Tamaya is a fifth-grade student at the prestigious Woodridge Academy, attending on a scholarship. She lives with her mother in Heath Cliff, Pennsylvania, and takes immense pride in her perfect attendance and clean academic record. She strictly adheres to the school motto of "Virtue and Valor," which often earns her a reputation as a rule-follower among her peers. Her conscientious nature masks a deep sense of isolation stemming from her parents' divorce and her changing social dynamics.

Marshall is a seventh-grade student who previously enjoyed school, played in the band, and maintained good grades. His academic and social life deteriorates after he becomes the primary target of a new student's aggression. The constant bullying leaves him depressed, isolated, and increasingly short-tempered toward his family and his younger neighbor Tamaya. He struggles with feelings of cowardice and resentment over his sudden loss of popularity.

Chad is a tough, intimidating seventh grader who was expelled from three previous schools before arriving at Woodridge. He uses stories of bad behavior to attract an audience and mask his own academic insecurities. He establishes dominance by turning the entire grade against Marshall. His aggressive exterior hides a profound sense of isolation and rejection from his own family.

Jonathan Fitzman is an eccentric genius and the creator of Biolene, a clean energy alternative being developed at SunRay Farm. He dropped out of college to alter the DNA of microscopic slime mold, resulting in highly energetic, rapidly dividing microorganisms he affectionately calls "ergies." He is physically animated and wildly confident that his microscopic creations are entirely safe. He approaches his work with pure scientific enthusiasm rather than caution.

Mrs. Thaxton is the experienced and decisive headmistress of Woodridge Academy. She strives to maintain order and uphold the institution's core values while managing the diverse personalities of her student body. She works to handle crises effectively but sometimes misjudges students based on their outward behavior.

Mrs. Dhilwaddi is Tamaya's busy but highly devoted mother. She works long hours and frequently brings projects home, yet she consistently makes time to sit with her daughter in the evenings. She worries about Tamaya's safety, strictly prohibiting her from walking to school alone.

Monica is Tamaya's best friend at Woodridge Academy. As she transitions toward middle school, she becomes increasingly interested in the attention of older boys and adapting to new social norms. This shift in priorities causes occasional friction with Tamaya, who prefers to strictly follow school rules.

Hope is a student at Woodridge Academy and part of Tamaya's primary friend group. She actively shapes her behavior to fit in with the older, more rebellious students. She quickly points out Tamaya's minor infractions to distance herself from any rule-abiding stigma.

Summer is a classmate and friend of Tamaya. Like Monica and Hope, she is adjusting to the complex transition into tween social circles. She participates in the group's collective distancing from Tamaya's strict adherence to school rules.

Dr. Humbard is a microbiologist who formerly worked at the secretive SunRay Farm. He strongly opposes the facility's bioengineering projects, viewing the creation of artificial microorganisms as a gross violation of natural order.

Dr. Crumbly is a compassionate local veterinarian in Heath Cliff. He deeply cares for the animals brought into his practice and searches diligently for ways to treat unusual afflictions appearing in the local pet population.

Ms. Filbert is a teacher at Woodridge Academy who attempts to engage her students with creative assignments. She sometimes contradicts her own classroom rules by rewarding students who call out instead of waiting quietly.

Mrs. Latherly is the part-time school nurse at Woodridge Academy. She approaches student injuries with standard medical protocols, typically assuming that minor ailments are routine allergic reactions to common household items.

Mr. Franks is the handsome assistant headmaster at Woodridge Academy. He helps manage daily school operations and student welfare, closely tracking attendance records.

Professor Mayfair is an academic expert who addresses the Senate committee about the long-term sustainability of the planet. She argues that experimental energy sources miss the larger issue of exponential population growth.

Senator Wright is a member of the US Senate Committee on Energy and the Environment. He evaluates the viability and safety of the Biolene project, pressing scientists on the practical realities of their energy solutions.

Senator Foote serves on the committee investigating the alternative energy developments at SunRay Farm. He works alongside his colleagues to uncover the operational details of the bioengineered fuel.

Senator March is a committee member participating in the confidential energy hearings. He engages with expert witnesses regarding the broader implications of population and resource management.

Senator Haltings is a committee member who harbors significant doubts about the safety of introducing bioengineered organisms into the public sphere. He anticipates the logistical challenges of containing experimental energy sources.

John Walsh is Marshall's hardworking father. He makes significant financial sacrifices to send his children to a private academy and expects them to appreciate the opportunity by maintaining good behavior.

Miss Marple, affectionately known as Missy, is an eager and energetic search dog deployed to locate missing persons in the wooded areas around the academy.

Donna Jones is the legal representative for SunRay Farm. She attends Senate hearings to protect the corporate interests of the experimental energy facility.