Michael is a 12-year-old mixed-race Filipino American boy living in the Fox Run apartment complex in Delaware. He suffers from severe anxiety regarding the approaching Y2K computer switchover and his single mother's financial struggles. To cope with his fears, he secretly hoards supplies and food under his bed. He is empathetic and perceptive, yet constantly blames himself when things go wrong for his loved ones.

Ridge is a 16-year-old mixed-race Filipino American from the year 2199 who impulsively uses his mother's untested Spatial Transportation Module. As the first human time traveler, he possesses historical knowledge but lacks immunity to 1999 diseases like the common cold. He views the late 20th century through an idealized lens, finding fascination in mundane items like microwaves and shopping malls.

Gibby is a 16-year-old high school student who lives in the same apartment complex as Michael. Since her mother left, her father and brother force all the household chores onto her, fostering her strong sense of independence. She readily accepts Ridge's unusual origins and takes charge of organizing his brief stay in 1999.

Mr. Mosley is the handyman at the Fox Run apartment complex. He serves as a steady, reassuring presence for the neighborhood children and frequently checks in on Michael. He encourages those around him to focus on doing their best in the present moment rather than obsessing over uncontrollable future events.

Ms. Rosario is a hardworking single mother employed at three different jobs to support herself and her son. She recently lost her primary shift at the local grocery store after staying home to nurse Michael through a cold. Despite her exhaustion, she maintains a calm, deliberate demeanor and prioritizes Michael's happiness.

Beejee is a hostile young man who manages to afford his own apartment at the Fox Run complex. He routinely bullies the younger neighborhood children and shirks his familial responsibilities. He quickly grows suspicious of the strange teenager his sister brings around.

Dr. Sabio is a Spatial Transportation Scientist working in Delaware in the year 2199. She developed the Spatial Transportation Module and the EGG initiating device. She carefully weighs the ethical implications of time travel, unaware that her own son will be the first to test it.

Mr. Gibson manages the local grocery store in Red Knot. Following his wife's departure, he pushes all domestic labor onto his teenage daughter while favoring his adult son. He demonstrates a lack of empathy toward his employees.

Jamar is a teenager who lives in the Fox Run apartment complex. He frequently plays basketball with his brothers and intervenes when he sees younger neighbors being mistreated.

Paige is an outgoing middle school student preparing to enter Michael's class. She shows an immediate interest in getting to know Michael and offers him her phone number during their brief interaction.

Ridge's brothers and sisters live in the year 2199. They study from sumbooks and debate spatial transportation concepts, unaware that their brother is about to test the equipment himself.