Knox is a ten-year-old elementary school student who frequently struggles with impulsivity and keeping his thoughts to himself. As the middle child of three siblings, he often feels like an outsider in his own family and constantly seeks his older brother's approval. Moving to California during the pandemic introduces him to new challenges, but also leads him to discover his ADHD diagnosis and how it shapes his behavior.

Julie is the mother of Knox, Bowen, and Lea, and works as a banker. Originally from Beijing and having grown up in the United States, she is acutely aware of the racism Asian people face and hopes to shield her children from it. As a suddenly single parent in California, she faces immense pressure managing remote learning, her job, and household chores without her husband.

Andrew is Knox's American father who works in Hong Kong. Because of his job, he is forced to stay behind when the rest of the family flees the impending pandemic. He communicates with his family via FaceTime and tries to maintain his connection with his children, though the distance and financial strain of his job situation take a toll on him.

Bowen is the oldest Wei-Evans sibling, heavily focused on his academic success and fitting in. Because he resembles his mother's Chinese heritage more than his siblings, he faces more direct racial prejudice both in Asia and in the United States. He often feels pressured to be perfect to earn his parents' attention, which frequently goes to his brother Knox's behavioral struggles.

Lea is the youngest Wei-Evans sibling. Having been popular and highly social in Hong Kong, she is surprised and disheartened by the difficulty she faces in making friends in California. She is observant, sometimes serving as a mediator between her brothers, and uses small joys like purple goldfish crackers to cope with her displacement.

Maximillian is one of the Taradippin brothers who live in a spacious home in the Wei-Evans' community. He and his brother hoard essential personal protective equipment, such as surgical masks, to sell them at exorbitantly high prices during the pandemic, representing the greed that exacerbates community struggles.

Pax is the second of the Taradippin brothers. Alongside Maximillian, he capitalizes on the fear surrounding COVID-19 by stockpiling essential supplies and refusing to share them with those in need, serving as a sharp contrast to the altruism shown by other community members.

CJ Axel is a local man in the Wei-Evans' California community who actively perpetuates anti-Asian racism during the pandemic. He posts hostile messages online and directs racial slurs at members of the Asian community, demonstrating the pervasive prejudice that the family must face.

Christopher is a student in Knox's class in California whose family owns a local, three-generation Sichuan restaurant. He is Knox's first friend in the United States and shares a diagnosis of ADHD. Christopher helps Knox understand his neurodiversity, demonstrating coping mechanisms and providing a sense of solidarity during the pandemic's rising anti-Asian racism.

Lao Lao is Julie's mother and Knox's grandmother. Though originally a doctor in China, her past experiences as an immigrant in the United States, working in restaurants and facing poverty, serve as a historical anchor for the family. Her past struggles provide a framework for the Wei-Evans children to understand their current difficulties.

Lao Ye is Julie's father and Knox's grandfather. Like his wife, he was a medical professional in China who had to take restaurant jobs upon moving to the United States, enduring severe financial hardship and racism.

Mrs. Turner is Knox's elementary school teacher in California. She creates an inclusive classroom environment equipped with fidget toys and flexible seating, which greatly helps neurodivergent students like Knox and Christopher. She genuinely cares about her students' well-being during the uncertain times of the pandemic.

Aunt Jackie is a relative living in a tidy, upscale neighborhood in California. She provides an initial sense of community for Julie and the kids, though her intense focus on school rankings adds to the family's stress about fitting in and succeeding academically in America.

Principal Murphy is the administrator at Knox's school in California. He enforces school discipline, significantly stressing Julie out when he calls her away from an important job interview to address Knox's impulsive behavior.

Jackson is a boy at Bowen's middle school and a member of the track team. Initially a bystander when his teammates racially harass Bowen, he later takes accountability for his inaction, apologizes, and attempts to forge a genuine friendship.

Mr. Brady is an elderly, lonely man in the California neighborhood who is isolated from his grandchildren due to pandemic safety protocols. He represents the vulnerable community members who benefit from the children's delivery efforts.