These are some nice character concepts, I'm liking it. Also I have no qualms with homosexuality in this RP. Just remember that these characters are going to be explored in depth because of the fact that they are part of the protagonist's (I refuse to name her until we can make a personality that makes sense XD) subconscious. Important traits such as that will most likely have to be manifested in a meaningful way. Especially for closeted homosexuals like what Rune was talking about. Or at least, I assume Rune's idea was of a closeted homosexual... 

Optimist: Aunt Gail sounds pretty interesting. How obvious do you think the more outgoing side of her will be to the main character in real life? Knowing what that is might tell you how to execute the cat transformation. Assuming of course that the loving and open to her family part is still her shy side. If it is then you can make the bolder side a nice little secret that the protagonist may or may not have picked up on consciously and yet it's apparent to Gail's appearance in the coma. 

Rune: I think inventor might be the way to go, just cause it's more original and more interesting. Just as a suggestion :P

Toaw: That could be interesting. Depending how much your character is influenced by the book perhaps it could serve as the narrator of sorts? Not sure how that could be executed but it sounds cool to me XD. And back on the subject on homosexuality I have to disagree with you just a little bit on the depth part. I think for a character, sexuality is just like any other trait they may have until you give it meaning to the character's arc. You could very well have a gay character who's arc is COMPLETELY unaffected by their sexuality, just like you could have a character that is or isn't affected by their race. Basically what I'm trying to say is any trait can give a lot of depth to a character as long as the writer gives it some meaning and sometimes context. (Race obviously doesn't need context unless you're an Elf born among Orcs, but that's exclusive to fantasy or sci-fi)