Manfred “Manny” Ulysses

Manny is a 14-year-old prodigy of Greek and German descent, instantly recognizable by his thick square glasses and blond poofy hair. Brilliant but arrogant, he’s won every science fair he’s entered — and been expelled from every school he’s attended thanks to reckless experiments in his quest to build a rocketship and find his missing father, Sebastian.
Manny’s narcissism and biting sarcasm mask deep insecurities. Socially awkward and often dismissive of others’ safety, he struggles to form connections. His favorite old romantic movies left him with outdated views on love, yet he finds himself drawn to eccentric and progressive classmates like Claire and Kris while slowly exploring his own bisexuality.

At home, Manny’s independence clashes with his mother Oleana and her fiancé, straining family ties. Though headstrong and closed-off, beneath it all he yearns for genuine friendship — something he’s never truly had until meeting Bo.