Georges is a quiet seventh-grade student who moves to a new Brooklyn apartment after his father loses his job as an architect. He struggles with loneliness and bullying at school. To cope with his stressful environment, he often tries to ignore conflicts and focuses on what his mother calls the big picture. He eagerly accepts an invitation to join a spy club in his new building.

Safer is a twelve-year-old boy living on the sixth floor of Georges's new apartment building. He does not attend traditional school and exhibits a strong desire to stay within the physical confines of the apartment complex. He walks dogs for other residents and spends much of his time running an elaborate spy club.

Georges's father is a kind architect who recently lost his position and must move his family into a smaller apartment. He starts a small business helping homeowners add an aged look to new properties. He attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy and open communication with his son during this stressful transitional period.

Sara is a nurse who works demanding hospital shifts following her husband's job loss. She communicates with her son via Scrabble tile messages left on his desk before he wakes up. An optimistic person, she encourages her family to maintain a positive outlook and focus on the overarching meaning of life rather than minor setbacks.

Candy is Safer's seven-year-old younger sister. She has a strong affinity for sweets and often helps her brother with his surveillance tasks in exchange for cash to buy candy. Like Safer, she is homeschooled and spends much of her time observing the building's residents.

Dallas is a seventh-grade student in Georges's class. He aggressively targets Georges and other quiet students, finding petty reasons to justify persistent insults. He holds significant social power among the middle schoolers and uses it to isolate those he views as weird.

Carter is a student at Georges's middle school who closely associates with Dallas. He eagerly participates in taunting Georges, demonstrating how social proximity to a bully encourages mean behavior from others.

Bob is a quirky seventh-grader in Georges's science class, sometimes known as "Bob English Who Draws." He holds unique interests, such as spelling reform, and willingly ignores the social hierarchy of the school.

Jason is Georges's former best friend who recently shifted social circles after returning from summer camp. He now associates with the more popular students. He occasionally acts friendly toward Georges but refuses to intervene when his new peers behave cruelly.

Pigeon is Safer and Candy's older brother. He recently started attending public high school, a decision that departs from the family's usual educational habits. He holds a deep affection for birds and watches a local parrot nest.

Mr. Landau is the middle school science teacher. He conducts the "Science Unit of Destiny," a module focusing on genetics that holds legendary status among the students regarding romantic fate and early death.

Ms. Warner is the school gym teacher. She tries to force the nickname "G" onto Georges and oversees the chaotic physical education classes. She means well but fails to notice the subtle bullying occurring right in front of her.

Mandy is a girl in Georges's seventh-grade class. She eagerly hopes the science taste test will confirm her romantic destiny with another student, demonstrating the intense rumors surrounding the middle school curriculum.

Bennie is the owner of a local candy store frequently visited by the neighborhood children. He runs a quiet business and occasionally has to step in when older kids cause trouble in his shop.