Neftalí is a young, imaginative boy living in Temuco, Chile, who struggles with a stutter, extreme shyness, and physical weakness. He possesses a vivid imagination and an intense fascination with nature, often collecting rocks, twigs, and bird's nests. He yearns for a true friend and uses daydreams to transform his restrictive environment into magical worlds.

Father works as a conductor for the railroad and values physical strength, obedience, and practical careers in business or medicine. He rules his household with absolute authority, frequently belittling his children in front of others and forbidding activities he deems useless. His strict parenting style stems from his own difficult youth as a poor laborer, driving him to forcefully mold his children into successful adults.

Uncle Orlando runs a local newspaper called La Mañana and actively advocates for the rights of the Indigenous Mapuche people. He is a courageous journalist who uses his platform to speak out against developers trying to force people off their land. His fearlessness and integrity make him a powerful role model for Neftalí.

Rodolfo is Neftalí's older brother, a physically strong boy with a natural talent for singing. Despite his teachers' belief that he could earn a music scholarship, he is forced to study business to appease their strict father. He attempts to protect Neftalí by enforcing their father's rules, having personally experienced the painful consequences of disobedience.

Laurita is Neftalí's cheerful younger sister. She provides a sense of companionship to her isolated brother, listening to his explanations of the world and keeping his secrets. She faces their father's rigid demands alongside Neftalí, particularly when forced to swim in the ocean despite her fears.

Mamadre is Neftalí's stepmother, a small and quiet woman who provides the children with unconditional love. She defers to her husband's authority but finds subtle ways to support the children, such as reading them adventure stories and allowing them to play dress-up when he is away. Her quiet encouragement helps validate Neftalí's self-worth.

Augusto is an elderly librarian who immediately recognizes Neftalí's passion for reading. Understanding what it is like to have a father who disapproves of books, Augusto offers Neftalí a safe space to read without fear of punishment. He treats literary characters as neighbors and validates Neftalí's intellectual curiosity.

Blanca is a kind, observant girl in Neftalí's community whom he secretly admires. She appreciates artistry and looks past the physical weaknesses that others mock. Her simple gestures of friendship, such as gifting a quince, help Neftalí find a way to express himself through writing.

Guillermo is a schoolyard bully who uses intimidation to get what he wants. He targets Neftalí due to the younger boy's physical weakness but exploits Neftalí's skill with words to impress Blanca. He represents the kind of oppressive force Neftalí must learn to resist.