Carter is a young, displaced boy with a natural talent for sleight-of-hand magic. Forced to live on the run after his parents' deaths, he refuses to use his skills to steal from innocent people. He carries his few possessions in a leather satchel, including a mysterious wooden box engraved with the initials "LWL." Upon arriving in Mineral Wells, he discovers a community of people who share his unique talents.

Sylvester Beaton, known as Uncle Sly, is a con artist who takes custody of Carter following the deaths of the boy's parents. He uses cheap illusions, misdirection, and sleight of hand to swindle people out of their money. Constantly evading local law enforcement, he attempts to force Carter to act as a lookout and accomplice in his thieving schemes.

Dante Vernon is an accomplished illusionist and the proprietor of a magic shop in Mineral Wells. He stands out to Carter by performing magic purely for entertainment rather than profit. He provides a safe haven for young magicians to practice their craft behind a secret bookshelf in his store.

Leila is the adopted daughter of Dante Vernon and The Other Mr. Vernon. She is a talented escape artist who routinely practices freeing herself from straitjackets and locks. Despite facing social rejection from schoolmates for her unconventional hobbies, she maintains a highly positive outlook and immediately welcomes Carter into her friend group.

Bosso is the greedy, flamboyant owner of B. B. Bosso’s Carnival Spectacular. He utilizes misdirection and flashy carnival attractions to run a large-scale thieving operation under the guise of entertainment. He immediately recognizes Carter's talent and attempts to recruit the boy into his criminal enterprise.

Theo is a young illusionist who specializes in levitation tricks. He performs in formal attire and uses his skills to disrupt thieves working the carnival crowds. He quickly forms a wordless, cooperative partnership with Carter, marking Carter's first positive experience of teamwork.

Ridley is a highly intelligent, red-haired girl who uses a wheelchair and specializes in transformation magic. She approaches illusions as an intellectual pursuit and easily sees through carnival scams. Naturally skeptical and protective of her friends, she initially distrusts Carter's sudden arrival in town.

The Other Mr. Vernon is Dante Vernon's husband and Leila's adoptive father. He works as the head chef at the Grand Oak Resort in Mineral Wells. He helps maintain a warm, welcoming environment for the young magicians by supplying them with food and caring for their various pets.

Walrus is the strongman in Bosso's carnival sideshow who purportedly lifts weights with his mustache. He acts as muscle and an enforcer for Bosso's criminal operations, using physical intimidation to handle anyone who poses a threat to the carnival's schemes.

The Spider-Lady is a prominent performer in Bosso's carnival sideshow. Beyond her theatrical role in the circus, she acts as an observant spy and active participant in Bosso's thieving operations, keeping tabs on the townspeople and the young magicians.

Olly is half of a twin performing duo that entertains guests at the lavish Grand Oak Resort. He uses humor, physical comedy, and tap dancing to bring joy to audiences, eventually lending his theatrical talents to help the young magicians create public distractions.

Izzy is half of a performing twin duo working at the Grand Oak Resort. She provides comedic relief and energetic entertainment for the resort's guests, utilizing her theatrical skills to assist the young magicians when they need a coordinated diversion.

Ms. Zalewski is the kind owner of a boarding house who shares stories of her family's migration from Poland and Russia with Carter. She wears a diamond necklace that is her only family heirloom, which unfortunately draws the attention of thieves.

Presto is the resident talking parrot at Dante Vernon's magic shop. The children have humorously trained him to call everyone "Carter," but his squawks and meows occasionally contain coded messages for the young magicians.

Top Hat is a white rabbit belonging to Ridley. Because Ridley's mother is allergic to rabbits, Top Hat lives at the magic shop, where he is cared for and serves as a classic magician's companion for the children.