Robin is an 11-year-old aspiring ballerina living in San Francisco's culturally diverse Richmond district. She is half-Chinese and half-white, naturally talented at dance, and exceptionally dedicated to her ballet practice. When financial hardship forces her to pause her lessons, she must find creative ways to practice on concrete floors while adjusting to the arrival of her maternal grandmother.

Grandmother is a resilient survivor who recently emigrated from Hong Kong to live with Robin's family. Having made extraordinary sacrifices to secure a better life for her children, she commands deep respect from her family members. She adheres strongly to traditional Chinese values, relying on two carved canes and enduring physical pain from her past in China. This traditional outlook initially causes friction as she struggles to adapt to American culture.

Elaine is a public interest attorney who immigrated to America from Hong Kong as a young woman. She carries a profound sense of debt to her mother for securing her freedom and education. Driven by duty, she shoulders the immense financial and emotional burden of bringing her mother to the United States, often suppressing her own needs to maintain harmony in the house.

Gilbert is a white documentary filmmaker who prioritizes artistic integrity over financial gain. As the only non-Chinese member of the household, he frequently feels like an outsider when his mother-in-law arrives. He advocates strongly for Robin's ballet lessons and challenges his wife's insistence on handling her family's financial burdens alone.

Ian is Robin's younger brother, a typical young boy fascinated by superhero cartoons and plastic dinosaur toys. Upon his grandmother's arrival, he quickly becomes the favored child due to traditional Chinese preferences for boys. He gladly accepts her extra treats and encouragement, temporarily altering the household dynamics.

Madame Oblamov is Robin's exacting and dedicated Russian ballet instructor. A former dancer who performed with the Leningrad ballet, she recognizes Robin's exceptional natural talent. She believes firmly in strict discipline and constant practice, viewing dance as a language that transcends ordinary communication.

Amy is a fellow ballet student in Robin's class. While initially slightly behind Robin in skill, she continues practicing at the studio and advances to upper-level classes. She is culturally empathetic to Robin's family situation, understanding the importance of family obligations.

Leah is an African American ballet student and one of Robin's close friends. She comes from a financially stable home equipped with a personal upstairs ballet studio. She holds herself to strict diets for dance and frequently hosts her friends for group practice sessions.

Thomas is the sole male dancer in Robin's immediate friend group. He comes from a difficult background, with grandparents in prison and a home life he feels too proud to share openly. Despite his personal struggles, he remains a loyal and encouraging presence for his fellow dancers.

Georgie is Elaine's younger brother and Robin's uncle. He is a financially successful businessman who enjoys showing off his wealth with expensive meals and lucky license plates. Despite his current success, he relied heavily on his sister's financial support to establish himself in America.

Eddy is Elaine's other younger brother and a successful businessman. Like Georgie, he benefited significantly from Elaine's sacrifices when moving to the United States. He has a spacious home and a wife, positioning him to eventually take on more direct family responsibilities.

Dr. Brown is Robin's pediatrician and Leah's mother. She is a thorough medical professional who correctly diagnoses Robin's foot condition, warning her about the severe physical consequences of practicing on concrete with outgrown ballet shoes.

Nana is Gilbert's mother and Robin's paternal grandmother. She maintains a distant but warm relationship with her grandchildren, sending them money for Christmas and congratulating Robin on her local ballet performances.

Cecily is a beginner ballet student in the class production of *The Nutcracker*. When she forgets her choreography on stage, Robin gently mimes the steps from the wings to help her through the performance.