Mike is a 22-year-old half-Mexican man living on a Washington State Indian reservation with his single mother and older brother. He harbors ambitions of writing a Great American novel about his profession in lawn care while creating topiary art, such as a shrub shaped like a merman. Economic hardship and a lack of self-confidence constantly challenge his drive to improve his living situation. Despite frequent setbacks with dubious employers, he remains an avid reader who relates deeply to the working-class struggles depicted in classic literature.

Doug is a highly successful real estate tycoon in Kitsap County who attended grade school with Mike. He maintains a pristine physical appearance, never having a hair out of place despite driving a convertible. His business philosophy revolves around doing favors for people to create a web of obligations he can exploit later. He aggressively seeks property listings and views personal connections primarily as tools for financial gain.

Andrew is a young part-time librarian who quickly becomes a vital source of encouragement for Mike. He possesses a strong idealistic streak and organizes local protests against corporate abuses, though he often struggles with feelings of hypocrisy regarding his own consumer habits. His apartment features stacks of records and lists outlining his life goals and values. He actively pushes his friends to pursue their creative and professional ambitions.

Remy is a waitress at a local restaurant who shows a clear, early interest in Mike despite his financial insecurities. She exhibits patience when Mike's brother creates a disturbance in the dining room and remains receptive to Mike's clumsy attempts at flirtation. Working class herself, she understands financial constraints and acts as a grounding presence when Mike feels insecure about his lack of a vehicle or steady income.

Nick is Mike's childhood best friend who frequently joins him for drinks at Tequila's bar and darts. He often expresses crude, bigoted opinions regarding gay people and immigrants, causing friction with Mike. However, he maintains a fiercely loyal bond with Mike's family, functioning almost like a surrogate sibling who spends countless hours entertaining and protecting Mike's older brother.

Nate is Mike's older brother who lives with mental disabilities and requires regular supervision. He is physically larger than Mike and prone to destructive tantrums when frustrated, such as throwing objects in public spaces. He requires a strict routine and comforting foods, often relying on fast food to soothe his anxieties.

Mrs. Muñoz is Mike's hardworking single mother who constantly takes on extra shifts at an elementary school and a local bar to keep her family afloat. Following the departure of her first husband, she married and quickly divorced two men who refused to work. She attempts to generate extra income by renting out the family's storage shed.

Mike's father is an absent figure who abandoned the family when Mike was eleven years old. During his final encounter with his son at a fast-food parking lot, he bluntly admitted he never wanted children and was incapable of handling familial responsibilities. His cruel practical jokes and ultimate departure leave lasting emotional scars on his youngest son.

Chaz is an eternally optimistic charlatan who operates several dubious shell companies with no actual liquid assets. He enthusiastically preaches a philosophy of ignoring bills and projecting extreme confidence. Despite facing legal troubles and eventual arrest, his relentless belief in thinking big inadvertently teaches his employees about self-belief.

Tino is a hardworking Mexican immigrant who works on the same yard maintenance crew as Mike. He sends the money he earns back to his wife and daughter in Mexico, enduring long separations because he cannot afford the travel costs. He values Mike's skills highly and consistently looks out for his friend's career interests.

Freddy works as a doorman and bouncer at the bar where Mrs. Muñoz is employed. He moves into the shed on the family's property to provide them with extra rental income. He offers Mike blunt life advice and occasionally attempts questionable home dentistry when Mike cannot afford proper medical care.

Jud is a wealthy, older homeowner sporting perfect, thick white hair and pink chinos. He lives in an exclusive neighborhood and takes great pride in his property, though his roses suffer from disease. He acts entitled to the labor of others and readily adjusts his wage offers downward when he senses a worker's desperation.

Richie is the adult son of a wealthy country club resident. Despite growing up with immense financial advantages, he considers himself an unmitigated failure who has never lived up to his family's lofty expectations. He views the working-class guests at his father's parties with a mixture of envy and respect.

Lacy manages a yard maintenance crew and acts as Mike's direct supervisor early in the story. He prioritizes keeping wealthy clients happy over the dignity of his workers, viewing lower-level employees as expendable grunts who should quietly endure demeaning tasks.