Julia is a 15-year-old Mexican American high school student living in Chicago. She is fiercely independent, observant, and harbors dreams of moving to New York to become a famous writer. Unlike her sister, Julia refuses to conform to her devout parents' expectations of the "perfect Mexican daughter," preferring band t-shirts, reading poetry, and challenging traditional norms. Her constant hunger mirrors her deep desire to escape the confines of her working-class neighborhood.

Olga is Julia's 22-year-old older sister who recently died after being hit by a semi-truck while crossing the street. In life, she was considered the ideal, obedient child by her traditional parents—meek, deeply devoted to her family, and content with working at a medical office while attending community college. Her sudden death leaves a massive void in the Reyes household and casts a long shadow over Julia.

Amparo is a Mexican immigrant and house cleaner who works tirelessly to support her family in Chicago. She maintains strict traditional values and expectations for her daughters, frequently clashing with Julia's rebellious nature. Deeply traumatized by Olga's sudden death, she struggles to cope and often redirects her grief into obsessive cleaning and criticizing Julia's behavior.

Rafael is a Mexican immigrant who works long, exhausting hours at a local candy factory. He is a quiet man who spends his limited free time watching television or sleeping to recover from his physical labor. His silent, withdrawn nature creates a vast emotional distance between him and his surviving daughter.

Lorena is Julia's childhood best friend and fellow first-generation Mexican American. She is a vibrant, carefree teenager who enjoys partying, offering a clear contrast to Julia's intellectual pursuits. Despite their differing interests, Lorena is highly dependable and serves as Julia's primary emotional anchor.

Connor is a wealthy, white high school student from the affluent Chicago suburb of Evanston. He connects with Julia over a shared love of literature and alternative music. Though he is consistently kind and supportive, his comfortable upbringing stands in direct contrast to Julia's working-class reality, which occasionally causes tension between them.

Angie is Olga's long-time best friend who works at a luxury hotel in the city. Like Olga, she fits the mold of an obedient Mexican daughter who chooses to remain close to her family. When Julia approaches her asking questions about Olga's private life, Angie remains highly defensive and guarded.

Mr. Ingman is an English teacher at Julia's high school in Chicago. He is one of the few adults who recognizes Julia's intelligence and potential as a writer. He actively checks in on her mental well-being and encourages her to look beyond her current circumstances to apply for colleges.

Juanga is a proudly gay teenager at Julia's high school who quickly forms a close bond with Lorena. He frequently accompanies Lorena and Julia to parties and social events, eventually earning Julia's respect despite her initial jealousy of his friendship with Lorena.

Mama Jacinta is Julia's maternal grandmother who lives in the rural town of Los Ojos, Mexico. She is a warm, welcoming figure who teaches Julia how to cook traditional dishes and provides a comforting presence far removed from the stressful environment in Chicago.

Pedro is Olga's official, long-term boyfriend. Julia considers him incredibly boring and unremarkable, noting that he fits perfectly with the family's image of Olga's predictable, traditional life.

Jose Luis is the boyfriend of Lorena's mother. He exhibits creepy, predatory behavior, such as crouching near Julia while she sleeps, creating an unsafe and uncomfortable environment in Lorena's home.

Tia Milagros is one of Julia's many extended relatives in Chicago. Julia views her as a bitter, resentful woman who frequently offers unsolicited, critical comments about Julia's appearance, appetite, and behavior.

Tio Cayetano is an uncle whom Julia actively dislikes and attempts to avoid at family gatherings due to his history of lacking physical boundaries when she was younger.

Dr. Cooke is a therapist who treats Julia. She provides Julia with a clinical diagnosis for her anxiety and depression, offering her medical support, coping mechanisms, and a safe space to process her complicated family dynamics.

Esteban is a young man living in Los Ojos who quickly strikes up a connection with Julia during her visit. He shares a sense of restlessness with her, harboring thoughts of eventually crossing the border to the United States.

Tia Fermina is Amparo's sister who still lives in Mexico. She is deeply connected to traditional practices, tending to roses despite local droughts and performing spiritual cleansing rituals for her niece.

Dr. Castillo is a 46-year-old physician at the clinic where Olga worked. He maintains an established career in the medical field but experiences a deep emotional toll following the tragic death of his employee.

Jazmyn is an old high school friend of Olga. She interacts with Julia at a party, expressing shock upon hearing about Olga's death and providing Julia with minor details about Olga's past conversations.

Carlos is Lorena's boyfriend and a local police officer. He participates in group outings with Lorena and Julia, though his primary focus remains on his relationship with Lorena.

Ramiro is the cousin of Lorena's boyfriend, Carlos. He accompanies the group to the beach on a freezing night and shares a brief, awkward encounter with Julia.

Tio Chucho is Julia's uncle in Mexico who drives her from the airport to Los Ojos. He strongly encourages her educational ambitions, hoping she avoids the difficult physical labor the rest of the family endures.

Belen is Julia's cousin who lives in Los Ojos. Known as the town's attractive girl, she gives Julia a tour of the local area, points out dangerous spots to avoid, and occasionally expresses judgmental views about others in the community.