Gabi is a 17-year-old Mexican American high school senior who dreams of attending UC Berkeley. She is a good student who relies on her diary and her poetry to process her environment, moving from unsent letters to public poetry readings. She deals with body image insecurities, strict parental expectations, and the complications of entering adulthood. She defends her friends from school gossip and uses her writing as a therapeutic tool.

A conservative woman who frequently worries about Gabi repeating her own past mistakes. She became an unmarried mother at age 25, which shapes her strict expectations on Gabi regarding dating and purity. She often creates friction at home by passing judgment on others while depending heavily on family loyalty.

A classmate in Gabi's poetry class who shares her passion for writing and becomes her second boyfriend. Having lost his mother, he is empathetic and supportive, offering a mature perspective on life and relationships. He encourages Gabi to share her work publicly and defends her unconventional poems in class.

One of Gabi's two best friends, described as having olive skin and curly brown hair. Her unexpected pregnancy at the start of senior year forces her into adult situations and makes her a target of school gossip. Despite the heavy social burden, she remains determined to finish her college applications and pursue her education.

Gabi's gay best friend who faces significant familial rejection after coming out to his parents following a trip to Mexico. He is insightful, steadfast in his identity, and a core member of Gabi's support system. He spends much of his senior year moving between temporary homes after being kicked out by his parents.

Gabi's father, who struggles deeply with meth addiction. His frequent absences and unpredictable behavior cast a shadow over the family, which causes them constant worry and emotional strain. Though he occasionally returns with promises of sobriety and small dolls for Gabi, his addiction continually disrupts their lives.

Gabi's younger brother. Though Gabi feels he is often favored by their mother due to different household rules, Beto deals with his own struggles and acts out by tagging and failing classes. However, he demonstrates a fiercely protective and supportive side when his sister experiences heartbreak or family trauma.

Gabi's aunt who moves in and out of the household to help the family during crises, especially regarding her brother's addiction and the arrival of a new baby. She harbors her own personal conflicts regarding self-acceptance, religion, and dating, but provides crucial household assistance when Gabi's mother needs support.

Gabi's first boyfriend, whom she impulsively kisses in the hallway. While physically attractive, he struggles to align with Gabi's values. His insensitive comments regarding her friends reveal their incompatibilities, leading Gabi to question the difference between physical attraction and genuine emotional connection.

Gabi's supportive poetry teacher who recognizes her natural talent. She encourages Gabi to develop as a writer, pushing her to explore complex personal themes. She supports her students by attending their public readings at a local coffee shop and validating their creative voices.

A nosey and frequently judgmental classmate who works behind the pharmacy counter at Rite Aid. She initially clashes with Gabi by teasing Cindy about purchasing a pregnancy test. Despite their adversarial history, she later turns to Gabi for support when facing her own severe personal difficulties.

A boy at Gabi's high school who becomes the subject of her first senior-year crush. His decision to date another girl causes Gabi's first heartbreak of the year, which inadvertently inspires her earliest attempts at writing poetry in the form of simple haikus.

A boy from Sebastian's Spanish class who becomes Sebastian's boyfriend. Their relationship brings both joy and anxiety, which draws attention to the community's intolerance and the physical dangers they face simply by going on dates together. He eventually gets arrested for smoking weed with Sebastian.

A classmate whose dating choices frequently intersect with Gabi's romantic interests. She dates Joshua Moore early in the year, sparking Gabi's jealousy, and is later spotted kissing Eric at the mall, which solidifies Gabi's decision to end her first relationship.

A boy at Gabi's high school whose actions cause deep trauma for her best friend. His behavior has severe consequences for Gabi's social circle, eventually leading to a major physical confrontation in the school hallway that puts Gabi's academic future at risk.

Gabi and Beto's newborn baby brother. Born prematurely following a late-night family argument, he spends his first days in an incubator until his lungs develop. His arrival adds to the family's shifting responsibilities and financial pressures during Gabi's final semester.

An attractive boy in Gabi's English class who creates friction when he misinterprets their group project partnership. When Gabi rejects his attempt to kiss her, he reacts poorly and spreads a false version of the encounter, temporarily causing tension between Gabi and Martin.

A single father who rejects toxic masculinity and raises Martin with respect and open communication. He gives his son room to make his own decisions and provides a healthy model of fatherhood, offering a clear contrast to the restrictive or absent parenting styles of other adults in the community.

Cindy's mother, who initially reacts with intense anger to her daughter's unexpected teenage pregnancy. Despite the shame and frustration she expresses early on, she eventually provides support as her daughter progresses through the pregnancy.

Cindy's infant son, born in March. He is named in honor of her two best friends, symbolizing the strength of their found family and the deep loyalty they share throughout their chaotic senior year.