Lupita is the 15-year-old eldest daughter of eight children in a Mexican immigrant family living in Texas. She is an aspiring poet and actress who finds comfort writing under a stubborn mesquite tree in her yard. Confronted with her mother's recent cancer diagnosis, Lupita begins taking on heavy responsibilities to care for her younger siblings. She manages her shifting identity between her Mexican heritage and American environment by participating in high school drama class and pouring her emotions into her notebook.

Mami is the matriarch of a large Mexican immigrant family living in Eagle Pass, Texas. She carefully tends to a rose garden in her yard, treating the plants with the same diligence she applies to raising her children. Confronted with a serious cancer diagnosis, she strives to maintain normalcy and order for her family. She firmly pushes her children to pursue education and bright futures rather than sacrificing their lives for her care.

Papi is a hardworking manual laborer who relocated his family from Mexico to the United States. Despite having rough hands from extensive work, he is gentle with his children and actively encourages Lupita's interest in writing. He works long hours and takes on extra shifts to cover his wife's medical bills and support their large family.

Victoria is one of Lupita's younger sisters. She shares a close, collaborative bond with Lupita, often helping her practice acting lines for school performances. She stands up for Lupita when peers mock her changing accent at school.

Analiza is one of the middle siblings in the family. She pushes boundaries as she grows up, occasionally wearing makeup and talking to boys when her parents are away. Her behavior frequently challenges Lupita's authority when Lupita is left in charge of the household.

Paco is Lupita's younger brother. He initially worries Lupita by staying out late with friends, but he surprises the family by taking initiative to feed them. He procures pomegranates, roasted doves, and salvaged ice cream to keep his siblings fed during difficult times.

Mireya is Lupita's practical and straightforward friend. When Lupita reveals her mother's diagnosis, Mireya bluntly insists that Lupita needs to prepare for the worst. This stark realism temporarily shatters their friendship, though they eventually reconnect through small apologies and shared moments.

Sarita is a high school friend of Lupita. She struggles to understand Lupita's evolving interests, particularly when Lupita attempts to change her accent for a drama role. She accuses Lupita of acting superior, causing a minor rift in their friend group.

Mr. Cortés is the drama teacher at Lupita's high school. He pushes Lupita to become a more serious actress by assigning her vocal exercises designed to soften her accent. He recognizes Lupita's natural talent for channeling genuine emotion into her performances.

Abuelita is Papi's mother who lives in Mexico. She provides a sense of connection to the family's roots. Her home serves as a quiet retreat away from the busy, stressful environment of the Texas household.

Mother Magdalena is a nun who interacts with the youth at the local church. She visits the family home to discuss Lupita's sudden interest in joining a convent, inadvertently prompting Mami to clearly state her ambitions for Lupita's education.

Maritza is one of Lupita's aunts. She participates in family milestones, dedicating her time to sew a dress for Lupita's transition into young womanhood.

Belen is another aunt in the extended family. She collaborates on family projects, ensuring that Lupita has a proper dress to mark her fifteenth birthday despite financial constraints.

Tita is one of Lupita's five younger sisters. She contributes to the lively, chaotic, and closely knit environment of the large household, engaging in typical sibling arguments and play.

Juanita is another of the younger sisters in the family. Like her siblings, she is deeply affected by the shifts in the household routine when their mother falls ill.

Rosita is one of Lupita's younger sisters. She looks up to Lupita as she transitions into young womanhood, viewing her older sister as an idol among the little girls in the house.

Benito is a younger brother in the family. He spends quiet time outside with Lupita while she reads, providing a calming presence amidst the stress of their parents' absence.