Trevor is a twelve-year-old boy living in a Brooklyn housing project. After witnessing his stepfather's abuse toward his mother, he adopts a secret workout routine of push-ups and shadowboxing to build physical strength. He possesses a natural talent for art and drawing, though he recently replaced his childhood superhero sketches with boxing posters. He feels profoundly torn between the peaceful, creative path his female relatives encourage and the aggressive, physical strength he believes is required to protect his family.

Trevor's Stepfather is currently serving a prison sentence following a domestic assault against Ma. He holds rigid, aggressive views on masculinity, previously insisting that Trevor learn to box and mocking any signs of gentleness. He dominates the family's psychological space despite his physical absence, acting as a looming threat as his release date approaches.

Ma is Trevor's resilient mother who works hard to provide a stable home in the Brooklyn projects. She consistently rejects the idea that physical violence equals strength, actively trying to steer Trevor away from fighting and toward his artistic talents. She affectionately calls her son a "gentle giant" and keeps old drawings displayed to remind him of his creative potential.

Pete is an adopted twelve-year-old boy who recently moved into Trevor's building. Preferring solitude, he quickly forms a tight-knit friendship with Trevor based on mutual respect and shared interests. When his father discards some old boxing equipment, Pete becomes Trevor's enthusiastic training partner at an empty local stadium.

Jess is Trevor's seventeen-year-old stepsister. She possesses a mature understanding of their family's troubled history and actively watches out for her younger siblings. Working at a community center program, she recognizes Trevor's talent for capturing emotion in his sketches and pushes him to consider teaching art.

Nikki is Trevor's fifteen-year-old sister. She occasionally clashes with her brother but shares his deep anxiety over their stepfather's impending release from prison. She is currently dating a boy whose controlling behavior worries the rest of the household, causing tension as she defends his actions as signs of affection.

Uncle Frankie is a large, imposing man who bears a physical resemblance to actor Dwayne Johnson. A former gang member, he now successfully runs a local garage filled with broken-down cars and flourishing office plants. He serves as one of Trevor's chosen "uncles," providing a safe neighborhood sanctuary where the boy can seek refuge and advice.

Uncle Puff is a wealthy neighborhood figure known for driving expensive cars equipped with LED lights and heavy sound systems. Though rumored to acquire his money through illicit means, he uses his resources to care for his community. He is fiercely loyal to Ma and her children, regularly offering them food, rides, and street-level protection.

Uncle Larry is a local librarian who managed to escape the housing projects but remains closely tied to his community. His apartment is filled with books, comics, and pop culture memorabilia. He provides Trevor with intellectual stimulation, using figures like Nipsey Hussle and Star Wars characters to teach life lessons about choice and morality.

Quick is a respected boxing trainer at the local recreation center, recognizable by his distinct, slow cowboy walk and calm coaching style. Unlike the gym's other aggressive trainers, he teaches his fighters to conserve their energy and build a solid base. He has a hidden history with Trevor's family that influences his coaching decisions.

Ms. Clark is Trevor's observant and compassionate English teacher. She recognizes his exhaustion and declining grades but approaches him with concern rather than punishment. She sees significant potential in him and carefully offers guidance about the nature of promises and personal responsibility.

Little Cole is an eight-year-old boy who lives in Trevor's building. He uses the hallway as a quiet sanctuary for his artwork, much like Trevor did at that age. He looks up to the older boys in the building and is highly impressionable, eagerly absorbing both their artistic advice and their behaviors.

Uncle Lou was Ma's brother, remembered fondly as a "gentle giant" with a wide, free smile. Though drawn into gang life due to his circumstances, he actively worked to protect his friends from the same fate. His ultimate wish was for his nephew to stay out of the fighting world and focus entirely on education.

Rick is Nikki's current boyfriend, older and highly possessive. He routinely disrespects Ma's household rules by bringing his loud friends into the apartment when adults are not present. His aggressive behavior and desire to control Nikki's phone and movements closely mirror the toxic traits of Trevor's stepfather.