Jeffrey is an eighth-grade student in New Jersey who has been in remission from acute lymphocytic lymphoma for five years. He lives with the physical and cognitive aftereffects of his treatments, including a limp and processing difficulties that make math especially challenging. Despite his medical struggles, he maintains a self-deprecating sense of humor and a strong determination to succeed. He feels immense pressure to handle school expectations while managing his family's shifting dynamics.

Thaddeus is Jeffrey's best friend and a two-time cancer survivor who attends eighth grade mostly using a wheelchair due to nerve damage. He uses sharp cynicism and acerbic wit as a defense mechanism against pity and ableist attitudes. Though he projects a harsh exterior, he cares deeply about the people in his life and sets out to accomplish a grand gesture for his friends. He creates a pact to tutor Jeffrey in math in exchange for physical training.

Lindsey is a new student who recently relocated from California due to her father's job in digital effects design. She is friendly and observant, easily reading past the awkwardness that usually surrounds Jeffrey and Thaddeus. She quickly becomes a central part of their social circle, bringing a strong desire to make a tangible difference in the world.

Steven is Jeffrey's older brother who previously acted as the highly supportive sibling during Jeffrey's initial cancer treatments. The pressure of maintaining this flawless image eventually overwhelms him, prompting him to leave college to find his own purpose playing drums in Africa. His sudden absence creates a significant emotional void for his family and leaves Jeffrey feeling abandoned.

Mr. Alper is Jeffrey and Steven's father. He copes with his younger son's illness by pushing for normalcy and academic excellence. Because he is naturally gifted at math, he finds it difficult to accept Jeffrey's cognitive struggles in the subject. He insists that his son face standardized testing without special accommodations to prove his independence.

Mrs. Alper is Jeffrey and Steven's mother. The trauma of Jeffrey's illness leaves her highly protective and cautious about his future. She strongly advocates for her son to receive educational accommodations to protect him from the stress of standardized testing. This protective instinct frequently causes clashes with her husband over parenting strategies.

Miss Palma is the eighth-grade English teacher. She assigns introspective journal topics and teaches literature like *Cyrano de Bergerac*. Her lessons encourage the students to reflect on their personal lives and inspire the concept of a "beau geste," meaning a beautiful and selfless gesture.

Mr. McGrath is the middle school gym teacher who oversees the adapted physical education routines for students with physical limitations. He also tutors Jeffrey in math after school. He offers surprisingly motivational speeches about determination and bravery that help Jeffrey stay focused.

Dr. Galley is the middle school guidance counselor. She serves as a mediator between the school administration, the students, and their parents. She helps Jeffrey process his irrational guilt over his family's stress and provides perspective on his academic rights.

Brianna is a middle school student whose past insensitive remarks deeply affected Thaddeus. Her comments caused him to rely more heavily on his wheelchair to avoid scrutiny. She becomes the target of a misguided social scheme when Lindsey decides to play matchmaker.

Yvonne is Thaddeus's younger sister, born a year after his initial cancer diagnosis. She lives with the tension of her brother's medical history. Thaddeus maintains a deliberate emotional distance from her, acting coldly to prevent her from becoming too attached to him.

Mrs. Ibsen is Thaddeus's mother. She manages the difficult task of caring for a chronically ill son while keeping up with school requirements. She frequently communicates with the Alper family about school events and the boys' social lives.

Annette is Steven's girlfriend who attends college with him. She is left behind when Steven unexpectedly drops out of school to travel to Africa.

Samantha is a teenager who underwent treatment for leukemia alongside Jeffrey in the past. Her memory deeply influences Steven's choices and his understanding of family support.