Jordan is a 13-year-old Black student from Washington Heights who attends Riverdale Academy Day School. He processes his daily life, fears, and observations about racial prejudice through his sketchbook. As he receives an acceptance letter to a private art school, he faces a difficult choice between pursuing his artistic ambitions and staying with his established friends.

Drew is Jordan’s closest friend at the academy. Confident and self-assured on the outside, he is highly aware of the systemic racism he faces as a darker-skinned Black teenager. He refuses to ignore ignorance and frequently challenges his peers to recognize their own privilege.

Maury is a quiet, observant student who comes from a wealthy Black family. Because he is well-traveled and fluent in French, he quickly steps up as a knowledgeable guide for his peers abroad. He remains humble and generous, using his resources to help his classmates while quietly seeking a genuine sense of belonging.

Andy is a white student who embodies the archetype of a school bully. Recognizable by his backwards red cap, he constantly targets his peers with hurtful comments he disguises as jokes. He lacks self-awareness regarding his privilege and the racist undertones of his behavior, a flaw that frequently isolates him from the rest of the group.

Liam is a white, financially privileged student and a core member of Jordan’s friend group. He lives in a large mansion and travels frequently, causing him to lose some excitement for international trips. He deals with the frequent absence of his busy parents and the prejudiced views held by his extended family.

Ashley is an outgoing, popular girl and the captain of the field hockey team. She thrives on social interaction but struggles with underlying insecurities about her social status. She constantly seeks validation and checks her phone for messages, which sometimes causes her to miss the social cues of those around her.

Alexandra is an independent student who values her solitude and dreams of becoming a child psychologist. She typically relies on her sock puppets for company rather than interacting with peers. She is open-minded and loves traveling because it exposes her to new people and cultures.

Ramon is a Latino student who frequently faces relentless teasing from Andy regarding his ethnic background and financial status. Having never stayed in a hotel before, he views the upcoming Paris trip as a major, exciting milestone.

Samira is a confident Muslim student who wears a pink veil. She possesses a strong sense of personal boundaries and a sharp understanding of the difference between playful banter and harmful teasing, often taking it upon herself to correct her peers.

Chuck is Jordan's father. He enjoys spending time with his family and teasing his son, such as trying to force Jordan to watch an old VHS tape of a classic cartoon.

Mrs. Banks is Jordan's mother. She is practical, deeply protective of her son, and highly aware of the racial prejudices her family faces. She worries about the viability of Jordan's artistic career aspirations.

Jordan's grandfather is a supportive family member who encourages Jordan's artistic talents. He shares historical context with Jordan, reminiscing about Black artists who historically sought respect and creative freedom in Paris.

Mr. Garnier is a teacher at Riverdale Academy Day School who chaperones the trip to France. Despite leading a trip to Paris, he does not speak French and encounters minor travel hiccups along the way.

Mr. Roche is a teacher at the academy accompanying the students to Paris. Like his co-chaperone, he lacks French language skills but maintains a positive attitude as he helps guide the middle schoolers abroad.

Liam's grandparents are wealthy, older relatives who hold rigid social views. They display clear racial prejudices and harbor narrow stereotypes about Black teenagers, creating an uncomfortable environment for Liam's guests.

Ruby is Ashley's best friend. She skips the Paris trip in favor of going to Yellowstone with another classmate, a decision that causes friction and jealousy.