A nine-year-old Jewish boy sent alone on a cargo ship to America by his unwed mother. Armed with a new pair of shoes and his mother's strict mandate to survive, he makes his way through the challenging streets of New York City. He is resourceful and highly observant. He draws strength from his grandmother's proverbs and maintains a deep internal connection to his Jewish heritage.

An orphaned, street-smart boy living in the dangerous Five Points area of New York. He operates with a cautious, every-man-for-himself mentality and sells information to survive. Initially hostile to newcomers, he forms an essential alliance with Dom to build a local street business.

A young street performer enslaved by an abusive boss who forces him to earn money on the streets. Known for whistling popular American tunes, he maintains a kind spirit despite his harsh daily life. His knowledge of English and local street corners proves highly valuable to his friends.

An Italian immigrant and produce vendor operating a stand in New York. He appreciates hard work and honesty, offering immediate employment when he observes Dom's meticulous skills. He acts as a community elder, offering loans and practical advice to the boys on the street.

A quiet, modest widow who rents a room in her worn but comfortable apartment to the boys. She deeply understands hardship and unconditionally accepts her new tenants. She quietly assumes a maternal role, tending to injuries and cooking specific meals without asking intrusive questions.

Beniamino's fiercely protective mother, who lives in a crowded two-room apartment in Napoli. Unable to secure stable work due to discrimination, she makes heavy personal sacrifices to secure her son's passage to America. She equips him with new shoes and strict rules for survival.

Beniamino's grandmother, who sews baby clothes to help support their large, impoverished family. She frequently shares cultural wisdom and proverbs, teaching her grandson the importance of generosity and sharing unexpected gifts.

Beniamino's uncle, who works in Napoli. He acts as a steady source of optimism for his nephew, sharing stories about the historical resilience of the Jewish people and providing a sense of cultural dignity.

A cruel, exploitative man who pays the passage for immigrant children only to enslave them in America. He forces Pietro and other boys to perform on the streets, resorting to violence and intimidation to extract their daily earnings.

A Polish butcher operating a shop in New York. He is welcoming and perceptive, supplying the boys with specific meats for their sandwich business. He helps bridge the gap between Dom's hidden religious identity and his new community.