Elliot is a sixth-grade student with ADHD who has a deep passion and talent for cooking. He experiences difficulty with his parents' divorce, his changing family dynamics, and the academic and social expectations of middle school. He often feels isolated and misunderstood, particularly by his father, but finds immense focus and confidence when creating dishes in the kitchen without a recipe. His desire to attend a summer culinary camp drives much of his decision-making.

Nina is Elliot's mother and Mark's ex-wife. She lives with Elliot in a cozy, plant-filled house in downtown Avery that reflects her warm personality. She provides an accommodating environment for Elliot, supporting his passion for cooking and helping him manage his ADHD by offering practical solutions like reminder boards and clean socks rather than lectures.

Mark is Elliot's father and Nina's ex-husband, currently married to Kate. He is a former straight-A student and four-sport athlete who has difficulty relating to his son's academic struggles and culinary interests. He has recently adopted a rigorous, health-conscious lifestyle and often uses a harsh, lecturing approach, believing tough love will help Elliot succeed.

Kate is Mark's pregnant wife and Elliot's stepmother. She has redecorated Mark's house in a modern, neutral style, complete with a professional-grade kitchen that she rarely uses. Despite Elliot's occasional resentment toward her presence in his father's life, she is consistently kind, patient, and willing to give him space, quietly supporting him when he reaches out.

Maribel is a smart, popular sixth-grade student in Elliot's Advisory class. She has celiac disease, which requires her to maintain a strict gluten-free diet and sometimes causes tension with her peers. She comes from a family of medical professionals but harbors her own ambitions of going into business, applying strict organization and dedication to her school projects.

Malcolm is Elliot's best friend and former neighbor. He is currently traveling around the country in an RV with his two mothers. His extended absence leaves a significant void in Elliot's life, as Malcolm always offered kind, non-judgmental acceptance of Elliot's mistakes and lack of athletic interest.

Drew is a sixth-grade student in Ms. Choi's Advisory class. He is part of the lunch group that actively excludes Elliot from their business project, preferring to stick with his established gaming friends.

Victor is one of Elliot's lunch table companions who plays Kingdom of Krull. He is dismissive of Elliot, acting rudely and snapping at him when Elliot attempts to examine their group's catapult project.

Kunal is one of Elliot's lunch table companions who plays the video game Kingdom of Krull. Unlike his friends, he is kind, tolerant, and hesitates to exclude Elliot. He eventually bridges the social gap, forming a genuine connection with Elliot over shared snacks at a local donut shop.

Gilbert is a member of the lunch group that plays Kingdom of Krull. He acts aloof and ignores Elliot's attempts to join their group for the school business project.

Dr. Gilmore is Elliot's therapist. He is a calm, patient, and unflappable professional who uses games to help children feel comfortable. He gently challenges Elliot to process his emotions and think critically about his actions, helping him navigate the complex feelings surrounding his family and friends.

Ms. Choi is a quirky, supportive teacher at the Avery Sixth Grade Center. She wears inline skates on "Roll-In Wednesdays" and acts as a strong advocate for her students, helping Elliot secure the specific accommodations he needs to manage his ADHD in a bustling classroom environment.

Griffin Connor is a famous, verbally aggressive celebrity chef who stars in multiple television shows and publishes cookbooks. He firmly advocates against using recipes and believes baking is inferior to cooking, philosophies that Elliot attempts to strictly follow in his own kitchen endeavors.

Jonah is Mark and Kate's baby. His impending arrival causes Elliot significant anxiety, as Elliot fears he will be replaced in his father's life and struggles with the idea that the new baby might share his specific middle name.

Carla is Maribel's mother. She is a doctor who lives in a large, nice house but maintains a relaxed and welcoming family environment, happy to share pizza and share embarrassing baby pictures of Maribel with Elliot.

Gabriel is Maribel's father. He works in the medical field and provides a warm, teasing family dynamic that makes Elliot slightly jealous of their close-knit, easygoing household.

Janice is one of Malcolm's mothers. She has a deep love of cooking and taught Elliot his foundational culinary skills before leaving the neighborhood to travel the country in an RV.

Grace is one of Malcolm's mothers. She is a neat minimalist who kept their home highly organized, providing a balance to Janice's creative culinary messes before the family departed on their RV trip.

Janiyah is the manager at the local Avery Market. She is friendly with Elliot and helps him and Maribel navigate the gluten-free section when they are trying to source affordable ingredients for their business project.

Bailey is an employee at the Avery Market who assists Elliot and Maribel when they visit the store looking for pie ingredients.

Kennedy is a student at the Avery Sixth Grade Center. She acts cruelly toward Maribel regarding her celiac disease, deliberately bringing a backpack full of gluten snacks to a sleepover to isolate her.

Denver is one of Elliot's pet guinea pigs. He provides a steady, comforting presence in Elliot's life at Nina's house.

Omelet is one of Elliot's pet guinea pigs. He provides Elliot with silent, non-judgmental comfort during times of intense emotional stress, listening to Elliot's daily frustrations.