Lonnie is an eleven-year-old boy living in a foster home after losing his parents in a tragic house fire. Separated from his younger sister, he copes with his grief and feelings of isolation by writing various forms of poetry. He observes the world closely, noticing the struggles of his classmates while seeking a place where he truly belongs. His mother gave him the nickname Locomotion after her favorite song.

Miss Edna is Lonnie's foster mother. Though she initially appears strict and demands quiet in her small apartment, she deeply cares for the boy. She cooks for him, tends to him when he is physically ill from grief, and ensures he looks presentable by paying to have his hair braided before he visits his sister.

Ms. Marcus is Lonnie's teacher who introduces her class to different forms of poetry. She is encouraging and supportive of her students' creativity, pushing them to use writing as an outlet. While well-intentioned, she sometimes struggles to comfortably address issues related to race, class, and illness in the classroom.

Lili is Lonnie's younger sister who now lives with a wealthy adoptive family. She is highly religious and optimistic, gifting Lonnie a Bible in the hopes that finding faith will magically reunite them. She lives in a warm, comfortable house and thinks the world of her older brother.

Eric is a classmate who acts tough but possesses a beautiful singing voice that he uses in church. He occasionally teases Lonnie for writing poetry during recess but shares a bond with him on the basketball court. His sudden hospitalization for sickle cell anemia deeply affects the class.

Clyde is a new boy at school who recently moved from Georgia. He faces ridicule from other students for his regional accent and clothing. He mostly keeps to himself and stands with his younger sister at recess, eventually revealing exceptional skills on the soccer field.

Lamont is a friend of Lonnie who resists classroom assignments. He argues with their teacher about poetry, insisting that Black men do not write poems, until he becomes excited upon discovering that rap and hip-hop are forms of verse.

Rodney is Miss Edna's adult son. He visits the apartment for holidays like Easter and treats Lonnie with warmth and affection. By putting his arm around Lonnie and calling him "little brother," he provides the boy with a much-needed sense of family and male guidance.

Lonnie's deceased mother lives on in his frequent, vivid memories. She named him after her favorite song, called him a survivor due to his premature birth, and remains a source of comfort as he processes his grief. He often searches for her specific perfume scent in stores.

Lonnie's deceased father is remembered through the watch Lonnie wears and memories of attending Mets games together in the park. He is the subject of Lonnie's epistle poem assignment, representing the boy's longing for paternal connection.

LaTenya is a girl at school who shows romantic interest in Lonnie. She harbors deep insecurities about a bump on her hand resulting from extra fingers she had at birth, fearing people will view her as abnormal.

Jenkins is Miss Edna's adult son. He serves as a soldier stationed in the Middle East, and his dangerous deployment causes his mother constant worry and drives her to prayer.

Lili's adoptive mother is a wealthy woman who provides Lili with a comfortable home. She holds a negative view of Lonnie, making their sibling visits supervised and tense.

Angel is a student in Ms. Marcus's class who tries to please the teacher with his answers. He enjoys a close relationship with his father, who buys him expensive sneakers and reads to him.

Todd is Lonnie's neighbor who cares for the local pigeons. His affection and gentle treatment of the birds helps Lonnie change his perspective and see beauty in something he previously disliked.