Miguel is a ten-year-old boy adjusting to his parents' recent divorce and a sudden move to a rural town. Feeling out of place as the only Latino student in his class, he experiences anxiety about standing out and actively avoids speaking Spanish. He loves baseball and deeply misses his father in New York.

Tía Lola is the energetic, Spanish-speaking aunt from the Dominican Republic who travels to Vermont to care for her great-niece and great-nephew. She practices Santería and fills the dreary rental house with lively music, traditional Dominican food, and bright colors. Beneath her cheerful exterior, she harbors a deep homesickness for her island.

Linda is a college counselor working long hours to support her family following her divorce. The emotional strain of the separation leaves her tearful and exhausted, prompting her to invite her beloved aunt to move in and help. She wants her children to feel secure and connected to their cultural roots.

Daniel is a department store window decorator living in New York City whose true passion is painting. Though no longer living with his children, he stays involved in their lives through regular calls and weekend visits. He encourages his son to ignore stereotypes and rely on hard work.

Juanita is a second-grader who usually maintains a bright, optimistic outlook on life. The recent move dampens her spirits temporarily, but she quickly regains her joy once her great-aunt arrives. She enjoys practicing Spanish and frequently devises clever, practical solutions to family problems.

Rudy is a tall, broad-shouldered widower who owns a diner in the Guzmáns' new town. Disliking the loneliness of eating by himself, he uses his restaurant to build community. He eagerly welcomes the newcomers and acts as their first local connection.

Colonel Charlebois is a retired military officer who rents his ancestral farmhouse to the Guzmán family. Suffering from arthritis, he lives in town where he can move around more easily. He maintains a gruff, strict demeanor and insists on keeping his properties looking traditional.

Sam is a boy in Miguel's class who plays baseball. He initially believes the old farmhouse is haunted and runs away when he sees unfamiliar spiritual rituals, but he later bonds with the new student over sports.

Dean is a local student who helps introduce the new boy to the town's little league team. He occasionally relies on stereotypes, assuming his new friend will be naturally talented at baseball due to his heritage.

Mort is an athletic student in the Vermont elementary school. After he eats some of the homemade Dominican food, his family experiences a sudden stroke of good fortune.

José is a boy living in New York City. He maintains his connection with his friend who recently moved away to Vermont.

Tom is a local sheep farmer living near the rental farmhouse. He represents the rural, agricultural side of the Vermont community.

Becky is a typically shy woman who co-owns a nearby sheep farm. She quickly warms up to her new neighbor despite their language barrier.

Ming is a young girl living in New York City. She spends a day looking at animals with her former classmate.

Ángel is a young boy living in the Dominican Republic. He shares a similar age and sporting interests with his American cousin, helping bridge the cultural gap between them.