Lewis is a Native American teenager living in extreme poverty on the Tuscarora reservation in northern New York State in 1975. He shares a poorly insulated, crumbling house with his mother and uncle. Entering seventh grade, he desires to find acceptance among his white classmates and overcome his social isolation while holding on to his cultural identity. He uses a deep love for the Beatles and Wings as a way to cope with his daily difficulties.

George is a confident, well-traveled teenager from a military family living on the nearby Air Force base. Born to a German mother and an American serviceman father, he considers German his first language. He forms a fast bond with Lewis over a shared appreciation for music and approaches their cultural differences with open-minded curiosity rather than prejudice.

Albert is Lewis's uncle, an itinerant laborer, and a Vietnam veteran who receives government disability payments. A former champion lacrosse player, he continues to wear his old team jacket as a symbol of belonging. He acts as a surrogate father for Lewis, providing steady guidance, comfort, and emotional support.

Mr. Haddonfield is an Air Force officer stationed in northern New York. He is a strict but deeply caring father who instills tolerance and discipline in his son. He holds an intense fandom for the Beatles and Wings, which he enthusiastically shares. His past childhood experiences living near Native Americans give him a unique, sympathetic perspective on Lewis's life.

Evan is an affluent, privileged white student at the junior high whose father donates heavily to the school. He is physically aggressive and actively racist, specifically targeting Native American students. He uses violence and intimidation to establish dominance, facing few consequences due to his family's social standing.

Carson is a Native American youth who lives on the same reservation as Lewis. He takes guitar lessons and often enjoys privileges like driving underage on the reservation. He acts as an opportunistic peer, socializing with Lewis when it suits his needs but ignoring him at school in favor of more popular classmates.

Vera is Lewis's mother, a hardworking woman who cleans houses for wealthier residents outside the reservation. She struggles to make ends meet and feels deep embarrassment regarding the crumbling state of their family home. She is highly protective of her family's dignity and fears judgment from outsiders.

Zach is Lewis's older brother who no longer lives in the immediate family household. He occasionally returns to visit and provides rides or practical observations for Lewis.

Mrs. Haddonfield is George's mother, a German national who met her husband while he was stationed overseas. She prepares German meals for her family and warmly welcomes Lewis, extending hospitality and curiosity about his life.

Stacey is a student at the junior high who becomes involved in the social dynamics of the chorus class. She eventually dates George, creating a shift in the time George and Lewis spend together.

Summer is the daughter of the school's vice principal and a socially influential student. She exhibits passive-aggressive racism, often chastising Lewis and actively trying to exclude him from social opportunities.

Mr. Doyle is the vice principal of the junior high and Summer Barnes's father. He displays institutional bias, viewing Native American students as inherent troublemakers and consistently siding with wealthy, white students during disputes.

Innis is Lewis's older cousin who attends the high school. He is knowledgeable about the racial tensions in the community and steps in to provide physical protection for Lewis when situations escalate.

Bug is an older Native American man on the reservation who teaches guitar. He insists on proper equipment and helps guide Lewis's musical development as a creative outlet.

Mr. Groffini is the guidance counselor assigned specifically to Native American students. He approaches Lewis calmly, offering pragmatic advice about surviving the biased school system and the realities of the adult world.

Mr. Reiniger is an affluent businessman who makes large financial contributions to the junior high. He is highly confrontational, rude, and harbors a deep-seated prejudice against Native Americans following his wife's affair.

Preston is Evan's brother. He shares his family's hostility toward Native Americans and participates in violent ambushes alongside his younger brother.

Mrs. Tunny is the school secretary who is married to a Native American and lives on the reservation. She understands the school's administrative bias and quietly intercepts formal complaints to protect vulnerable students from retaliation.

Miss Ward is a music teacher who attempts to be culturally inclusive but inadvertently draws negative attention to Lewis. She is highly sensitive about her musical equipment, especially her prized synthesizer.

Rose is a student in the chorus class whose father has connections to the local Ticketron. She acts as a gatekeeper for concert tickets, easily influenced by the prejudices of her friends.

Tami is Carson's cousin. She is impatient and takes matters into her own hands when assisting with Lewis's attempt to change his appearance.

Artie is a white classmate who subtly excludes Lewis from social gatherings. He frequently visits a hangout spot called The Road to Hell to watch dynamite blasts.

Saphronia is Carson's mother. She understands the social and economic constraints of reservation life and attempts to assist her neighbors when possible.

Mr. Meyer is the school's shop teacher. He openly displays hostility and bias toward Native American students, turning a blind eye to the bullying that occurs in his classroom.