Joey is an eleven-year-old boy living in a tornado-prone area of the United States. He uses comic books and drawing to make sense of the world, frequently sketching an infinity symbol when he needs to process his feelings. Living on the edge of poverty, he actively tries to hide his precarious living situation from his classmates while relying on the warmth and physical stability provided by his grandmother.

Grandmum is Joey's British grandmother who previously traveled the world as a military spouse. She drives an old car called the Fishbowl and works hard cleaning offices to support herself and Joey. She creates a foundation of safety for her grandson, symbolized by the handmade quilt she stitches and the creative ways she stretches their limited resources to make meals like "potato thingees."

Joey's mother is an unpredictable presence in his life who often wears a butterfly scarf representing her desire for freedom. She frequently experiences a sudden urge to abandon her responsibilities, a habit Joey refers to as "the itch." Her involvement in unspecified legal and financial troubles places significant strain on the family's living arrangements and forces them out of their previous home.

Nick is Joey's observant classmate and neighbor in the mobile home park. Because of his own experiences with family separation and his mother's depression, Nick deeply understands the importance of discretion. He offers Joey quiet support without drawing attention to his friend's struggles.

Hakeem is a steady and emotionally intelligent childhood friend of Joey. He learns French through a free phone application and dreams of attending culinary school in France to become a professional chef. Coming from a more stable home environment, he frequently finds respectful ways to support his friends and share what he has.

Frank King, widely known as Uncle Frankie, is the owner and manager of the mobile home park. He maintains a pyramid of bowling balls at the entrance of the property and acts as a dependable neighborhood figure. He actively watches out for the residents and offers practical assistance like free furniture and maintenance help without asking for anything in return.

Mrs. Swan is Joey's math teacher. She pays close attention to her students and actively sets up systems to help them access necessities without embarrassment. By maintaining a "Share Table" and a "Corner Store" filled with extra snacks and supplies, she ensures her students have what they need to succeed in her classroom.

The Davison family, consisting of parents Iris and Mike along with children Phoenix and Olivia, live in a two-story blue country house where they maintain a working homestead. They grow food, raise animals, and keep a goat named Headcheese. Their household is characterized by warmth, openness, and a ready supply of food.

The Luckies are a family of dogs, including a mother dog named Lucky and puppies like Dawg and Duck. Left behind by their previous owner, they rely entirely on the kindness of whoever finds them in the mobile home park.

Bashirah is a local social worker who coordinates placements and handles administrative details. She ensures that the physical and emotional needs of the children she works with are met during major life transitions.

Candy Sprinkles is a young girl who visits the local soup kitchen with her mother. She was given a uniquely sweet name by her mother in the hopes that she would have a sweet life despite her current circumstances.