Ari is a 17-year-old high school senior living in El Paso. He begins keeping a daily journal addressed to Dante to process his thoughts on his sexuality, his family, and his future. Naturally guarded and prone to feeling isolated, he slowly learns to accept love from his parents and his growing circle of friends.

Dante is a highly articulate, sensitive 17-year-old artist and swimmer. He speaks openly about his feelings and is deeply devoted to Ari, though he worries about fitting into a society that judges gay men and Mexican Americans. He frequently walks barefoot and creates sketches and paintings.

Lilly is a dedicated middle school teacher and Ari's mother. She offers her son unconditional acceptance and encourages him to chart his own course in life. She is fiercely protective of her family and maintains a strong, loving marriage.

Jaime is a Vietnam War veteran who works as a mail carrier. Though historically quiet and emotionally distant due to trauma, he makes a concentrated effort to communicate more openly with his family. He keeps a daily journal and shares his thoughts and life stories with his son.

Cassandra is a brilliant, beautiful high school senior who graduates at the top of her class. She carries emotional weight from her parents' divorce and her brother's struggles. After an honest conversation, she becomes a fierce ally and daily running partner for Ari.

Sam is an English professor and Dante's father. He provides a warm, affectionate presence in his home and actively supports his son's relationship with Ari. He treats Ari like a second son and builds a close friendship with Jaime.

Soledad is a psychiatrist and Dante's mother. She is expecting a new baby and works to guide her son through his teenage impulsiveness. She offers her home as a safe space for the boys.

Bernardo is Ari's much older brother who has been incarcerated for over a decade. His absence casts a long shadow over the Mendoza household, prompting Ari to seek him out for personal closure.

Legs is Ari's loyal and energetic dog. She joins him on his morning runs and provides silent, steady companionship during his moments of internal conflict.

Emma is an art gallery owner who curates the work of her late son. She shares her son's poetry with Ari and Dante, passing on a message of acceptance and artistic expression that deeply moves them both.

Gerald is an expatriate and former university professor of Sam Quintana. He acts as a gracious host in Paris, offering guidance and encouragement to younger generations seeking their place in the world.

Susie is an empathetic and outspoken high school student. She frequently stands up for what she believes is right, directly challenging prejudice in the classroom. She actively seeks a closer bond with Ari.

Gina is a friendly, independent high school student who enjoys eating alone in her car while listening to music. She brings energy to the friend group and supports her peers without hesitation.

Mr. Blocker is an English teacher and former champion boxer. He understands the impulse to fight through difficult times and encourages his students to express themselves through writing.

Carmela is the school nurse at Ari's high school and a longtime friend of his mother. She played a key role in connecting Jaime and Lilly during their college years.

Danny is a high school student who intervenes when he sees unfair treatment. He proves that not all of Ari's peers tolerate discrimination, offering unexpected solidarity.

Mrs. Alvidrez is a conservative member of the church community. Her judgmental attitude toward marginalized individuals causes significant tension with the Mendoza family.

Sophocles is the newborn son of Soledad and Sam. His arrival brings joy to the Quintana household and gives Dante the baby brother he deeply wanted.

Rico is a gay high school student who faces bullying from his peers. The harassment he endures prompts others to step in and defend him.

Julio is a classmate who initially presents an easygoing exterior but privately struggles with his identity and fears judgment from his social circle.

Mrs. Livermore is a teacher whose prejudiced comments about Mexican students spark outrage among her class, leading to a confrontation with Susie and Ari.

David, also known as Cricket, is a quiet student who orchestrates a disruptive prank against Mrs. Livermore. He eventually joins Ari's friend group.

Hector is a high school student and close friend of Julio. He remains supportive when faced with vulnerability in his friend group.

Elena is a high school student who is part of Julio and Hector's social circle. She joins Ari's wider friend group for late-night gatherings.

Chuy is a high school student in Mrs. Livermore's class. He steps up to defend his classmates during an intense argument with their teacher.