Pacy is an elementary school student and the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. She manages the daily realities of a bicultural upbringing, balancing her family's Taiwanese traditions with her American environment. Eager and observant, she views the incoming Year of the Dog as her opportunity to discover her unique talent and forge her identity. She worries about finding a skill of her own, and she experiments with science projects, play auditions, and eventually an illustrated book about her cultural experiences.

Pacy's Mom is a supportive, deeply traditional Taiwanese immigrant who actively shapes her daughters' understanding of their heritage. She frequently shares personal stories from her childhood in Taiwan and her early days in the United States to impart wisdom. When Pacy feels out of place or uncertain about her cultural identity, her mother steps in with reassuring wisdom. She emphasizes that Pacy does not have to choose between being American or Taiwanese.

Melody is a newly arrived student at Pacy's elementary school who shares a Taiwanese American background. She bonds with Pacy over their shared cultural experiences and common interests. She attends the Taiwanese American Convention summer camp alongside Pacy and partners with her for a science fair project. Supportive and perceptive, Melody provides Pacy with a sense of solidarity in a school environment where few others understand their heritage.

Pacy's Dad is an encouraging, practical presence in the family household. He embraces the blended nature of their Taiwanese American identity, openly expressing pride in their ability to mix cultures. He is enthusiastic about traditional meals but equally happy to incorporate American elements, famously approving of Pacy mixing M&Ms into the traditional Chinese New Year candy tray.

Lissy is Pacy's older sister who is nearing junior high school age. She goes by the American name Beatrice at school to avoid having to explain her Taiwanese name to classmates. She prepares for the transition to older grades and often helps their mother with household tasks and cooking preparations during traditional holidays. Practical and protective, she frequently offers Pacy blunt but helpful advice on managing their bicultural world.

Ki-Ki is Pacy's youngest sister. She eagerly participates in the family's cultural celebrations and traditions. She contributes to the lively household dynamic as the sisters grow up together.

Becky is Pacy's white classmate. While generally friendly, her lack of cultural awareness sometimes leads to awkward or insensitive moments. She incorrectly assumes that Dorothy in the school play cannot be played by a Chinese person, and inadvertently causes Pacy to doubt her own place in the theater production.

Ms. McCurdy is the school's library teacher who oversees a national book contest project. She is an encouraging educational figure who specifically motivates Pacy to draw upon her own unique cultural experiences when struggling with a writing assignment. She gently pushes Pacy to look at her family's history for inspiration.

Ms. Malone is the school's theater teacher who directs the student play. She places students in roles without harboring the restrictive prejudices that some of Pacy's peers demonstrate, ultimately casting Pacy as a munchkin and boosting her confidence.

Teddy is a male classmate who becomes the mutual subject of a crush for both Pacy and Melody. His presence briefly tests the girls' friendship before they realize their bond is more important than his attention.

Pacy's Grandmother is a traditional elder in the family who possesses culturally rooted remedies for everyday ailments. She applies symbolic painting techniques to help soothe Pacy's physical discomforts, believing that a painted tiger chasing a painted pig will heal a sore neck.

Pacy's Grandfather is a successful medical doctor who serves as a source of family pride. A family story describes how his early acts of compassion and generosity toward an injured street vendor led to his current prosperity.

Albert is Pacy's baby cousin. His family hosts a traditional Red Egg party to celebrate his birth, showering him with symbols of luck and wealth as he sleeps peacefully.

Melody's mother is a Taiwanese American woman who emphasizes a highly healthy, traditional diet for her family. She warmly hosts Pacy but operates a stricter, health-conscious household compared to Pacy's home environment.

Aunt Alice is Melody's relative who lives in New Jersey. She observes highly traditional Taiwanese customs, including serving full meals to empty chairs in order to honor deceased family members.

Mei is an important figure from Pacy's Mom's past. As her first friend in the United States, Mei helped her adjust to a new country, learn English, and study for classes during a lonely period in her life.

Shin is Pacy's uncle who appears in a family story about greed and consequences. As a child, his ravenous desire for a fancy decorated cake led him to spit on it so others would not eat it, resulting in him falling ill later.

Charlotte is a student at Pacy's school who teams up with Becky for the science fair. She ultimately produces a project that secures a first-place ribbon from the visiting NASA scientist.

Sophia is a classmate of Pacy and Melody who becomes the object of Teddy Jackson's affections. Her relationship with Teddy diffuses the potential romantic rivalry between the two best friends.