Sara is a fourteen-year-old girl enduring a difficult summer defined by abrupt mood swings and intense self-consciousness about her appearance, especially her brightly dyed shoes. She carries the daily responsibility of watching her younger brother. This obligation creates tension as her desire for teenage independence clashes with her duties. Despite her complaints and short temper, she harbors a fierce protective streak toward her family.

Charlie is a ten-year-old boy who lives with an intellectual disability stemming from consecutive childhood illnesses. He is nonverbal. He communicates through physical gestures and his treasured analog watch. He relies heavily on routine to manage his day. When an unexpected flock of swans arrives at a nearby lake, he forms an intense attachment to the birds.

Aunt Willie is the paternal aunt and primary caregiver to the Godfrey siblings following the death of their mother six years prior. She relies on her brother Sam for financial support but handles the intense daily responsibilities of raising three children alone. She takes her promise to protect the siblings extremely seriously. Her dramatic, highly protective nature often grates on her teenage nieces.

At nineteen, Wanda is the eldest sibling of the Godfrey family. She balances university classes with a job at the local hospital. She tries to offer practical advice to her younger sister. Her growing independence creates distance between her and the daily operations of the household.

Joe is a local boy and classmate of Sara's who becomes entangled in the community effort to support the Godfrey family. Sara harbors a strong grudge against him based on an incident involving Charlie's prized possession. He remains patient and willing to help despite facing active hostility.

Mary is Sara's friend and peer in the neighborhood. She concerns herself with typical teenage interests like upcoming parties and styling her hair. She serves as a willing companion to Sara, though her loyalty sometimes competes with her desire to participate in local social events.

Sam is the widowed father of his three children. Following the death of his wife and Charlie's childhood illness, he relocated to Ohio for work. He returns to West Virginia only for occasional weekends. This geographic and emotional distance profoundly affects his teenage daughter Sara.

Frank is Wanda's boyfriend. He charms his way past Aunt Willie's strict protective instincts by offering her a ride on his motor scooter. Sara views him with skepticism due to his habit of using condescending nicknames for Wanda.

Mary Weicek's mother is a neighborhood adult who understands Charlie's habits. She sets Mary's hair for parties and cheerfully engages in the community's customary greeting with Charlie by asking him for the time.

Ernestine is a friend of Mary's mother. As an outsider unfamiliar with the Godfrey family, she prompts an explanation of Charlie's condition from her friend.

Boysie is the Godfrey family dog. He serves as an unwitting audience for Sara's emotional displays, patiently enduring her attempts to dress him in clothing and practice crying routines.