Timothy is a 12-year-old seventh grader currently on house arrest for stealing a wallet. He feels an immense burden to help his struggling family pay for his infant brother's expensive medical care. Because he acts out of desperation and love, his choices sometimes cause problems, but he remains determined to protect his family and navigate his difficult circumstances.

Annie is Timothy and Levi's mother, who is overwhelmed by her infant son's complex medical needs and the challenge of supporting her family financially. She fiercely loves her children and tries hard to hold the family together, though she is deeply reluctant to ask others for charity or assistance. She often goes without sleep or proper meals to ensure her children survive.

Levi is Timothy's infant brother who suffers from severe trachea problems requiring constant, expensive medical care. Due to a tracheotomy tube, he cannot make sounds, leading him to communicate through facial expressions and sign language. He is an affectionate, resilient baby who serves as the emotional center of his family.

James is Timothy's probation officer. Initially strict and demanding, he pushes Timothy to express genuine feelings about his actions rather than brushing them off. Underneath his professional exterior, he harbors a strong capacity for empathy and takes an active, supportive interest in Timothy's physical and emotional well-being.

Maureen is Timothy's court-appointed psychologist. She encourages him to name and process his complex emotions using physical coping techniques, like placing heavy pillows on him to stop his stress tremors. She is patient and deeply invested in helping Timothy understand his anger, offering him computer access in exchange for emotional honesty.

Mary is a replacement nurse assigned to care for Levi when Marisol cannot work full-time. She is abrasive, impatient, and openly critical of the family's situation. She refers to Levi dismissively as a "brat" and frequently suggests to Annie that the baby should be institutionalized.

José is Timothy's best friend and neighbor. He lives in a chaotic, lively household with his parents and four sisters. He provides Timothy with a sense of normalcy, occasionally complaining about typical adolescent annoyances like homework and siblings, which sharply contrasts with Timothy's adult-sized problems.

Isa is one of José's four sisters. She has a bright smile, decorates her fingernails with little yellow stars, and offers Timothy a quiet, comforting presence when he feels overwhelmed by his family's struggles. She helps him with internet research and provides emotional support without demanding explanations.

Marisol is Levi's kind and attentive nurse. She teaches Levi and Timothy sign language so they can communicate despite Levi's tracheotomy. She is deeply compassionate and acts as a stabilizing force in the household, treating the family with respect and warmth.

Timothy and Levi's father. He abandoned the family shortly after Levi was born and his complex medical issues became apparent. He left behind unpaid bills, his personal belongings, and a massive emotional void for his older son, who stores his leftover items in the trunk of a car.

Mr. Jimenez is José and Isa's father. He is a busy, hardworking family man who spends his free time restoring an old, rusted car in his garage alongside his son. He provides a stark contrast to Timothy's absent father.

Mrs. Jimenez is José and Isa's mother. She runs a bustling, chaotic, but incredibly warm household. She extends maternal care to Timothy, offering him food, hand-me-down clothes, and a safe, supervised place to stay when his family faces hospital emergencies.

Carla Ramirez is a worker for Child Protective Services (CPS) who visits the family to investigate a report of medical neglect. She evaluates the household, assesses Annie's ability to care for Levi, and places restrictions on who can supervise the infant.

Dr. Sawyer is a medical specialist located in Cincinnati who performs a groundbreaking surgery that corrects trachea problems like Levi's. He represents a potential solution for Timothy, who repeatedly emails his office seeking help for his brother.