DEN BRUV – The elder brother of Doug. Notional head of the family – and the family firm. Like his brother, struggling to leave the old ways of villainy and violence behind. But now most of the violence is between the two brothers. They like to keep it in the family. Not all that enamoured with his brother’s girlfriend Chanterelle.
DOUG BRUV – Younger brother of Den. Like his brother, a bit of a geezer. A bloke. A hard nut of the old school. Painfully loyal to family and friends. Very painfully sometimes. He and his brother can inflict terrible damage on each other in the name of “family” proving that blood really is thicker.
JANICE BRUV – Doug and Den’s sister. Single mum to little Jason. They would not let on, but both Doug and Den are scared of Janice. She only has to speak and they obey. Sort of matriarch to the family these days. Expects her brothers to help raise Jason.
JASON BRUV – Janice’s son. Doug and Den’s nephew. The Bruvs have high hopes for little Jason. But they are mostly wasted. His mum does not want him to join the old firm. But Doug and Den can’t help but teach him some of their ways. Always with the best of intentions. Not always with the best results.
OLD MAN BRUV – Doug and Den’s dad. Used to run the family “business” but has handed over to his boys. His eyesight has faded and his hearing is not so good. The boys always try to impress their old dad. They try to give him special treats when they can. But these often lead to some sort of disaster. A fairly recent widower, he has a new young Eastern European lady friend. The Bruvs do not get on with her.
CHANTERELLE – Doug’s girlfriend … a W.E.G – West Essex Girl. Slightly obsessed with her looks – her fake nails, pumped up lips, hair extensions from China and her spray tan. She favours a natural look. She hardly ever achieves it. She goes by one name like all the greats: Madonna, Cher, Lulu, Adele, Cheryl and Jordan. Possibly named after the mushroom. And she is often in the dark. But there is much more to Chanterelle than meets the eye.