Norris is a Black French-Canadian teenager who has recently relocated from Montreal to Texas. A witty and highly critical observer of American high school life, he copes with his outsider status by filtering his experiences through teen movie tropes and recording sardonic observations in a journal. He is deeply loyal to his roots but struggles to adapt to his new environment without alienating those around him.

Madison, known to most as Maddie, is a cheerleader at Anderson High and the youngest daughter of a large, bustling family that owns a local barbecue restaurant. Unlike the mean-girl stereotype Norris expects, she is relentlessly hardworking, kind, and frequently puts others' needs before her own. She balances school, cheerleading, family obligations, and work with seemingly endless energy.

Aarti is an artsy, independent student at Anderson High who loves photography and indie films. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, she feels the pressure of her parents' high expectations regarding her college plans, which clash with her artistic ambitions. Her complex, eclectic interests lead Norris to view her through the lens of a movie stereotype.

Liam is a quiet, soft-spoken loner from a wealthy family who becomes Norris's first real friend in Austin. Unlike the judgmental peers Norris usually encounters, Liam is highly perceptive and chooses his words carefully, preferring not to label others. He is eager to learn how to play hockey and works hard to draw Norris out of his defensive shell.

Judith is Norris's hardworking mother, a Haitian-Canadian academic who relocates her family from Quebec to Texas for a rare job opportunity. She is deeply protective of her son but also strictly demands that he give his new life a fair chance. Aware of the systemic challenges they face as Black individuals in America, she works hard to keep Norris safe and grounded.

Eric is Norris's best friend back in Montreal. Having recently come out as gay, Eric shares a marginalized status with Norris, creating a strong bond between them. He remains Norris's primary tether to his old life and acts as a sounding board for Norris's complaints about Texas.

Patrick is a football player at Anderson High who initially embodies everything Norris despises about American jocks. He is physically imposing and sensitive about his growth spurt, often acting out defensively. However, he also demonstrates a surprising interest in playing hockey and attempting to start fresh.

Meredith is a cheerleader at Anderson High and Madison's best friend. She is highly focused on her social standing, her dream of becoming head cheerleader, and her relationship with Patrick. She is fiercely protective of her social territory and views Norris with extreme skepticism.

Felix is Norris's father, who remained in Canada after his divorce from Judith. He has recently started a new family, including a new wife and baby, which makes Norris feel sidelined. Despite the distance and his busy new life, he attempts to maintain a connection with his teenage son.

Known as Big Jim, he is Maddie's father and the manager of the Bone Yard, a local barbecue restaurant. He runs a tight ship during the chaotic "Key Lime Season" and relies heavily on his youngest daughter to keep the family and business running smoothly.

Ian is a student at Anderson High wrapped up in a complicated social web. He is currently dating a cheerleader named Elisa but continues to pursue his former entanglement with Aarti, causing ongoing tension and drama within their peer group.

Mr. Puri is Aarti's father. An immigrant with traditional expectations for his daughter's future, he expects her to attend college rather than pursue her passion for photography. However, he is welcoming to Norris, whom he views as a model immigrant.