Hollis is an eleven-year-old foster child who has spent her life moving between different homes since being abandoned as a newborn in Queens. She is highly sensitive and perceptive, frequently using her drawing skills to document her experiences and protect her inner feelings. Accustomed to rejection from adults, she has developed a tough exterior and relies entirely on her own independence. Her deepest desire is to find a place where she truly belongs, though her past makes it difficult for her to trust the kindness of others.

Josie is a retired art teacher who lives in the woods of Long Island and serves as Hollis's newest foster parent. She carves wooden branch figures, paints her house in bright colors, and prioritizes beauty over conventional rules. While she deeply appreciates Hollis's artistic talent, her early-stage memory issues complicate her ability to be a traditional caregiver. She treats Hollis with immediate warmth and acceptance, providing a space completely unlike traditional structured foster homes.

Steven is the twelve-year-old son of the Regan family and Hollis's foster brother. He is a skinny boy who wears mismatched socks and loves tracking animals, fishing, and working with engines. Despite his messy habits and frequent clashes with his father, Steven is incredibly thoughtful and observant. He immediately makes Hollis feel welcome with a teasing but gentle sibling dynamic, offering her the first real brother figure she has ever known.

John is Steven's father and an architect who owns a summer property at the foot of a mountain. Referred to almost exclusively as the "Old Man" by Hollis, he provides a steady and practical presence in the household. He recognizes and nurtures Hollis's artistic talent, offering her a glimpse of unconditional parental support despite his sometimes tense relationship with his own son.

Izzy is John's wife and Steven's mother, a tall woman whose greatest sorrow is being unable to have a larger family. She is profoundly maternal and immediately embraces Hollis as the oldest daughter she always wanted. She expresses her affection primarily by keeping her family well-fed with elaborate meals, hard candies, and frequent pancake breakfasts.

Beatrice is Josie's cousin and a fellow retired art teacher who operates the local movie theater. She serves as an artistic mentor to Hollis, delivering crucial advice about how art reveals deep truths about the artist's life. She recognizes Hollis's exceptional talent immediately and validates her skills more directly than previous adults in Hollis's life.

Henry is Josie's unpredictable orange cat. He acts as a constant companion to Josie, following her closely around the house and on her various excursions. He adds to the lively and slightly chaotic atmosphere of Josie's unconventional home.