Willowdean is a self-aware, plus-sized teenager living in the small Texas town of Clover City. Following the recent death of her beloved aunt, she experiences deep grief and a crisis of confidence. She works at Harpy's Burgers & Dogs and spends her free time listening to country music. A new romantic interest brings her hidden insecurities to the surface.

Ellen is a traditionally beautiful teenager who works at a mall clothing store called Sweet 16. She bonded with Willowdean in early childhood over a shared love of country music. Optimistic and comfortable in her own skin, she often fails to notice the societal pressures her best friend faces regarding physical appearance.

Bo is a former private school basketball player who recently transferred to Clover City High. He works quietly at the local fast food restaurant, frequently sucking on red lollipops. Carrying his own emotional baggage from losing his mother, he demonstrates a steady, genuine attraction to Willowdean that she struggles to accept.

Rosie is a nursing home employee and the lead organizer of the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant. Having won the crown in her youth, she remains obsessed with physical perfection and maintaining her pageant figure. She frequently criticizes her daughter's weight, believing that thinness equates to happiness.

Lucy is Rosie's deceased sister and Willowdean's aunt. At nearly five hundred pounds, she lived a severely restricted life indoors but maintained a bright, supportive personality. She acted as a true mother figure to Willowdean, instilling in her a profound appreciation for country music before suffering a fatal heart attack.

Patrick is a star football player and the primary school bully. He constantly torments the school's outsiders, targeting his classmates with cruel jokes about their appearances. He creates a hostile environment for anyone who falls outside traditional norms.

Mitch is a husky football player at Clover City High. Despite his athletic status, he feels pressured by his father and prefers quieter activities over sports. He takes a romantic interest in Willowdean, offering a steady and predictable presence in her life.

Millie is a cheerful, plus-sized classmate who wears bright clothing decorated with animals. Coming from a strict religious household, she possesses unshakeable optimism and courage. She decides to secretly enter the local beauty pageant despite anticipated ridicule from her peers.

Amanda is Millie's fiercely loyal best friend who wears corrective shoes due to uneven legs. She ignores the cruel nicknames given to her by classmates. She plans to display her impressive soccer skills in the local talent show.

Hannah is a sarcastic Dominican teenager known for wearing black clothing and combat boots. Relentlessly bullied for her teeth, she initially acts defensive and abrasive toward others. She signs up for the beauty pageant out of a sense of irony but soon forms genuine connections.

Callie is Ellen's coworker at Sweet 16 and an aspiring pageant contestant. She represents the traditional beauty standards of Clover City and frequently belittles Willowdean. Her growing closeness with Ellen creates friction in Willowdean's social life.

Tim is Ellen's easygoing, laid-back boyfriend. He remains supportive of Ellen and maintains a relaxed attitude during stressful situations. He occasionally attempts to mediate disputes within their friend group.

Bekah is the presumed frontrunner for the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant. She is conventionally pretty, talented at baton twirling, and generally kind to others. Her interactions with Bo spark intense jealousy in Willowdean.

Ron is the older manager at Harpy's Burgers & Dogs. He values his teenage employees and attempts to accommodate their schedules. He maintains a protective attitude over his staff and actively tries to retain his best workers.

Suze is Ellen's mother and a celebrated local country music impersonator. She shared a close friendship with Willowdean's aunt, bonding over their mutual appreciation for singing. She provides unseen photographs and memories to her daughter's best friend.

Lee is a drag performer who works at a local Dolly Parton revue. He previously knew Willowdean's aunt before her death. He possesses immense stage presence and steps in to teach the local girls how to walk in heels and project confidence.

Dale works as a bouncer at a West Texas club. Recognizing an email from his late friend, he bends the rules to allow a group of underage girls inside to watch a performance. He speaks fondly of the past.

Loraine is an astrologist who married into Bo's family. She takes a relaxed, friendly approach to parenting and avoids trying to replace Bo's deceased mother. She serves powdered iced tea, entirely rejecting the traditional Southern obsession with homemade recipes.

Marcus is a fast food employee who works alongside Willowdean and Bo. He plans to follow his girlfriend to college after high school. He occasionally makes insensitive remarks but generally contributes to the familiar workplace environment.

Malik is a high school student in Clover City. He happily accepts an invitation to a school dance from his classmate, demonstrating straightforward kindness. He enjoys the festivities without judgment.

Dolly Parton is a famous American country music singer. Though she does not physically appear in Clover City, her music acts as a spiritual guide for the main characters. Her unapologetic attitude toward her own appearance inspires the girls to embrace their unique identities.