 * Their First Time:
 * Put on a Bus:
 * Alyssa moves to Denver, Colorado permanently after completing grad school when she gets a job working at a private high school which spawned the spin-off, "Denver Bound."

Finley Watkins-Cordova (portrayed by Tessa Chadwick)

 * Affectionate Nickname:
 * All Girls Want Bad Boys:
 * When she dated Tyler Ruiz during high school.
 * Annoying Younger Sibling:
 * To Alyssa, and sometimes to Karina, Connor, Jake and Darien.
 * Bratty Teenage Daughter:
 * Character Development:
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * Coming-Out Story:
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Her biological father, Jason died in a car accident when she was 6 years old.
 * First Period Panic:
 * Former Teen Rebel:
 * Little Miss Snarker:
 * Love at First Sight:
 * Happily Married:
 * To Lisette
 * No Bisexuals: Averted.
 * No Periods, Period: Averted.
 * She Is All Grown Up:
 * Their First Time:
 * Finley loses her virginity to Lisette the night before Connor and Maxine's wedding in the 13th season.
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.

Lisette Watkins-Cordova (portrayed by Jolie Ferreira: season 11-current)

 * Happily Married:
 * To Finley.
 * No Bisexuals: Averted.
 * Ms. Fanservice:
 * Really Gets Around:
 * Lisette has admitted to dating about 7 different men and women, but Finley is her first serious relationship.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star from the 11th season to the 13th season and was promoted to the main cast in the 14th season.
 * Tomboyish Ponytail:
 * She usually keeps her hair up in a ponytail due to her jobs as a water aerobics and yoga instructor.

Savannah Watkins (portrayed by Sierra Myles)

 * Affectionate Nickname:
 * Academic Athlete:
 * Action Girl:
 * Savannah has no problem standing up for herself. When she played boys' hockey, she could hold her own against players who were taller and stronger than her. She even kicked a boy (who was taller than her) in the crotch in the 3rd grade for teasing Janae.
 * Brainy Brunette:
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * To Haylie.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Her biological father, Jason died in a car accident when she was a year old.
 * Game-Breaking Injury:
 * In the 8th season, Savannah breaks her left wrist in her last game of the season with her boys' hockey team which prevents her from playing girls' spring hockey.
 * No Periods, Period Averted.
 * One of the Boys:
 * Savannah mostly hangs out with her hockey teammates and male classmates, but she later befriends Janae and some of the teammates on her girls' spring hockey team. In college, she befriends her teammate, Taryn and moves into her apartment with her. She doesn't like dressing up unless it's for a special occasion.
 * Passionate Sports Girl:
 * Especially when it comes to hockey.
 * She Is All Grown Up:
 * By the time Savannah is 15 years old, she starts looking mature for her age.
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Their First Time:
 * In the 15th season, Savannah loses her virginity to her friend, Jackson while their parents are away on vacation.
 * Tomboy and Girly Girl:
 * She is the tomboy to Haylie's girly girl.
 * Tomboyish Ponytail:
 * Savannah is usually seen wearing a ponytail, especially when she plays hockey.

Haylie Watkins (portrayed by Destiny Morgan Collins: season 2-current; Cassandra and Kristina Jenkins: season 1)

 * Affectionate Nickname:
 * Andrea calls her "Haylie Bug." Her siblings (especially Connor, Karina and Finley) call her "Bugs."
 * Annoying Younger Sibling:
 * To Savannah sometimes.
 * The Baby of the Bunch:
 * She is the youngest child of the Watkins-Samuels family.
 * Brainy Brunette:
 * Cheerful Child:
 * The Cutie:
 * Especially during her toddler years.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Her biological father, Jason died in a car accident when she was almost a month old.
 * No Periods, Period: Averted.
 * She Is All Grown Up:
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Tomboy and Girly Girl:
 * She is the girly girl to Savannah's tomboy.
 * Toilet Training Plot:
 * In the 1st season, Andrea and Mitch each take turns potty-training Haylie.

