Ana Rosa is a twelve-year-old aspiring poet living in a seaside village in the Dominican Republic. She spends her free time observing the world from her perch in a gri gri tree and writing poems on any paper she can find. Despite knowing that being a writer is considered an impractical career in her country, she remains determined to find her voice. She wrestles with the tension between her creative passions and her responsibilities to her household.

Guario is Ana Rosa's older brother. He works hard at his restaurant job and dreams of building a better future, possibly by moving to the United States. Named after an indigenous Taíno chief, he serves as a strong and well-spoken presence in the family. He pays close attention to his younger sister's needs and frequently sits with her to offer comfort when she struggles.

Mami is the maternal center of the household. She is responsible for the family's daily well-being and takes a cautious approach to life. When confronted with Ana Rosa's strong desire to write, she tries to gently temper her daughter's expectations. She prefers to smooth over conflicts and keep the peace in her home rather than confront problems directly.

Papi is the fun-loving and charming life of the party in his community. He possesses an exceptional talent for dancing, particularly the merengue, and tries to pass this cultural connection on to his children by teaching them on the beach. While he is affectionate and appreciates his children's unique qualities, his heavy drinking often makes him absent or embarrassing to his family.

Angela is Ana Rosa's older sister. She is known throughout their community for her striking loveliness and frequently commands attention at local fiestas. Her effortless beauty sometimes creates a sense of insecurity for Ana Rosa. Ana Rosa views her sister with a mixture of admiration and jealousy as they attend village dances.

Angel is Guario's handsome best friend and a frequent visitor to the family's home. He easily fits into the community's social scene and is a common dance partner for Angela at local gatherings. He remains entirely oblivious to the strong romantic feelings Ana Rosa harbors for him.