Nestor's friends from the New Haven trivia club who help him tackle the challenges they face with empathy and loyalty.

A fellow sixth grader and initially an antagonist who becomes an ally and team member in Nestor’s circle.

Nestor’s grandmother, who shares his gift of communicating with animals and provides a familial connection in New Haven, Texas.

Nestor's father, Raúl, is deployed with the US Army, while his mother supports the family and keeps them resilient during Raúl’s absence.

Nestor’s science teacher who sponsors the trivia club and has a personal connection to the tale of the tule vieja.

The main antagonist, a magical creature with shape-shifting abilities who poses a significant threat to the community and Nestor's journey.