Kathy Rae Carson (portrayed by Mary Jo Powell: seasons 1-16)

 * Brutal Honesty:
 * Kathy Rae had no problem telling things like they were, but sometimes she was admonished if she went too far with her comments.
 * Character Death:
 * She died in the 16th season from a brain bleed caused by a colloid cyst.
 * Cool Old Lady:
 * Deadpan Snarker:
 * Without a doubt.
 * Good Parents :
 * To Kristin, Andrea and Caroline.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Nick until her death in the 16th season.

Nicholas "Nick" Carson (portrayed by Jonathan Paulson)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Kristin, Andrea and Caroline.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Kathy Rae until her death in the 16th season.
 * Only Sane Man:

Kristin McKinney (née Carson) (portrayed by Norah Bellamy)

 * Awful Wedded Life:
 * Kristin eloped with her ex-husband, Ron when she was 18 years old, but the marriage only lasted for only two years; however, she kept Ron's last name.
 * Dating What Daddy Hates:
 * Her parents didn't approve of her marrying her ex-husband, Ron because they didn't think he would support her properly with him frequently changing jobs.
 * Good Girls Avoid Abortion:
 * Averted; Kristin became pregnant not long after getting married, but she ended up getting an abortion because she felt that she wasn't ready to be a parent.
 * Former Teen Rebel:

Caroline Carson (portrayed by Genevieve Carey: seasons 12-current; Heidi Knapp: seasons 1-3)

 * The Baby of the Bunch:
 * She is the youngest daughter of the Carson family.
 * Cool Aunt:

Isaac Samuels (portrayed by Perry Dennis: seasons 1-11)

 * Character Death:
 * He died from natural causes in the 11th season.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Mitch and Gregory
 * Happily Married:
 * To Christina until his death in the 11th season.

Christina Samuels (portrayed by Lorraine Perry: season 3-current; Judith S. Bartlett: seasons 1-2)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Mitch and Gregory
 * Happily Married:
 * To Isaac until his death in the 11th season.

Bradley Harris (portrayed by Marcus Raye)

 * Academic Athlete:
 * A Friend in Need:
 * Break the Cutie:
 * Character Development:
 * Childhood Friends:
 * With Karina, Connor, Sable, Dylan and Owen.
 * Children Raise You:
 * Cool Big Bro:
 * To Lily and Julian.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Kayla and Tabitha.
 * Happily Married :
 * To Sable.
 * Friend to All Children:
 * Bradley is shown to have a good connection with kids including his daughters, his younger siblings, the kids at the rec center and his students at the preschool.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Sable.
 * Papa Wolf:
 * To Kayla and Tabitha.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * He was a recurring co-star from the 1st season to the 2nd season and was promoted to the main cast in the 3rd season.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Bradley was 17 years old when he found out that Sable was pregnant with Kayla and just turned 18 years old when Kayla was born.
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Their First Time:
 * Vocal Evolution:

Sable Harris (née Simmons) (portrayed by Meaghan Addison)

