Craig is the narrator and protagonist in "It's Kind of a Funny Story," and both versions of the story begin with him contemplating suicide. Worn by the extreme stresses of attending a specialty prep school, Craig, 16, checks himself in to a psych ward where the patients are primarily adults. Craig ultimately encounters eccentricities and personalities that give him a better view of himself while he's in the hospital. In the film, Craig is played by Keir Gilchrist.
Noelle is the only other teenage patient in the psych ward when Craig arrives. Noelle also has problems with depression, with fresh scars on her face to prove it. Noelle and Craig are drawn to each other, though things are complicated by Craig's apparent relationship with Nia. Noelle provides the insight and perspective Craig needs, and she is portrayed by Emma Roberts in the film adaptation.
Bobby is the first friend Craig makes in the psych ward, and their relationship grows strong throughout the story. Bobby becomes something of a mentor to Craig during his stay at the hospital. Bobby is instrumental in Craig's journey to wellness, though he faces serious challenges of his own along the way. In the film, Zach Galifianakis portrays Bobby.
Nia is Craig's best friend Aaron's girlfriend, and she is the subject of Craig's affections. Aaron and Nia's relationship is one of the stressors in Craig's life that helps push him into depression. Nia is ultimately a complication to Craig's other relationships in the psych ward. She is portrayed by Zoë Kravitz in the movie.