Peter is the class clown and resident prankster in Mr. Terupt's fifth-grade class. He frequently pushes boundaries to see what he can get away with but shows a willingness to accept gentle correction. He tends to speak and act before thinking fully about the consequences of his actions.

Jessica is a mature, independent student who recently moved from California to Connecticut with her mother. She relies heavily on books for comfort, constantly carrying one under her arm to help ease her anxiety. She takes a logical approach to social situations but still finds herself drawn into classroom drama.

Luke is a high-achieving student who thrives on academic challenges and meticulous projects. He approaches his schoolwork with an analytical mindset and prefers complex tasks over standard worksheets. He is highly competitive, often struggling to acknowledge the successes of his peers.

Alexia acts as the queen bee among the fifth-grade girls, accustomed to others following her lead unquestioningly. She actively manipulates peer relationships, changes alliances frequently, and initiates conflicts. Her behavior stems from her home environment and past experiences with being bullied over her fashion choices.

Jeffrey is a withdrawn student who adopts a casual, dismissive tone regarding his education. He carries a heavy burden of grief over a family tragedy, leading him to disengage from learning and avoid forming close relationships. Interacting with the school's Collaborative Classroom brings out his deeply compassionate side.

Danielle is a quiet fifth-grader who lives on a farm with her family. She is easily influenced by others, making her a frequent target for classroom drama. Faith is very important to her, and she frequently turns to prayer for comfort and guidance.

Anna is a quiet, observant student who rarely raises her hand in class. She lives with her single mother and internalizes the social ostracism her family faces, assuming she is to blame. She avoids classroom drama by keeping to herself and carefully watching the behavior of those around her.

Mr. Terupt is the new fifth-grade teacher at Snow Hill School. He is a young, athletic former wrestler who tailors his educational approach to fit each student's specific needs. He attempts to teach his class lessons about personal responsibility and looks for ways to build connections among his students.

Mrs. Williams is the principal of Snow Hill School. She oversees the operations of the school and periodically checks in on Mr. Terupt's fifth-grade class.

Terri is Anna's single mother who works at a library. She faces ongoing social ostracism in their town for being a teen mother, yet she maintains a close, supportive relationship with her daughter.

Susan is Danielle's mother. She adheres to her family's strict social boundaries regarding who Danielle is allowed to associate with outside of school.

Charlie is Danielle's older brother. He is the same age as Anna's mother, Terri, and knew her when they were both in high school.

Danielle's grandmother lives on the family farm and holds strict prejudices against certain members of the community. She enforces rigid rules about who Danielle is allowed to befriend.

Michael is Jeffrey's late older brother. He had Down Syndrome and leukemia, and his passing heavily impacts his family's emotional state.

Jeffrey's mother is consumed by deep grief over the loss of her older son. She struggles with basic daily tasks and maintains complete silence at home.

Jeffrey's father is entirely enveloped in his grief over his late son. He avoids speaking to his wife or Jeffrey, creating a heavy, silent atmosphere in their home.

Jessica's mother recently relocated her and Jessica from California to Connecticut following the breakdown of her marriage. She is supportive of Jessica and open to making new friends in their new town.

Jessica's father is a small-time play director in California. His decision to leave his family for an actress prompts Jessica and her mother to move across the country.

Alexia's mother has a volatile relationship with her husband and frequently yells at home. She advises Alexia to take charge and fight back against anyone who tries to push her around.

Alexia's father has a loud and contentious relationship with his wife, establishing a household environment characterized by yelling and conflict.

James is a student with autism spectrum disorder in the school's Collaborative Classroom. He bonds with several of Mr. Terupt's fifth-grade students during their experiential learning visits.

Ms. Newberry is a fellow teacher at Snow Hill School. She takes an interest in Mr. Terupt and attempts to build a closer relationship with him.

Luke's mother is a supportive parent who accompanies her son to the hospital to visit his teacher.