Aaron is a 16-year-old boy living in a Bronx housing project. He shares a one-bedroom apartment with his mother and brother following his father's recent suicide. He carries a scar from his own suicide attempt but works to make a fresh start. He is an aspiring artist who loves comic books and seeks validation from the people around him.

Thomas is a confident teen who lives in another housing project. He dreams of becoming a film director and takes a pragmatic approach to his goals. He even creates a Life Chart to track his self-improvement. Unlike the other boys in the neighborhood, he favors pacifism and open communication over fighting.

Genevieve is an artist who incorporates fantasy elements into her paintings. She dates Aaron and provides him with deep emotional support. She worries about his mental health following his suicide attempt and delays pursuing her own opportunities to ensure he is safe.

Eric is Aaron's brother who shares a one-bedroom apartment with him and their mother. He enjoys video games and tries to offer Aaron advice when asked. He worries about his brother's well-being following the tragedy that struck their family.

Aaron's mother works two jobs to support her sons. She is fiercely protective of Aaron and heavily monitors his activities following his suicide attempt. She tries to clear the apartment of items that bring up painful memories.

Aaron's late father recently committed suicide, leaving the family struggling financially. His death casts a long shadow over Aaron's life and mental health.

Brendan is Aaron's main friend in the housing project. He deals marijuana and strictly enforces the neighborhood's rules of masculinity. He frequently uses homophobic slurs and mocks vulnerability, making it difficult for Aaron to ask him for genuine advice.

Me-Crazy is a notoriously aggressive boy in Aaron's neighborhood. He is known for being fearless, heavily policing masculine norms, and starting brutal street fights over minor insults.

Evangeline is Aaron's former babysitter. Aaron had a crush on her when he was younger and feels safe confiding his anxieties to her. She acts as a comforting presence when he feels overwhelmed.

Collin is a boy from Aaron's school. When Aaron runs into him early in the story, Collin appears exhausted and tells Aaron to leave him alone due to stress over his girlfriend's pregnancy.

Kyle is a teen in the housing project who recently lost his twin brother to gun violence. Rumors circulate that he used the Leteo procedure to erase his grief.

Kenneth is Kyle's twin brother. He was murdered in a case of mistaken identity, an event that deeply disturbed the local community.

Baby Freddy is one of the younger boys in Aaron's block. He hangs around with Brendan and the older guys, trying to fit into their social hierarchy.

Skinny-Dave is one of the boys from the housing project. He participates in the group's games and neighborhood activities.

Nicole is Collin's girlfriend who recently became pregnant. Her situation causes significant tension and stress for Collin.

Dr. Slattery is a therapist assigned to Aaron after his suicide attempt. Aaron strongly dislikes him and ignores his advice to talk to someone when feeling lonely.