Theo is a thirteen-year-old boy living in New York City whose life shatters after a terrorist bombing. Bright and observant, he struggles with profound grief and displacement following the sudden loss of his mother. He secretly harbors a priceless Dutch painting rescued from the museum wreckage, carrying it as a physical anchor to his past.

Boris is a teenage boy of Ukrainian descent with an Australian accent and a highly cosmopolitan background. He introduces Theo to a chaotic lifestyle of heavy drinking, shoplifting, and rebellion. Despite his unpredictable and violent home environment, he offers genuine friendship and loyalty when Theo needs it most.

Pippa is a bright, red-haired girl who survives the museum bombing but suffers a severe brain injury and broken leg. She goes to live with her aunt in Texas and later a boarding school, making her presence in New York intermittent. She remains a powerful symbol of beauty and shared survival for Theo.

Hobie is an antique furniture restorer who runs Hobart and Blackwell in New York City. He possesses a gentle, calming demeanor and buries himself in the quiet craftsmanship of woodworking. He becomes a vital source of comfort, offering a safe haven to a grieving teenager.

Audrey is a vibrant, charismatic woman who works hard to support her son after her husband's departure. She possesses a deep appreciation for art and infuses everyday moments with energy. Her sudden death in a terrorist attack leaves an immense void in her son's life.

Larry is a charming but unreliable father who struggles with alcoholism and gambling. He abandons his family in New York to start a new life in Nevada with his girlfriend. His parenting style fluctuates between neglect and sudden, controlling demands.

Mrs. Barbour is a wealthy New York socialite who meticulously curates her surroundings and art collection. She projects a cool, immaculate exterior but offers necessary shelter to her son's friend during an emergency. She maintains a highly structured, scheduled household.

Andy is a scrawny, intellectually gifted teenager who previously faced bullying in middle school. He lives in an opulent Park Avenue apartment and provides immediate comfort to a friend in shock. He prefers quiet, solitary activities over typical teenage socializing.

Kitsey is the younger sister in the Barbour family, growing up amidst extreme wealth on Park Avenue. She exhibits an enthusiastic, cheerful disposition that contrasts with the heavier atmosphere of her home.

Xandra is a restaurant worker living in Las Vegas who frequently uses drugs and avoids domestic responsibilities. She maintains a flat, detached demeanor and treats her boyfriend's teenage son more like an unwanted roommate than family.

Welty is an older gentleman and a partner in a Greenwich Village antique business. Fatally injured in the museum bombing, he spends his final moments desperately conveying instructions to a stranger. He tasks a young boy with rescuing a specific masterpiece from the rubble.

Mr. Barbour is the patriarch of the Barbour family, living on Park Avenue. He suffers from unmedicated bipolar disorder, making him an unpredictable and sometimes disconnected presence in his own home.

Platt is the oldest son of the Barbour family, spending most of his time away at a prestigious school. He exhibits a more rebellious streak than his younger brother.

Tom is a troublesome classmate of Theo's who frequently breaks school rules. He avoids Theo entirely following the museum tragedy, ignoring his former smoking companion.

Kotku is an eighteen-year-old girl living in Nevada who begins dating a younger classmate. She commands much of her boyfriend's time, creating a rift in his other friendships.

Mr. Silver is an intimidating associate of Larry Decker who stops by the house demanding a large sum of money. He represents the dangerous consequences of severe gambling habits.

Mr. Bracegirdle is a lawyer who handles the financial trust left behind by a deceased client. He carefully monitors the funds to protect them from fraudulent withdrawal attempts.

Margaret is Pippa's aunt from Texas who travels to the city following the museum explosion to assume care of her severely injured relative.