Reuben is a middle school social studies teacher who recently moved to Atascadero, California. A Black Vietnam War veteran, he lives with severe facial scarring and a paralyzed left arm resulting from combat injuries. He obsesses over physical appearances and isolates himself to avoid the discomfort of strangers. Despite his cynicism, he genuinely wants his students to understand their civic duties.

Trevor is a twelve-year-old middle school student living with his single mother. He possesses an ordinary intellect but extraordinary empathy and an optimistic worldview. When presented with a social studies assignment to change the world, he designs a system called Pay It Forward. He asks that recipients of good deeds pass the kindness onto three new people rather than returning the favor.

Arlene is Trevor’s single mother and a recovering alcoholic residing in Atascadero. She works two jobs, including a difficult shift at the Laser Lounge, to make payments on a ruined Ford truck abandoned by her ex-partner. She uses anger as a defense mechanism to protect herself and her son from further emotional pain.

Chris is a New York reporter who receives a tip regarding unexplainable drops in gang violence. He travels to California to track down the original source of the spreading goodwill. He pushes his personal relationships aside to uncover the truth about the social phenomenon.

Ricky is Trevor’s biological father who disappears prior to the start of the novel. He leaves Arlene to manage the payments on his destroyed vehicle. He possesses a history of using women and alcohol to cope with his own past trauma, and his absence casts a long shadow over Arlene and Trevor's daily routines.

Jerry is a homeless man living on the streets of Atascadero while fighting a severe heroin addiction. A former mechanic, he struggles to secure employment due to his unkempt appearance and lack of housing. He becomes the first recipient of Trevor's goodwill project when the boy provides him with money for food and clothes.

Mrs. Greenberg is an elderly widow suffering from severe arthritis. She lives alone and struggles to maintain her property since her husband passed away. She becomes one of Trevor's project subjects when he volunteers to restore her overgrown garden.

Matt is a young grocery store bagger who sleeps in a tent in his parents' backyard to avoid their constant fighting. He treats Mrs. Greenberg with consistent patience during her shopping trips.

Sidney is a hardened criminal operating in Los Angeles who frequently instigates violent altercations. He maintains a cynical attitude even when receiving sudden help from strangers.

Gordie is a young gay man living in a hostile home environment near Washington D.C. He relies on internet dating to find connection but faces extreme prejudice in his local community.

Principal Morgan is an administrator who oversees the junior high school in Atascadero. She attempts to maintain a professional demeanor while hiding her initial shock regarding Reuben's physical scars.

Bonnie is Arlene's Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor. She provides tough love, practical advice, and emotional support to keep Arlene focused on her sobriety.

Cheryl is Ricky's ex-wife who holds a deep grudge against Arlene for their past affair. She frequently checks Arlene's property looking for Ricky.

Charlotte is a deeply depressed woman who travels to San Francisco intending to end her life. She encounters Jerry on a bridge structure and finds herself engaged in a surprising conversation.

Lou is Reuben’s former colleague and friend from Ohio. He provides Reuben with honest, sometimes difficult advice regarding relationships and emotional vulnerability.

Richard is Mrs. Greenberg's highly intelligent but unmotivated adult son. He constantly asks his mother for financial support while ignoring her physical decline.

Stella is Sidney G.'s girlfriend in Los Angeles. She eventually provides crucial information to a reporter regarding the true origins of the social movement.

Terri is a friendly grocery store cashier. She always takes time to chat with Mrs. Greenberg at the checkout counter.

Loretta is Arlene's friend who frequently drops by to borrow coffee. She questions Arlene's dating choices and pries into her personal life.

Sandy is an older man who dates Gordie. He provides his younger partner with a sense of safety and access to accepting social spaces.

Roger is a police officer who notices a strange drop in gang violence. He passes this information along to a reporter as a potential story.