Ro is a 12-year-old middle schooler mourning the sudden death of her father in a car crash. Methodical and inquisitive, she views the world through a lens of scientific observation and logic. She channels her grief into finishing the model rocket she started building with her father, hoping to launch his personal items into space.

Benji is an imaginative 12-year-old aspiring artist who spends his time sketching and reading *Spacebound* comic books. He often feels like a background character compared to his athletic older brother. Believing his estranged father is the creator behind his favorite comics, Benji searches the issues for hidden clues about his whereabouts.

A middle school classmate known for pulling harmful pranks on others. He used to be close friends with Benji until Benji reported his destructive behavior, leading to a bitter, ongoing grudge.

An elderly military veteran who runs the local general store. Though he initially appears intimidating and keeps to himself, he carries deep grief from the recent loss of his wife to cancer. He provides unexpected assistance and a listening ear to the children in his neighborhood.

Ro's bubbly, affectionate mother who is adjusting to life as a single parent on a single income. Despite carrying the heavy grief of her husband's recent passing, she tries to remain positive and warmly welcomes Ro's new friend into their home.

A hardworking single mother raising two boys. She frequently worries over Benji's academics and holds deep-seated reservations about his art, associating his creative interests with her estranged ex-husband.

Benji's popular, athletic older brother. He plays baseball and works shifts at the local general store, appearing to have a perfect life from Benji's perspective, though he carries his own private anxieties.

An illustrator who left his family years ago to pursue his artistic ambitions in Los Angeles. Benji idolizes him as a superhero figure and searches for clues in comic books to track him down.

Benji's former best friend who moved away to Connecticut. He writes letters to Benji about his new life, leaving Benji feeling somewhat left behind and lonely at school.

Ro's late father, who died tragically in a drunk driving accident before the story begins. A passionate space enthusiast who wanted to be an astronaut, his memory heavily influences Ro's worldview and scientific ambitions.

A girl Ro attempts to befriend on her first day of middle school, but who turns out to be superficially polite and secretly judgmental about Ro's background.