Louise is a high school senior and Native Muscogee (Creek) teen living in suburban Kansas. She is an astute observer of social dynamics and joins the school newspaper, The Hive, as a features writer. Her desire to protect her brother and stand against cultural insensitivity drives her actions throughout her senior year.

Hughie is Louise's younger brother, a left-brained and typically introverted high school freshman. He decides to audition for the school's fall musical, The Wizard of Oz, landing the lead role of the Tin Man. His casting draws unfair criticism from a conservative parent group.

Joey is a new student of Lebanese heritage who joins the school newspaper as a photographer and video staffer. Following his parents' divorce, he moves to East Hannesburg and focuses heavily on his media skills. He is highly driven to elevate the quality of the school newspaper and quickly takes an interest in Louise.

Mrs. Ney is the wife of the pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church and the leading spokesperson for Parents Against Revisionist Theater. She strongly opposes the school's inclusive casting choices and uses her community influence to pressure the school administration. She actively lobbies against diverse student representation in the arts.

Mrs. Wolfe is mother to Louise and Hughie, and a Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen. A former English teacher, she returns to graduate school to seek a law degree and a Masters in Indigenous Studies. Her academic pursuits aim to advocate for Native families and tribal sovereignty.

Mr. Wolfe is father to Louise and Hughie, and a recently retired U.S. Army veteran. He now works in a private dental practice in Kansas. He demonstrates deep care for his family, using shared interests to bond with his children after spending time stationed overseas.

Cam is a popular athlete at East Hannesburg High and Louise's boyfriend at the start of the novel. His unwillingness to recognize or apologize for his culturally insensitive comments prompts Louise to end their relationship. He struggles with his wounded pride after the breakup.

Shelby is Louise's best friend, a hardworking teen who waitresses at the Grub Pub to save money for college. Because her family does not offer reliable financial support, Shelby sacrifices social time for work. Her demanding schedule gives her a pragmatic perspective on life's challenges.

Karishma is the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. She is an independent thinker and a decisive leader who provides guidance to her reporters. She champions progressive, inclusive coverage of school events and defends the paper's editorial freedom.

Daniel is the managing editor of The Hive and a student wrestler. He faces immense pressure from community figures to choose between his journalistic integrity and his athletic commitments, forcing him to deal with complex school politics.

Emily is the bold, outspoken Arts and Entertainment writer for the school newspaper. Growing up with four older brothers has given her a tough exterior and an assertive communication style. She strongly supports the inclusive casting of the school play and faces pressure from her family to drop the story.

Peter is the son of the pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church. He gives Louise a ride when she runs out of gas, initially appearing friendly before revealing prejudices that mirror the intolerant attitudes in his community.

Ms. Wilson is the enthusiastic and supportive journalism teacher and advisor for The Hive. She encourages her students to pursue hard-hitting stories and uphold the First Amendment. She faces disciplinary leave when conservative parents target her liberal views.

Mrs. Qualey is the theater director at East Hannesburg High School. She uses color-conscious casting for The Wizard of Oz, placing several students of color in lead roles and sparking controversy within the community.

Chelsea is a senior at East Hannesburg High with a powerhouse voice. She is cast as Dorothy in the school musical, becoming the first lead of color in the school's history.

Garrett is a senior student who feels entitled to a lead role in the musical. He expresses resentment when Hughie is cast as the Tin Man and holds prejudiced views about changing demographics in his community.

Fynn is Louise's older cousin who lives in the older part of Hannesburg. He offers Louise a sounding board and practical advice on navigating her identity and relationships while they paint his office.

Rain is Louise's second cousin who shares her Muscogee heritage. She is an artistic photographer who provides subtle, wise advice to Louise regarding social issues and dating.

Nick is the copywriter and political cartoonist for The Hive. He struggles to understand the impact of cultural appropriation, inadvertently creating insensitive spirit posters and cartoons before learning from his peers.

Dylan is a hardworking high school student who clerks at a gas station to help his parents financially. He is interviewed by Louise for her feature on working students.

Rebecca is a high school student and friend of Emily. She opens up to Louise about the lasting damage of malicious rumors, providing crucial insight for Louise's journalism piece.

Mrs. Ryan is Cam's mother. She holds prejudiced views regarding her older son's fiancé, attitudes that she visibly passes down to Cam.

Hannah is a student at East Hannesburg High who begins dating Cam after his breakup with Louise. She serves as an intermediary, asking Louise to meet Cam so he can find closure.