Iveliz is a 12-year-old seventh-grade student living in Baltimore, Maryland, who identifies as half Puerto Rican. She documents her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression through poems, lists, and drawings in her journal. She finds traditional schooling difficult but enjoys her exploratory gardening class where she digs in the dirt. She has a sensitive personality and often feels dismissed by the adults around her.

Tania, whom Iveliz calls Mami, is a hardworking mother from Puerto Rico who balances her shifts at Safeway with caring for her family. She acts as a disciplinarian and encourages her daughter to attend therapy and take medication. Her practical approach to mental health sometimes clashes with Iveliz's emotional needs.

Mimi is Tania's mother, recently displaced from her large house in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. She has Alzheimer's disease, which causes her to mix up names—often calling Iveliz by her mother's name—and occasionally attempt to wander off. She holds dismissive views on psychiatric medication but provides deep comfort to her granddaughter through shared activities like cooking arepas and planting pigeon peas.

Iveliz's father is a playful, gregarious man from Louisiana who loves taking trips to Costco and eating popcorn. He claims he won his wife's heart with poetry, though he views modern, rhymeless verses as merely random thoughts. He shares a deep, protective bond with Iveliz, frequently visiting her to offer advice.

Dr. Alex is a psychiatrist treating Iveliz for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. He encourages his patient to count to ten, track her moods in a small blue notepad, and practice opening up to others. He maintains a steady, patient demeanor despite Iveliz privately nicknaming him "Dr. Turnip" due to the shape of his head.

Amir is a seventh-grade student from Afghanistan whose last name is incorrectly recorded as "Fnu" (First Name Unknown) by the school. He is a supportive, patient companion who hums songs with Iveliz and helps her process her frustrations. He carries his own burdens, regularly worrying about his family members.

Akiko is an eighth-grade student of Japanese and German descent. She has a flippant, lighthearted communication style, casually suggesting makeovers and tossing out jokes about mental health without realizing their weight. She desires a normal friendship but struggles to navigate social boundaries.

Jessica is a blonde-haired student at Iveliz's middle school. She consistently harasses her peers, zeroing in on cultural backgrounds and mental health differences. Her ignorance frequently sparks conflicts in the hallways and classrooms.

Justin is a middle school student who pairs up with Jessica to antagonize other classmates. He actively searches for opportunities to trip people, steal private items, and disrupt the school environment.

Amir's younger brother is a quiet presence in the Nishat household. He requires significant medical attention for a serious heart condition, placing constant stress on his family.

Dr. Salazar is a medical professional responsible for managing Iveliz's prescriptions. Iveliz privately refers to him as "Dr. Carrot," viewing him primarily as a hurdle to clear by insisting she feels great.

Ms. Shannon is a middle school teacher who leads an untraditional class focused on planting and soil. She maintains a calm, supportive environment, never raising her voice in anger.