What can be inferred about the characters' lives before boarding the Cyclone?

The inference that the characters faced significant challenges and choices before boarding the Cyclone is substantiated by their backgrounds and the narratives presented in "Ride the Cyclone." Each character reflects on their personal stories, revealing struggles that have shaped their lives, such as familial issues, personal losses, and existential crises. These challenges highlight their individual journeys and the decisions they've made, which culminate in their fateful encounter with the ride.

While some characters may exhibit moments of fulfillment or regret, the overarching theme of the narrative emphasizes the unique obstacles and pivotal choices they have encountered. This variety in their experiences serves to enrich the story and portray a spectrum of human emotions and circumstances, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.

In contrast, the other choices suggest a uniformity in their experiences or suggest that their lives lacked complexity, which the narrative does not support. Each character's distinct struggles ultimately lead them to the Cyclone, making the assessment that they all faced significant challenges and choices the most accurate.