Gus is a 13-year-old resident of the poverty-stricken desert town of Nowhere, Arizona. Highly intelligent and an avid reader, he studies for the SAT early to fulfill his dream of leaving his desolate hometown. Despite his small stature and lack of physical strength, he possesses a strong sense of loyalty and bravery when confronting antagonists.

Rossi is a 13-year-old newcomer to Nowhere who belongs to the Tohono O'odham tribe. She is a highly skilled dirt-bike racer who rides a beloved bike and frequently beats the local boys in competitions. Tough and fiercely private, she copes with her family's financial struggles by focusing on her dream of racing in the Baja One Thousand.

Bo is a 13-year-old boy and the most notorious bully in Nowhere. He relies on brute physical strength and intimidation to control others, demanding absolute submission from his peers. He despises losing, especially in dirt-bike races, and acts with cruel confidence while supported by a small group of followers.

Jessie is a 13-year-old Mexican American resident of Nowhere whose family traces their roots back to the legendary local figure José Navarro. He is outgoing, deeply connected to his heritage, and sensitive to the racial dynamics of the region. A rift has recently separated him from his closest childhood companion.

Matthew is one of Bo Taylor's sidekicks, frequently following the bully's orders and echoing his threats. He traces his ancestry back to William André Dufort, a legendary figure tied to the local Dead Frenchman Mine. He presents a tough exterior to protect himself from further mistreatment at home and school.

Jacob is a 13-year-old boy in Nowhere who serves as one of Bo Taylor's loyal minions. He frequently accompanies Bo around town and acts as backup during incidents of intimidation.

Mayor Handsome is the eccentric, Eastern European proprietor of the local, understocked grocery store, Nowhere Market and Ostrich Farm. He speaks with an unplaceable accent and exhibits an unusual fondness for the desolate desert town, frequently showing generosity to local families.

Grandma is Gus's guardian, sharing a small, run-down trailer with him in Nowhere. She spends most of her time distracted by television, offering Gus a place to live after his father abandoned him in the desert.

Jack is Bo Taylor's older brother. With their mother deceased and their father incarcerated, Jack exercises brutal authority over the household and maintains a fearsome reputation in town.

Mr. Scott is Rossi's father. He works as a social worker at the Center for Youth to rehabilitate troubled boys, supplementing his low-paying job with overnight shifts at a gas station to support his daughter.

Mrs. Navarro is Jessie's mother. She is a warm, welcoming presence in the community who invites isolated children into her home and feeds them.

William André Dufort is a legendary historical figure in Nowhere. According to local lore, he stole gold from his partner 70 years prior and triggered a deadly cave-in to escape law enforcement.

José Navarro is a historical figure tied to the legend of Dead Frenchman Mine. He was allegedly betrayed and mortally wounded by his partner during a dispute over a gold strike.

Breaker Bradley is a famous dirt-bike racer. He serves as the namesake for a prestigious racing camp that represents the ultimate opportunity for the young riders in Nowhere.