Max HeadroomA digital representation of Edison Carter created by Network 23's teenage genius Bryce Lynch. Originally, Bryce downloaded Carter's memories so Network 23's CEO Grossberg can see what going on in Carter's mind. But the digital representation takes on its own personality, becoming Max Headroom, and begins living in the network's computer. Out of Network 23's reach, Max has free reign over Network 23's computers and makes random appearances on TV whenever he pleases.
Edison CarterThe leading "real" character in "Max Headroom," Carter is a reporter for Network 23, the biggest TV station around. Unlike the ruthless company he works for, Carter cares about reporting the news and has a soft spot for the less fortunate people in the city, known as fringers and blanks. Network 23 puts up with him only because his ratings are consistently high.
Theora JonesCarter's boss or "controller" at Network 23, she is the liaison between the maverick reporter and the evil network, though she usually sides with Carter. An expert hacker and techy, she's instrumental in helping Carter find out the truth and keeping him out of trouble. Every once in awhile, sparks fly between Theora and Carter, hinting at an undercover romance.
Bryce LynchNetwork 23's resident teenage genius responsible for creating Max Headroom. A classic nerd, he's spent his entire life around computers. Bryce graduated from the Academy of Computer Sciences (ACS), a secretive computer school that plays a major role in later episodes. Despite his shortcomings, Bryce is essentially a good character and helps Carter in times of need.
Ned GrossbergThe former head of Network 23, Grossberg goes to rival Network 66 following the blipvert scandal and Carter's near death. An immoral media executive in every sense of the word, he cares only about ratings, even at the cost of human life.
Blank RegA blank, Reg runs the underground Big Time Television network out of his bus. Reg is a good friend of Carter and resorts to violence to save him on more than one occasion. An archetypal cyberpunk with a Mohawk to match, Reg mostly likes to plays punk and rock music on Big Time, but sometimes he throws in a couple Grateful Dead tracks.
The Academy of Computer Science (ACS)A school for computer geniuses. Bryce Lynch learned about computers here at a young age. More than just a school, members of this academy play an important role in controlling society on behalf of the networks.
BlankA person who has no computer records of their existence. In the society of the future these people are nobodies and have zero rights. Most network execs and politicians would like to see blanks eradicated.
BlipvertsAdvertising in the future. High-speed commercials condensed into a few seconds that prevent channel changing and embed themselves in viewer's minds. Sometimes they cause the heads of viewers to explode.
ControllersSort of like TV producers, controllers act as a reporter's liaison to the network they work. Controllers offer reporters information and technical support, and make sure they stay out of trouble and keep on assignment.
FringersHomeless people who live on the outskirts of town. Most of these people are blanks.
Network 23The largest TV network in the world and employer of Edison Carter and Theora Jones.
Tele-electionsA mix between a beauty contest and a political election, this is how politicians are selected in the future. Every network has a candidate, and whoever has the highest ratings wins the political office.
Zik ZakThe corporate owner of Network 23, Zik Zak is responsible for most of the network's advertising and revenue and uses the network for political purposes.
ZippingThe art of hacking into television transmissions to disrupt programming.
