Main Characters
Samantha Elisabeth "Sam" Small (Bloodhound)
The protagonist of Chum, a petite but athletic 14-year old Jewish girl from the neighborhood of Mayfair, Philadelphia. After a horrific boating accident with her Pop-Pop Moe, she develops "shark powers" - a bite capable of cutting into metal, constantly regrowing teeth, a blood-sense, and, as she discovers quickly, a regeneration factor.
- Academic Athlete: Although she presents herself as a Lovable Jock, her propensity towards big words, supplemental education from her mother, and ability to hold down her grades despite all the superheroing put her more in this corner.
- Animal-Themed Superbeing: Her powers are shark-themed, which she gained from a boating accident, while her superhero persona is Bloodhound themed.
- Determinator: One of her defining traits, almost to a point of recklessness. She frequently will push herself until her body gives out before her willpower does.
- Healing Factor: She has a notable healing factor, regenerating at a much faster rate than normal humans.
Jordan Anise Westwood (Safeguard)
A 16-year-old nonbinary antihero that starts as Sam's enemy before becoming one of her closest allies. Known as Safeguard, Jordan has the unique ability to expand and contract enclosed spaces. They act as a mentor figure to Sam, possessing the street smarts that she lacks and performing vigilante operations to keep their shared neighborhood safe.
- Alien Geometries: Capable of creating these with their powers.
- Defeat Means Friendship: After their initial encounter with Sam, Jordan makes it clear that they're not interested in being Sam's enemy, and they quickly become allies instead.
- Mentor Archetype: Acts as a mentor to Sam, guiding her in her superhero journey.
- Perky Goth: Goth clothing: Check. Upbeat (if sour) attitude? Check.
- Platonic Life-Partners: After several life threatening encounters together, their relationship with Sam has evolved into something like this.
- Space Master: Their power allows them to shrink and expand enclosed spaces, making them Bigger on the Inside - or smaller.