 * Alliterative Name:
 * Sable Simmons (until she married Bradley and took his last name).
 * Break the Cutie:
 * Breaking the Cycle of Bad Parenting:
 * Sable is determined to be a good mother to her daughters and not abandon them like her biological mother did to her.
 * Character Development:
 * The Cheerleader:
 * Sable was a member of the sideline cheer team at Oakridge Junior\Senior High School, but left the team when she became pregnant in the 6th season.
 * Childhood Friends:
 * With Karina, Connor, Bradley, Dylan and Owen.
 * Children Raise You:
 * Cool Big Sis:
 * To Nico.
 * Daddy's Girl:
 * Sable has a good relationship with her dad, Garrett.
 * Death Glare:
 * Drama Queen:
 * Sable has her moments when she can get overly dramatic, but her friends, sister and cousin are able to reel her in when it gets out of hand.
 * The Fashionista:
 * Sable is known for dressing stylish and was even named "Most Fashionable" in the 9th grade.
 * Good Girls Avoid Abortion:
 * Good Parents:
 * To Kayla and Tabitha.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Bradley.
 * Long-Lost Relative:
 * In the 4th season, Sable discovers that she has a younger sister, Nico whom her late mother, Raquel was pregnant with after she ended her relationship with Garrett.
 * Motor Mouth:
 * When she gets upset or excited.
 * Missing Mom:
 * Sable's mom, Raquel walked out on her and Garrett when she was 3 years old. She returned in the 4th season with her younger sister, Nico (whom she was pregnant with when Raquel left Sable and Garrett), but was arrested for drug possession and trafficking and sent to prison in Philadelphia. Almost a year into her prison sentence, she committed suicide by hanging herself in her jail cell in the 5th season.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Bradley.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star from the 1st season to the 2nd season and was promoted to the main cast in the 3rd season.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Sable became pregnant with her first daughter, Kayla when she was 17 years old and gave birth to her when she was 18 years old not long after graduating from high school.
 * There Are No Therapists: Averted.
 * Their First Time:
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * True Companions:

Kayla Harris (portrayed by Amiyah Elisa George: season 11-current; Brianna and Isabella Salinas: seasons 7-10)

 * Cheerful Child:
 * Daddy's Girl:
 * Kayla has a close relationship with Bradley, going back to her infant years.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Sable became pregnant with her when she was 17 years old and gave birth to her when she was 18 years old not long after graduating from high school

Tabitha Harris (portrayed by Mia Gomez-Parks: season 13-current; Malina and Angelica Garza: seasons 10-13)

 * Cheerful Child:
 * Girlish Pigtails:
 * Maternity Crisis:

Olivia "Liv" Deane (portrayed by Cassidy Parnell: seasons 3-current)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * Especially to her cousin, Sable.
 * The Cheerleader:
 * She was a member of the sideline cheer team while attending Oakridge Junior\Senior High School.
 * Friend to All Children:
 * Hair of Gold, Heart of Gold:
 * Nice Girl:
 * New Transfer Student:
 * In the 3rd season after she moves from Boston, Massachusetts to Oakridge, Illinois.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Dylan.
 * The Pollyanna:
 * Liv is known for having a happy, positive attitude. Even after she broke both of her legs in a hit and run accident in the 10th season, she does her best to keep a positive attitude throughout her recovery.
 * Only Known by Their Nickname:
 * Liv is rarely called by her first name, except by her parents sometimes. When Sable was little, she used to call her Livvy.
 * Promotion to Main Cast:
 * Liv was originally supposed to be a guest-star character on the show, but was later made into a recurring character after Cassidy Parnell impressed the producers with her audition. She was a recurring co-star from the 3rd season to the 5th season and promoted to the main cast in the 6th season.

Juanita Harris (portrayed by Natalie Vasquez-Harmon)

 * The Baby of the Bunch:
 * Juanita is the youngest of three children; she has an older sister, Yesenia and an older brother, Ruben.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Bradley, Lily and Julian.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Darnell since they were 18 years old.
 * Outliving One's Offspring:
 * Her youngest son, David died in the NICU in the 7th season when he is a month old due to compliations from his premature birth.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Juanita became pregnant with Bradley when she was 18 years old and gave birth to him when she was 19 years old.

Darnell Harris (portrayed by Erick Harmon)

 * Disappeared Dad:
 * His dad, Evan died from lung cancer five months after Bradley was born.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Bradley, Lily and Julian.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Juanita since they were 18 years old.
 * Outliving One's Offspring:
 * His youngest son, David died in the NICU in the 7th season when he is a month old due to complications from his premature birth.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Darnell was 18 years old when he learned that Juanita was pregnant with Bradley and 19 years old when he was born.

Janice Harris (portrayed by Gloria Jansen-Hill)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Darnell.
 * Widow Woman:
 * Janice's husband, Evan died of lung cancer five months after Bradley was born.

