Armand is an unhoused Parisian man who values his solitary lifestyle and freedom from responsibilities. He pushes his belongings in a buggy and claims to despise children, obligations, and regular work. Despite his vocal protests, he possesses a soft heart and uses his extensive knowledge of surviving on the city streets to help those in need.

Suzy is the eldest of the three Calcet children. Characterized by her bright red hair, snub nose, and determined chin, she is optimistic and fiercely protective of her family's unity. She places high value on schooling and views the world with an open, tolerant mind, readily accepting people from different walks of life.

Madame Calcet is a hard-working, widowed laundress determined to keep her family together after an eviction. She struggles with the shame of her newfound poverty and fiercely distinguishes herself from other unhoused people. Her strong sense of pride often clashes with her desperate need for shelter, forcing her to confront her own prejudices.

Paul is the middle Calcet child and the only son. He longs to take on a masculine caretaker role for his family despite his young age. He easily accepts new people and expresses a strong desire for adventure, becoming particularly enamored with the nomadic lifestyle of the Roma community.

Evelyne is the youngest of the three red-haired Calcet children. She follows her older siblings' lead as they adapt to their new, unconventional living situation on the streets of Paris.

Mireli is a perceptive Roma woman who knows Armand well. She accurately reads his personality, noting that his stated hatred of children masks a soft heart. She extends hospitality and winter shelter to her friends without demanding payment, acting as a crucial support system.

Tinka is a young Roma girl who lives in a mobile home with her family. She shares stories of her people's travels and introduces the Calcet children to her culture's symbols and traditions, broadening their understanding of the world.

Nikki is Tinka's uncle and a prominent member of the Roma camp. He owns an automobile and possesses a pragmatic, resourceful approach to acquiring items, famously claiming to have cut down a rare tree from a botanical garden for Christmas.

Monsieur Latour is a floor manager at the Louvre department store. He actively monitors the store for people who do not match its upscale clientele, routinely ejecting those who appear poor or unhoused to protect the store's reputation.

Monsieur Brunot is the manager of a Parisian apartment complex. He seeks a dependable individual to take on the role of building caretaker, expressing a strong preference for hiring a family man.

Jojo is the Calcets' loyal family dog. He shares their scarce food and provides comfort to the children during their displacement, completely unfazed by their change in living conditions.

Father Christmas is an acquaintance of Armand who works portraying the holiday figure at the Louvre department store. He listens to the children's wishes but operates within practical limits, telling them a house will not fit on his donkey.

Titi is a street performer who works alongside a trained monkey. He fiercely protects his performance territory from competing buskers and complains when Armand's group draws away his audience.

Louis is an acquaintance of Armand who earns his living doing heavy manual labor at the main Parisian food market. He suggests employment opportunities to Armand, knowing his capable nature.

Pedro is a Roma man who shares his tent with Armand when the unhoused man and the Calcets seek shelter for the winter. He embodies the casual hospitality of the camp.