Frank is a high school senior and the child of Korean immigrants who run a convenience store called The Store. He struggles with the pressure to conform to his parents' strict expectations, particularly their insistence that he date only a Korean girl. Having seen his parents disown his older sister for marrying outside their race, he keeps his romantic interests hidden to protect himself. He enjoys producing found audio and playing video games with his best friend, while also spending time with his Advanced Placement peers.

Joy is a childhood friend of Frank who shares his predicament of dating outside their parents' accepted cultural parameters. She is an intelligent student aiming for a prestigious university, spending her free time surrounded by technology and engineering projects. Recognizable by the green streaks in her hair, she possesses an independent streak but still worries about her parents' disapproval regarding her Chinese American boyfriend.

Brit is a white high school student in Frank's calculus class who expresses an early interest in him. She comes from an affluent family with architect parents who foster an open, communicative environment at home. She possesses a daring personality, demonstrating a willingness to bend rules for fun, such as exploring unlocked cars. She values honesty and directness in relationships.

Q is Frank's closest confidant and a highly intelligent Black teenager who shares his love for Dungeons & Dragons and video games, frequently engaging in deep philosophical conversations. He provides Frank with a welcoming environment at his home, offering a contrast to the tension Frank feels around his own parents. He offers sensible advice and views the world with a mixture of curiosity and sensitivity.

Frank's father is a hardworking South Korean immigrant who runs Fiesta Hoy Market without ever taking a day off. He adheres to traditional values and expects his children to follow cultural norms, focusing intensely on their financial and academic success to ensure they avoid the hardships he faced. A language barrier prevents him from having deep, articulate conversations with his English-speaking son, relying instead on unspoken loyalty.

Eun-Hee is Frank's mother, a dedicated co-owner of the family's convenience store who works tirelessly alongside her husband. She enforces the family's rule that Frank must marry a Korean girl and remains firm in her estrangement from her older daughter. She participates in the monthly Gatherings to maintain ties with other Korean immigrant families.

Hanna is Frank's older sister who achieved the academic success their parents demanded by graduating from Harvard Law School and securing a prestigious job. Despite these accomplishments, she was cut off from the family when she chose to marry a Black man. She exists primarily in Frank's thoughts as both an inspiration and a warning about the cost of defying their parents.

Wu is a Chinese American high school student dating Joy. He grows increasingly frustrated with her refusal to introduce him to her family, struggling to understand the specific inter-community prejudices that force her to keep their relationship hidden.

Mr. Song is Joy's father and a member of the social circle of Korean immigrants that the Li family associates with. He comes from a wealthier background in Korea than Frank's parents, creating an underlying class tension between the families during their monthly dinners.

Miles is a Black man married to Frank's older sister, Hanna. Their marriage resulted in Hanna's parents cutting her off, demonstrating the severe consequences of crossing the family's racial prejudices.

Luis is a Spanish-speaking customer at The Store who recently finished serving time in prison. Frank's father treats him with a surprising level of leniency and respect, eventually hiring him to help run the business.

Mr. Berry Soft is Frank's calculus teacher. He creates a relaxed environment for his students by bringing them coffee and donuts and playing background music, making his classroom one of Frank's favorite places.