Andrew is a twelve-year-old seventh-grader who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. He resides with his mother and grandmother in a cramped apartment, facing financial difficulties. He draws autobiographical comics in a sketchbook to process his emotions. His primary goal is to survive school picture day without having a panic attack.

Aisha is an easygoing seventh-grader who excels at basketball. She supports Andrew through his daily stressors and tries to encourage him to branch out socially. Though her father pushes her to pursue basketball professionally, she dreams of studying marine life and living like a mermaid.

Gene is a wealthy, entitled seventh-grader who bullies Andrew and other classmates. He wears name-brand clothing and frequently mocks Andrew's hand-me-down wardrobe. His aggressive behavior at school stems from difficulties in his home life.

Dr. Cain is a patient and experienced therapist who treats Andrew for his anxiety and OCD. She encourages him to draw his feelings and teaches him visualization exercises. The family's financial limitations restrict the number of sessions Andrew can attend.

Mr. Kellerman is a friendly art teacher with a brown beard and a strong sense of humor. He understands the challenges of mental health from personal experience. He creates a welcoming environment for his students and encourages their imaginations.

Susan is Andrew's mother, a hardworking woman trying to provide for her son and ailing mother on a tight budget. She is starting a new job on picture day, hoping the position will bring financial stability to the family.

G is Andrew's grandmother and a former social studies teacher. She lives with Andrew and Susan because she has Alzheimer's disease. She retains fragments of her past memories, often believing she is still a teacher.

Nurse Finnegan works at Andrew's middle school, providing medical care for students. She observes Andrew's nervous habits and tries to offer practical help when his day goes wrong.

Principal Espinosa is the school administrator who handles disciplinary issues and oversees school events. He attempts to mediate conflicts between students and holds bullies accountable for property damage.

Mika is Aisha's mother and Susan's best friend. She provides essential childcare and eldercare support for the Yaeger family, stepping in when Susan needs to work.

Mr. Harris is a gruff middle school math teacher. Despite his strict demeanor, he notices when usually strong students struggle in his classroom.

Mr. Stanley is the middle school science teacher. He oversees laboratory experiments and enforces safety protocols when classroom activities go awry.

Kendrick is the seventh grade's class clown. He possesses a highly extroverted personality that Andrew finds both confusing and impressive.

Kylee is a middle school student who plays on the basketball team with Aisha. She tries to extend social invitations to Aisha and her friends during lunch.

Melissa is another member of the seventh-grade basketball team who socializes with Aisha during the school day. She sits with the team at lunch and represents the broader social circle Aisha belongs to.

Tyler is a middle school student known for his smelly burps. He steps in to help a classmate reach the nurse's office after a physical education mishap.

Danny is a fellow seventh-grader whose poor hygiene creates stressful situations for germ-conscious students. He accidentally ruins Andrew's clothing in the hallway.

Ms. Wilson is a teacher who monitors the school hallways. She steps in to break up conflicts between students.

Don McAndrews is Susan Yaeger's boss at her new job. He has personal experience with family illness, which influences his management style.

Andrew's father is an estranged parent living on the West Coast. He provides no financial support to his former family and has a history of angry behavior.

He is Aisha's father, an enthusiastic sports fan. He holds high expectations for his daughter's athletic career, hoping she will play professionally.