Carmen is a twelve-year-old Italian immigrant living in the working-class North End neighborhood of Boston. Having survived a devastating earthquake and tidal wave in Italy that claimed her mother, she relies entirely on her father for stability in their new country. She is an excellent student who enjoys reading *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz* and takes pride in her perfect math scores.

Tony is a young boy growing up in an immigrant family in Boston's North End. He struggles with schoolwork, particularly reading and math, leading him to feel insecure about his academic abilities. He masks these insecurities with jokes, playful behavior, and a restless, active energy.

Papa is an Italian immigrant who relocated to Boston seeking a better life for his daughter after an earthquake and tidal wave destroyed their coastal village. He works hard to provide for Carmen and maintains an optimistic belief in American opportunity. His sudden battle with the Spanish influenza brings immense fear and disruption to their household.

Mrs. Grasso is an Italian immigrant raising a large family in a crowded two-bedroom apartment above Carmen and Papa. She maintains a noisy but loving household filled with the smells of her cooking, particularly her tomato gravy. She frequently extends her maternal care to the neighbors in her community.

Mr. Grasso is Tony's father and a resident of the North End community. He provides for his large family and maintains a boisterous presence in their crowded apartment. He participates in the neighborhood's collective support system during times of crisis.

Nonna is Carmen's grandmother who stays behind in Italy when Carmen and Papa emigrate. She writes letters to her granddaughter filled with practical advice about adjusting to new situations. She serves as Carmen's primary emotional connection to her homeland.

Mr. Lawrence is a schoolteacher in the North End and a veteran of the Great War (World War I). He walks with a noticeable limp from a combat injury but never complains about it. He maintains strict discipline in his classroom while quietly providing extra help to struggling students.

Mr. Vita is a local business owner in the North End who employs Papa. He operates a stable and displays a protective affection toward his retired horse, refusing to sell her despite her age.

Mr. Pallo works as a groom at the neighborhood stables. He manages the daily care of the horses, ensuring they are fed and exercised in the busy urban environment.

Mrs. Perelli is a resident of the North End who steps in to assist her neighbors during medical emergencies. She spends hours tending to the sick during the Spanish influenza outbreak.

Rosie is a retired horse living at Mr. Vita's stable in the North End. She enjoys eating the sticky molasses that leaks from the neighborhood's massive storage tank.

Marie is one of Tony's siblings, living in the bustling, crowded apartment above Carmen. She contributes to the constant noise and activity that characterizes her family's home.

Frankie is one of Tony's brothers. He frequently bounces a ball around the apartment, adding to the chaotic but warm atmosphere of the Grasso household.

Teresa is the youngest member of the Grasso family at three years old. Her early morning chatter often serves as an alarm clock in the crowded apartment.