Liliana "Lily" Harris (portrayed by Daniella Jenkins-Jurado: seasons 8-current; Sheila and Rosalyn Wilmont: seasons 4-7)

 * I Have Brothers:
 * Lily is the only girl in her family with an older brother and a younger brother.

Julian Harris (portrayed by Quincy Perez: season 11-current; Jeremy and Victor Flores: seasons 8-10)

 * Maternity Crisis:

Garrett Simmons (portrayed by Quinn Howard)

 * Age-Gap Romance:
 * Garrett is 14 years older than Lauren.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Sable, Nico, DeVaughn, Lyla and Adam.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Lauren.

Lauren Simmons (née Milano) (portrayed by Heather Clark: season 7-current)

 * Age-Gap Romance:
 * Lauren is 14 years younger than Garrett.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Sable, Nico, DeVaughn, Lyla and Adam.
 * Good Stepmother:
 * To Sable and Nico.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Garrett.

Raquel Silva (portrayed by Olivia Wheaton: season 4)

 * Character Death:
 * Driven to Suicide:

Stephanie Deane (portrayed by Denise Jennings: season 3-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Liv.

Bryce Deane (portrayed by Patrick Walsh: season 3-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Liv.

Nicolette "Nico" Simmons (portrayed by Audrina Sullivan: season 4-current)

 * Action Girl:
 * Deadpan Snarker:
 * Missing Mom:
 * Nico and Sable's mom, Raquel was arrested for drug possession and trafficking in the 4th season, and sent to prison in Philadelphia. Almost a year into her prison sentence, Raquel committed suicide by hanging herself in her jail cell in the 5th season.
 * Mouthy Kid:
 * When she first moved in with Garrett and Sable.
 * Parental Neglect:
 * Her mom would often leave Nico home alone for days on end to fend for herself whenever she got involved with men.

DeVaughn Simmons (portrayed by Andre Mack Wilson: season 12-current)

 * Dark and Troubled Past:
 * Foster Kid:
 * Happily Adopted:
 * By Garrett and Lauren.

Julie Milano (portrayed by Stephanie Leonard: seasons 7-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Lauren and her older siblings: Jonah, Nathan, Amanda and Nicole.
 * Teen Pregnancy:
 * Julie gave birth to her first child, Jonah when she was 17 years old. Her mother was also a teenage parent when she was 16 years old.

Owen Travis (portrayed by Austin Reynolds)

 * Academic Athlete:
 * A Friend in Need:
 * Big Brother Instinct:
 * Childhood Friends:
 * With Connor, Karina, Bradley and Sable.
 * Cool Big Bro :
 * To Dylan.
 * Good Parents:
 * To his daughter, Brynn.
 * Heterosexual Life-Partners:
 * With Connor.
 * Mr. Fanservice:
 * Being a professional ice hockey player, Owen is usually seen shirtless in the locker room.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Ella.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * He was a recurring co-star from the 1st season to the 4th season and promoted to the main cast in the 5th season.
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Vocal Evolution:

Ella Burke (portrayed by Aubrey Collins: seasons 12-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To her daughter, Brynn.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Owen.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring star in the 12th season, a recurring co-star from seasons 13-14 and promoted to the main cast in the 15th season.

Dylan Travis (portrayed by Zachary Pruitt)

 * Academic Athlete:
 * A Friend in Need:
 * Annoying Younger Sibling:
 * To Owen sometimes.
 * Childhood Friends:
 * With Connor, Karina, Bradley and Sable.
 * Pubescent Braces:
 * Official Couple:
 * With Liv.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * He was a recurring co-star from the 1st season to the 4th season and promoted to the main cast in the 5th season.
 * Teens Are Short: Averted.
 * Vocal Evolution:

Jennifer "Jenn" Travis (portrayed by Trisha Nash)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * To Andrea.
 * Childhood Friends:
 * She has been best friends with Andrea since she was in the 6th grade.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Owen and Dylan.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Victor

Victor Travis (portrayed by Rick Johnston)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Owen and Dylan.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Jenn.

