Amina is an eleven-year-old Pakistani-American girl living in Milwaukee. She possesses a beautiful singing voice and perfect pitch, but severe stage fright prevents her from performing in public. She handles the social shifts of middle school with apprehension, preferring the comfort of established routines. Deeply connected to her Muslim faith and her family, she worries about the changes happening in her social circle as her friends begin to mature.

Soojin is a Korean-American middle schooler and Amina's best friend since the third grade. Her family operates a church and a restaurant, and they are actively preparing to become naturalized US citizens. She contemplates changing her first name to an Americanized option like Susan, a decision that causes quiet tension in her friendship with Amina.

Emily is a classmate who historically participated in racially motivated bullying alongside other girls. She suddenly begins sitting with Amina and Soojin at lunch after being assigned to work with them on an Oregon Trail project in social studies class. She attempts to distance herself from her past behavior to secure a fresh social start.

Salmeen is Amina's father, an immigrant from Pakistan who runs a growing business. He places a high value on education, family discipline, and religious adherence. He experiences high anxiety over his older brother's impending extended visit, wanting to ensure his American household meets traditional standards.

Mrs. Khokar is Amina's observant and practical mother. She spends her time managing the household and cooking elaborate Pakistani meals to freeze in preparation for her brother-in-law's arrival. She balances traditional family expectations with an understanding of her children's American upbringing.

Mustafa is Amina's teenage brother who is working through his first year of high school. Once a straight-A student, he experiences an academic slump and a new focus on personal hygiene. He wants to join the basketball team, clashing directly with his father's academic expectations.

Thaya Jaan is Amina's paternal uncle who lives in Pakistan. He is a strict, traditional figure whose impending three-month visit causes immense stress for the Khokar household, as the family scrambles to prepare and present themselves perfectly in accordance with conservative religious standards.

Imam Malik is the religious leader at the Islamic Center where the Khokar family attends Sunday school. He is an American-raised leader from Florida who maintains a close, friendly relationship with Amina's parents while keeping an eye on the youth in his congregation.

Bradley is a socially awkward classmate who struggles with understanding personal boundaries. He is assigned to the same social studies group as Amina, Soojin, and Emily, frequently making bizarre declarations during class.

Justin is an athletic middle school boy in Amina's class. He previously made Amina feel self-conscious by pointing out the hair on her legs, causing her to actively avoid him at school.

Rabiya is the younger daughter of the Khokars' family friends. She attends Sunday school at the Islamic Center and enjoys recording casual singing videos, encouraging a reluctant Amina to share her vocal talents with others.

Salma Auntie is a close family friend of the Khokars. She frequently socializes with Mrs. Khokar and enforces strict rules for her children, routinely stopping social events to ensure they meet their religious obligations.

Mrs. Kuckleman is Amina's music teacher. She recognizes Amina's perfect pitch and encourages her to participate in the school's upcoming music programs, attempting to help her overcome her intense stage fright.