Amal is a sixteen-year-old African American artist and poet who attends a specialized arts high school. He faces trial for aggravated assault and battery following a fight in a gentrified neighborhood called East Hills. Observant and sensitive, he notices how the legal system and his school environment label him as violent rather than understanding his artistic expression.

Umi is Amal's mother and his most steadfast defender. She actively encourages his artistic talents and advocates for him during his trial and incarceration. She tries to maintain a positive demeanor to lift Amal's spirits, constantly reminding him of his worth.

Imani teaches a special poetry class at the juvenile detention center. She identifies as a prison abolitionist and pushes the incarcerated youths to express themselves and reflect on their situations. She immediately recognizes Amal's artistic abilities and encourages his creativity.

Ms. Rinaldi teaches AP Art History at Amal's high school. She testifies as a character witness, telling the court that Amal has anger issues. She separates Amal's identity as a Black teenager from his art, and she fails to recognize how her own curriculum causes his frustration.

Jeremy is a white teenager from the recently gentrified East Hills neighborhood. Following an altercation at a basketball court, he falls into a coma, leaving him unable to provide a statement about what actually happened.

Clyde is the defense attorney hired to represent Amal. While he claims to fight for justice, he often acts unconcerned with the realities of the legal system, causing Amal to lose faith in his legal counsel.

Zenobia is a classmate of Amal's who reaches out to him after he goes to the detention center. She writes letters affirming her belief in his innocence, providing Amal with a vital connection to his life outside.

Kadon is an incarcerated youth at the juvenile detention center. He initially tests Amal by taking his drawing materials but eventually forms an alliance with him, offering a sense of brotherhood among the inmates.

Officer Stanford is a guard at the juvenile detention center. He supervises the inmates with a mix of hostility and occasional practical advice on how to survive the facility's strict environment.

Ms. Buford serves as the superintendent of the juvenile detention center. She enforces the facility's rigid rules and determines which inmates earn privileges, such as attending the poetry class.

Uncle Rashon acts as the primary father figure in Amal's life. He provides Amal with important literature by Black writers to help educate and inspire him while he is in the detention center.

Dr. Bennu is a guest who speaks to Imani's poetry class. Having experienced wrongful incarceration himself, he teaches the youths about systemic injustice and encourages them to build solidarity.

Lucas is Amal's best friend from the outside world. Despite his own mother forbidding him from contacting Amal, Lucas secretly reaches out to offer support and encourage Amal's creative talents.

Omari is one of Amal's friends present on the night of the altercation in East Hills. He initiates the confrontation by telling the white teenagers to get off the court, setting off the chain of events that results in the arrests.