Little Dog is a twenty-eight-year-old Vietnamese American writer and literature student. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut, he serves as the unofficial English interpreter for his family from a young age. He maintains an observant, poetic perspective on the world. His writing examines the historical trauma his family carries alongside his experiences defining his sexuality and racial identity.

Rose is Little Dog's mother, a Vietnamese immigrant who works long hours in a nail salon to support her family. Because she is half-white, she has a very light complexion that sometimes allows her to pass for white, though her limited English singles her out. She suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and periods of delusional psychosis, which often manifest as physical outbursts toward her son.

Lan is Little Dog's grandmother, originally from the small Vietnamese village of Go Cong. She renamed herself "Lan" after her family initially named her "Seven" for her birth order. Escaping an abusive marriage during the war, she eventually immigrated to the United States. She exhibits symptoms of schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder, finding moments of peace only when she sleeps.

Trevor is a white high school junior working on a tobacco farm outside Hartford. Two years older than Little Dog, he lives in a run-down mobile home with his alcoholic father. He presents a traditional masculine exterior but wrestles with his budding sexuality and the limitations of his social environment.

Paul is an American veteran who met Lan while stationed in Vietnam. Coming from a rural farming background, he forms a bond with her that transcends their cultural differences. Now living in America, he maintains a close connection to Little Dog, proudly introducing him as his grandson to neighbors.

Mai is Rose's sister and Little Dog's aunt. She is a core part of the family's immediate network in the United States. She relocates to Florida to distance herself from a dangerous marriage, maintaining her family connections from afar.

Mr. Buford is the owner of the tobacco farm where Little Dog works as a teenager. He runs his farm with strict authority, reminding Little Dog of an aggressive military sergeant, though he maintains a functional working relationship with his employees.

Manny is the crew leader at the tobacco farm where Little Dog takes a summer job. He oversees the predominantly Spanish-speaking migrant laborers and directs the daily harvesting operations in the fields.

Carl is Mai's husband. He is an abusive figure in the family's life, prompting Mai to eventually relocate to Florida to escape him and find safety.

Gramoz is a boy at Little Dog's elementary school. He shares his lunch with Little Dog, but the interaction sours when Little Dog struggles to communicate his gratitude effectively.

Junior is a childhood friend of Little Dog in Hartford. He invites Little Dog to his home to experience an American holiday dinner, allowing the boys to bridge the cultural gaps between their families.