Fabiola is a teenage Haitian American immigrant who was born in the United States but raised entirely in Haiti. She travels alone to Detroit to live with her aunt and cousins, struggling to adjust to the freezing climate, the unfamiliar urban culture, and the absence of her mother. She actively practices voodoo, maintaining a deep spiritual connection to her roots by relying on the *lwas* (spirit guides) to help her adapt to her new surroundings.

Fabiola's aunt resides in a house at the corner of American Street and Joy Road. She suffers from a condition that causes partial facial paralysis, requires a cane for mobility, and leaves her dependent on pain medication. As the sole provider for her three daughters, she operates a shady money-lending business and maintains a tough exterior, burying the grief of losing her husband years earlier.

One of Fabiola's cousins and part of the trio known locally as the "Three Bees." Pri acts as the "brawn" of the group, known for her physical strength, protective nature, and preference for boyish clothing. She actively monitors the high school hallways to ensure no one disrespects her family.

Fabiola's cousin and Pri's twin sister. Known as the "beauty" of the Three Bees, she cares deeply about her appearance, fashion, and social status. She maintains a long-term, volatile relationship with a local drug dealer, often bearing physical scars from their conflicts while fiercely defending his presence in her life.

The eldest of Fabiola's cousins, acting as the "brains" of the Three Bees. She is highly intelligent and pragmatic, choosing to attend a local community college to care for her family rather than accepting a scholarship to a prestigious university. She helps manage the household's finances, enrolls Fabiola in school, and handles official paperwork.

Donna's long-time boyfriend and a local drug dealer. He cultivates a harsh reputation on the streets and maintains a volatile, abusive dynamic with Donna. His illegal activities, flashy vehicle, and aggressive behavior make him a constant source of danger and tension for Fabiola and her cousins.

Dray's best friend who works at a local café. He presents a gentler, more respectful demeanor than Dray, taking care of his personal appearance and treating Fabiola with kindness. He introduces Fabiola to the positive aspects of Detroit's culture and quickly develops romantic feelings for her, though he remains closely tied to Dray's street lifestyle.

Fabiola's mother is a citizen of Haiti who holds a temporary visa but faces deportation due to officials suspecting she intends to stay permanently. She acts as Fabiola's primary anchor and source of cultural and spiritual knowledge. Her detention in a New York facility drives her daughter's actions and deepens Fabiola's sense of isolation in Detroit.

The late husband of Matant Jo and father to the "Three Bees." He originally came to America after his factory in Haiti burned down, buying a house in Detroit in pursuit of a prosperous future. He worked at a local auto plant before his violent death altered the trajectory of his family's life.

An older man who owns a Detroit nightclub and operates shady business enterprises. He holds significant financial and physical power over the neighborhood, acting as a dangerous authority figure to whom Matant Jo and her family owe substantial debts.

An older, disabled man who sits on a bucket at the corner of American Street and Joy Road. He sings rhythmic riddles about the neighborhood's residents. Fabiola believes he is the physical manifestation of Papa Legba, the Haitian voodoo spirit guide who guards the crossroads and opens doors to new paths.

A student at the Catholic high school who becomes Fabiola's first friend in Detroit. She helps Fabiola understand the social hierarchy of the school and offers academic assistance regarding proper essay citations. She is deeply intimidated by the fierce reputation of Fabiola's cousins.

A plainclothes police detective investigating a fatal drug overdose in the affluent Grosse Pointe Park neighborhood. She approaches Fabiola with an offer to secure her mother's release from immigration detention in exchange for information connecting local street dealers to the lethal drugs.

Fabiola's English teacher at the Catholic high school. He grew up in Detroit and attempts to check in on Fabiola's well-being as she transitions to her new life in America, encouraging her to focus on her education.

The principal of the local Catholic high school. She is friendly and remembers Chantal fondly as a former scholarship student, though she remains entirely unaware of the family's current financial and social struggles.

A classmate of Fabiola's who attempts to bully the new student. She initiates conflicts over boys, underestimating the violent protective reputation of Fabiola's cousins.

Tonesha's cousin, who claims previous romantic involvement with Kasim. She confronts Fabiola directly, leading to an intense physical fight at school.

A student at the Catholic high school who hangs out with Fabiola and Imani during social events.

A friend of Pri's who attends the local sporting events and catches her romantic attention.