Truly is an earnest eighth grader who recently traded her friendship with Hazel for a spot at the popular table. She maintains a positive disposition and trusts those around her easily. Her sudden shift in social standing places her at the center of growing tensions within her friend group.

Hazel is an independent eighth grader with green hair and a moody style. She deeply resents the popular crowd and feels abandoned when Truly chooses to sit with them. Because she knows Truly's social media passwords, she possesses the tools to express her frustration digitally.

Natasha is a confident member of the popular clique who ended her friendship with Truly in the sixth grade. She harbors insecurities stemming from her parents' divorce and her recent breakup with Clay. She quietly schemes to replace Brooke as the group's leader and uses Truly to advance her own social agenda.

Brooke holds the position of the most popular girl in school. Instead of acting exclusive, she maintains a warm and inclusive demeanor toward other students. She worries about her family's financial struggles and her brother's expensive therapy while secretly nursing a crush on Clay.

Clay is a popular boy who struggles with academics, specifically algebra. He frequently compares his own achievements to his highly successful older brother in college. Rather than participating in the girls' social drama, he prefers talking about science and focusing on his video games.

Jack is a popular student who takes a gourmet approach to his daily lunches. He completely transformed his eating habits after struggling with his weight in elementary school. He acts inclusively toward his peers and harbors a quiet crush on Truly.

Evangeline is an athletic member of the popular group who excels in her classes. She adheres to Brooke's standard of kindness and participates enthusiastically in their History Day project about Benedict Arnold.

Lulu is an upbeat member of the popular crowd whose mother passed away a few years prior. She frequently jokes around on social media and acts as a supportive presence within Brooke's inner circle.

Henry is Truly's neurodivergent older brother. He shares historical trivia with Truly and offers her direct advice regarding her social struggles.

JT is Clay's successful older brother. He excelled in high school academics and sports, creating a high standard that Clay feels pressured to meet.

Margot is Brooke's sister. She worries about their parents' debt and advises Brooke to focus on earning a college scholarship to ease the family's burden.

Otto is Brooke's older brother. He is starting college and maintains a close, long-standing friendship with Clay's older brother.

Corey is Brooke's brother. He requires expensive therapy, which contributes significantly to the Armstrong family's financial difficulties.

Marilicia is a student who left the popular clique after refusing to conform to their dress code. She now sits with a different group of friends and openly criticizes the toxic nature of her former peers.

Russell is Jack's former best friend. He excluded Jack from a birthday party during elementary school due to Jack's weight, prompting Jack's physical transformation.

Sweet Pea is Hazel's pet budgerigar. Hazel believes she has owned the exact same bird since she was three years old, entirely unaware of her parents' secret replacements.