Bryan is a sixth-grade African American boy of Puerto Rican descent living in a rough Brooklyn neighborhood. He values peace, tranquility, and comic books, often seeking quiet places to escape the noise and tension of his surroundings. Feeling somewhat isolated, he longs for male companionship but naturally avoids drama and conflict.

Mike is a seventh-grader whose family recently relocated to Brooklyn from the Bronx. He is highly adept at charming adults, using good grades and polite manners to hide his frequent rule-breaking and manipulation. As he draws Bryan into his orbit, he uses flattery, gifts, and sudden insults to maintain control over their dynamic.

Ma is a social worker and the primary anchor in Bryan's life. She actively discourages Bryan from forming close friendships early on, fearing he will be led astray, preferring he focus on academics. She values peace and quiet, often taking Bryan on outings to serene locations away from their neighborhood.

Pa is Bryan's father, a man whose volatile temper frequently lands him in legal trouble and jail. He follows a macho street code, remaining largely distant from his children while spending time with his friends on the corner. He believes it is better to be feared than liked, setting a tense example for his son.

Ava is Bryan's older sister, three years his senior. She often mocks Bryan for his sensitive nature and close bond with their mother, pushing him to be tougher. Despite her teasing exterior, she possesses strong common sense and acts as a practical stabilizing force during family conflicts.

Big Will is a sixth-grader who is unusually tall and muscular for his age. Despite his imposing physical presence, he possesses a calm, gentle demeanor and actively works to deescalate conflicts rather than start them. He shares Bryan's love for comic books, arcade games, and quiet environments.

Little Kevin is a sixth-grader who is small for his age and physically uncoordinated. He is deeply desperate for approval from older boys, making him an easy target for manipulation. His eagerness to fit in leads him to follow reckless instructions despite his obvious fear.

Melanie is an attractive middle-school girl who runs in the same social circles as Bryan and Big Will. She is observant of the boys' behavior, openly displaying disgust when she witnesses bullying while rewarding kindness with friendly smiles.

Hector is the owner of the local bodega. He keeps a running tab for families in the neighborhood, though he grudgingly enforces rules about outstanding debts, providing a source of stress for Bryan.

Alex is a disreputable associate of Bryan's father who brings trouble to the group. He carries himself with an arrogant manner and wears a smarmy smile that immediately makes Bryan uneasy.

Kamau is a boy of Kenyan descent who temporarily visits the community center. He is friendly and easily connects with Bryan over a shared passion for superhero comic books.

Christian is one of Mike's friends who helps him enforce his social dominance. He is willing to pick fights on Mike's behalf but lacks genuine hostility when not being directed by him.

Dennis is another of Mike's associates who acts as muscle for his bullying tactics. Like Christian, he harasses other boys primarily to win favor with Mike.