Travis is an eighth-grade boy who has recently relocated to a new town with his grandfather following the disappearance of his dog. He holds a deep affinity for the outdoors and animals, often looking for wildlife in the woods. School feels like a claustrophobic trap for Travis, primarily because he harbors immense anxiety regarding his inability to read. He is quiet and intensely observant, often internalizing his heavy grief until it surfaces as impulsive anger or a strong urge to flee.

Grandpa serves as Travis's guardian, working long hours at a local bakery to support them. Having assumed custody after the tragic death of Travis's parents, he has spent years self-medicating with alcohol. Recently sober, he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and attempts to forge a more functional household. Though his communication style is rough and he often resorts to driving away during arguments, he genuinely wishes to repair his fractured relationship with his grandson.

Velveeta is an outgoing eighth-grader who relies on her quick wit to manage her difficult home environment. She is actively grieving the sudden loss of her next-door neighbor, Calvin, who served as the only reliable parental figure in her life. To maintain a connection to him, she spends her free time alone in his empty trailer, wearing scarves he gifted her and writing him letters. Despite dealing with a neglectful mother and an unpredictable older brother at home, Velveeta remains keenly observant of her classmates.

McQueen teaches eighth-grade Reading and stands out for his attentive approach to education. Instead of relying on rigid curriculum standards, he encourages students to select books that match their personal interests. He possesses a keen ability to identify when a student is struggling academically, offering patient support rather than disciplinary judgment.

Bradley is an intelligent, upper-middle-class eighth-grader with an open enthusiasm for video games and academic subjects. As the only Black student in his class and a high achiever, he frequently finds himself targeted by local bullies. Coming from a stable family environment that differs greatly from his peers' lives, Bradley actively seeks out genuine friendships.

Rosco is an older hound dog who served as Travis's primary source of emotional comfort following the death of the boy's parents. He disappeared from the family's driveway, leaving a massive void in Travis's daily routine. Travis continues to look for signs of the dog, holding onto the hope of a reunion.

Calvin was Velveeta's next-door neighbor and primary source of adult stability before his recent death from a heart attack. He took on the responsibilities of a surrogate father, ensuring Velveeta completed her schoolwork and expanding her horizons by teaching her about classic movies. His empty trailer and the items he left behind serve as a sanctuary for Velveeta.

Velveeta's mother is a chaotic and unpredictable presence in her daughter's life. She struggles heavily with alcohol use, causing her demeanor to swing dramatically between aggressively mean, overly emotional, or completely absent. Her neglectful behavior forces Velveeta to seek emotional support and life guidance from outside sources.

Jimmy is Velveeta's adult older brother who occasionally appears at their mother's trailer. Velveeta actively avoids him, viewing him as an irresponsible and potentially dangerous influence who takes advantage of their mother's vulnerable state. His mere presence is enough to send Velveeta seeking refuge elsewhere.

Connie serves as the local librarian and was a personal friend to Calvin before his passing. Recognizing Velveeta's need for a safe environment and financial independence, she offers the teenager an under-the-table job. She acts as a quiet guardian figure, giving Velveeta space to grieve while keeping a watchful eye on her well-being.

Sylvia is Calvin's adult daughter, characterized by her lingering anger toward her father. She resents Calvin for being a poor parent during her own childhood, creating a sharp contrast with Velveeta's idealized memory of him as a supportive mentor.

Larry is an aggressive-looking dog that guards a property near Travis's home. Rather than avoiding the animal, Travis begins bringing him small treats, using the quiet interaction as a way to safely channel his affection for his own missing dog.

Ms. Gordon is the eighth-grade Social Studies teacher who attempts to keep her students engaged through group projects and regular reading assignments. She inadvertently pushes Travis out of his comfort zone by pairing him with the highly talkative Velveeta for a class project.

Chad is a classmate of Travis and Velveeta who plays on the school basketball team. He assumes Travis's height naturally translates to athletic ability and attempts to recruit him, representing the typical middle school focus on sports and social hierarchy.