Willie is a perceptive sixth-grader who lives alone with his mother. Following his father's sudden abandonment, he seeks to understand the root of unhappiness and how it affects the people around him. He is highly observant and inquisitive. He often uses metaphors to process difficult emotional realities, leading to a profound sense of empathy for others.

Mrs. Markham is Willie's mother, a woman who has grown deeply unhappy and withdrawn since her husband left the family. She works at a convenience store and carefully portions out food, attempting to control her environment. She actively avoids acknowledging the pain in the world around her.

Matt is a tall, thin, pale sixth-grader who cultivates a reputation for rebellious behavior to contrast with his father's position as a minister. Despite his penchant for mischief and taking extreme dares, he strictly adheres to a personal code of honor. His sense of identity is challenged when he visits a dying man.

Maria is a sixth-grader burdened by the unexplained disappearance of her older brother, Brian. Surrounded by adults who refuse to speak about him, she feels deeply isolated and angry at her parents' imposed silence. She channels her grief and need for connection into a series of one-sided conversations with an unknown, silent caller who contacts her daily at 4 pm.

Brian is Maria's sixteen-year-old brother who ran away from home following intense conflicts with their parents. Although his parents and the wider community treat him as a shameful, taboo subject, he left behind a secret note expressing his love and regret to his younger sister.

Gregory is a short, heavyset eleven-year-old boy who is new to his school. Known for his intelligence, he becomes the focal point of classroom dynamics when his teacher seemingly targets him for unfair punishment. This treatment causes him to resent her and plot petty revenge. He tries to manage peer pressure and maintain his own internal moral compass.

Mrs. Wessex is a teacher who appears angry, austere, and unfair to her students. She lives in a modest, run-down house and frequently singles out Gregory for punishment, leading him to resent her. Her strict classroom behavior creates a complex dynamic among the students.

Eve is a highly empathetic and devoted pet owner who showers her animals with affection. When her two adopted kittens fall ill, she is consumed by grief, guilt, and a desperate need to care for them. This devotion causes her severe anxiety as their health declines.

Danny is a fifteen-year-old boy who presents as awkward, clumsy, and gloomy. He arrives at his cousin's house in emotional distress, seeking intervention. Overwhelmed by feelings of worthlessness, he introduces a dangerous game involving wooden boxes to externalize his emotional pain.

Parker is a perceptive, sarcastic, and deeply hurt twelve-year-old boy dealing with the bitter fallout of his parents' divorce. He channels his feelings of powerlessness into cruelty. He deliberately orchestrates a tense dinner to provoke his parents and air his grievances, but beneath his hardened exterior, he harbors a profound need for reassurance.

Marley is a sixth-grader who belongs to a friend group that thrives on daring Matt Kaizer to perform mischievous acts. He views Matt's rebellious behavior as the social glue that holds their group together. Over time, Marley observes Matt's changing behavior.

Reverend Kaizer is a minister and Matt's father. Rather than harshly punishing his son's rebellion, he calmly encourages Matt to find and exercise his inner goodness. He perceptively uses Matt's personal code of honor to guide him toward empathy.

Mr. Bataky is Mary Beth's father, a man who is terminally ill and experiencing delirium. Desperate to ensure that he dies "good," he seeks absolution for his past wrongdoings. His vulnerability and confessions profoundly impact the boys who visit him.

Mary Beth is a student whose father's impending death causes her to miss school. Often mocked by her less empathetic peers, she is forced to shoulder the heavy burden of her father's terminal illness.

Sophie is a friend of Maria's who represents the broader social stigma surrounding Maria's family. She explicitly states that she is not allowed to talk about Brian, which drives a wedge between the two girls.

Ryan is the class bully and a consistent troublemaker. He thrives on being the center of attention, even if that attention comes from getting into trouble for acts like throwing spitballs.

Tiny is the massive, unsmiling son of a local candy store owner. Operating out of a dingy back room, he occasionally sells illicit items like firecrackers to children who ask properly.

Mrs. Barman owns the local candy store where Gregory goes to find Tiny. Her shop serves as a gathering place for students in the neighborhood.

Jeff is Eve's older brother. He represents a rational, adult-aligned perspective, insisting that animals cannot return as ghosts, which contrasts sharply with his sister's emotionally driven worldview.

Chase is Eve's beloved first dog who passed away and was buried in the family garden. Though deceased, he holds a place of honor in Eve's memory and serves as a comforting, protective presence in her moments of psychological distress.

Angel is a white kitten adopted by Eve. Despite receiving lavish care, Angel demonstrates aggressive and dominating behavior, monopolizing toys and attacking her companion. Her subsequent illness triggers a spiral of guilt and fear for her owner.

Shadow is Eve's second kitten, who frequently bears the brunt of Angel's aggression. Shadow behaves erratically and eventually falls ill, worsening Eve's emotional turmoil.