Anastasia is a thoughtful, imaginative ten-year-old girl who struggles with complex emotions and finding her place in the world. She keeps a secret green notebook where she makes lists of things she likes and hates, writes poetry, and records personal milestones. She often feels out of place among her peers and worries about how the arrival of her new baby brother will change her established life.

A literature professor and published poet, Anastasia's father is a supportive mentor to his daughter. He encourages her creativity and validates her unique way of thinking, even when she feels misunderstood by her schoolteacher. He provides a calm, steady presence as the family prepares for a new infant.

Anastasia's mother is a professional artist who frequently shares her own emotional experiences to help her daughter understand the process of growing up. She handles the impending arrival of her new baby while maintaining an open, if sometimes distracted, dialogue with Anastasia. She models a departure from traditional gender roles by performing tasks like hanging curtains while her husband cooks.

A ninety-two-year-old woman living in a nursing home, Anastasia's grandmother suffers from Alzheimer's disease. She frequently forgets current events, including her granddaughter's name, but vividly recalls fond memories of her late husband, Sam. Her condition and presence force Anastasia to confront complicated feelings about aging and family bonds.

Anastasia's schoolteacher, who has strict expectations for student assignments. She initially lands on Anastasia's list of hated things due to her rigid grading of a non-rhyming poem, representing an obstacle to Anastasia's creative expression.

Anastasia's calm and certain classmate. She is a devout Catholic girl who has a firm understanding of her own religious routine, though she lacks the answers for some of Anastasia's more complicated questions. She provides a sounding board for Anastasia's ideas about faith and romance.

An older, African American boy at Anastasia's school whom she decides she is in love with after reading a magazine article. He is unaware of her complicated feelings and inadvertently hurts her pride when she tries to alter her appearance to impress him.

Anastasia's soon-to-be-born younger brother. His expected arrival throws Anastasia's life into emotional turmoil. The pregnancy makes Anastasia feel pressured, displaced, and uncertain about her future identity within the family structure.

Anastasia's deceased grandfather. Though he is no longer living, the memories of him bring great comfort and joy to Anastasia's grandmother. His legacy helps Anastasia learn about the enduring power of love and memory.