Dana Lawson (portrayed by Gillian Price)

 * Brainy Brunette:
 * According to Jenn, Dana studied a lot during her school years and was an honor roll student in junior high and high school.
 * Struggling Single Mother:

Holly Lawson (portrayed by Alana Clare Parsons: seasons 1-10)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * To Alyssa.
 * Childhood Friends:
 * With Alyssa.
 * The Bus Came Back:
 * Holly reappeared on "Denver Bound" in the show's 3rd season as she helps Alyssa through her breakup with Spencer and later moves to Denver to live with her.
 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Put on a Bus:
 * After taking a gap year after high school, Holly decides to move to Dupree City, Illinois in the 10th season to be close to her dad, John as she studies to be a midwife.

Ashlyn Duncan-Barnett (portrayed by Tiffany Quinn: seasons 4-current)

 * A Friend in Need:
 * To Connor.
 * Cool Big Sis :
 * To Chantelle and Janae.
 * Coming-Out Story:
 * Ashlyn comes out as pansexual during the 8th season.
 * Good Stepmother:
 * To Tea.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Lexi.
 * New Transfer Student:
 * In the 4th season, Ashlyn and Chantelle began attending Oakridge Junior\Senior High School during their junior year of high school.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Lexi.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star from the 4th season to the 5th season and promoted to the main cast in the 6th season.
 * Only Sane Woman:

Alexandra "Lexi" Barnett (portrayed by Amber Newton: seasons 12-current)

 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Lexi's dad died of prostate cancer when she was 15 years old.
 * Good Parents:
 * To Tea.
 * Happily Married:
 * To Ashlyn.
 * No Bisexuals: Averted.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Ashlyn.
 * One-Night-Stand Pregnancy:
 * Lexi got pregnant with Tea after having a one-night stand with a guy named Andrew, who was not only unwilling to be a part of his daughter's life, but he disapproved of Lexi being bisexual.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring guest-star in the 12th season, a recurring co-star from the 13th season to the 15th season and promoted to the main cast in the 16th season.

Tea Barnett (portrayed by Rowyn and Willow Christensen: season 12-current)

 * Disappeared Dad:
 * Lexi got pregnant with Tea after having a one-night stand with a guy named Andrew, who was not only unwilling to be a part of his daughter's life, but he disapproved of Lexi being bisexual.
 * Has Two Mommies:
 * Her mom, Lexi and her stepmother, Ashlyn.

Chantelle Duncan (portrayed by Tori Quinn; seasons 4-current)

 * Cool Big Sis:
 * To Janae.
 * Ill Girl:
 * Chantelle has Type 1 diabetes which she was diagnosed with when she was 14 years old.
 * Official Couple:
 * With Darien.
 * Promotion to Opening Titles:
 * She was a recurring co-star from the 4th season to the 5th season and promoted to the main cast in the 6th season.
 * Put on a Bus:
 * Chantelle briefly left Oakridge in the 7th season to stay in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her cousin, Maxine after breaking up with Darien. In reality, Tori Quinn suffered from a knee injury that required surgery. She returned to Oakridge later on in the season with Maxine for good.
 * New Transfer Student:
 * In the 4th season, Chantelle and Ashlyn began attending Oakridge Junior\Senior High School during their junior year of high school.

Janae Duncan (portrayed by Erica Lockwood; seasons 4-16)

 * A Friend in Need:

Jeffrey Duncan (portrayed by Jonathan Hayes: seasons 4-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Ashlyn, Chantelle and Janae.

Hillary Barnett (portrayed by Kim Davenport: seasons 12-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Lexi.

Melissa Blair (portrayed by Lillian Mercer: seasons 8-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Maxine, Ethan and Jack.

Shawn Blair (portrayed by Kevin Nash: seasons 8-current)

 * Good Parents:
 * To Maxine, Ethan and Jack.