Ware is an eleven-year-old boy who views the modern world through the structured framework of medieval times and knights. He prefers solitary observation to group activities, which often isolates him from his peers and worries his family. Seeking to turn an abandoned church lot into a castle, he brings an imaginative and artistic perspective to his surroundings.

Jolene is a practical and fiercely independent girl who claims the church ruins to grow a papaya garden. She approaches life with a survivalist mindset, focused on earning money to secure her living situation. Her tough exterior guards a deep vulnerability and a strong sense of justice.

Ware's parents are well-meaning adults who struggle to understand their son's introverted nature. His mother is highly scheduled and practical, while his father communicates primarily through sports metaphors. They frequently misinterpret Ware's preference for solitude as sadness or abnormality, creating tension in their household.

Big Deal is Ware's protective grandmother who lives in a retirement community. Her sudden hospitalization from a fall completely upends Ware's summer plans, sending him to the dreaded recreation center. She serves as a grounding figure for Ware, offering him a more understanding adult presence than his parents do.

Uncle Cy is Ware's relative and a professional artist who provides a different model of adulthood than Ware's parents. He recognizes and validates Ware's unique way of seeing the world, lending him a film camera to document the church lot. He acts as a crucial mentor, showing Ware that his outsider perspective is actually a creative gift.

Ashley is a teenage girl determined to prevent migrating sandhill cranes from injuring themselves on the paved church lot. She appears polished and comes from a wealthy background, which makes Jolene highly suspicious of her motives. She joins forces with Ware and Jolene to transform the space into a safe environment for the birds.

Mrs. Stavros is the owner of a local market who supports Jolene's gardening efforts. She provides compost and tools, offering Jolene a safe and friendly space away from the harsh realities of her home life.

Walter is the owner of the local bar near the church ruins. He treats Ware with respect, serving him ginger ale and bar nuts while listening to his problems without talking down to him.

Mrs. Sauer is a neighbor at Big Deal's retirement home and rehabilitation center. She is quick to judge Ware but inadvertently provides him with important information about his grandmother's health.

Sir Wink is a gopher tortoise that takes up residence in the transformed church lot. His presence adds a layer of environmental importance to the kids' summer project.

Vashon is one of Ware's established childhood friends. Ware values their friendship and uses it as evidence that he does not need to attend the recreation center to meet social expectations.

Mikayla is another of Ware's existing friends. Ware prefers his quiet, established friendships over the forced socialization of summer camp programs.

The Twin Kings are two elderly men living at Big Deal's retirement home. They frequently make fun of Ware's tendency to daydream and lose himself in his own thoughts.