Palmer is a nine-year-old boy living in Waymer, a town famous for its annual Family Fest pigeon shoot. Though he desires the acceptance of the popular neighborhood boys, he harbors a deep fear of turning ten, the age when boys traditionally become "wringers" who dispatch wounded pigeons. He attempts to reconcile his internal empathy with the tough exterior expected by his peers.

Dorothy is Palmer's younger neighbor and former childhood friend. She becomes the primary target of bullying from Beans and his gang, maintaining a calm and distant exterior when they tease her. Despite the harassment she faces, she possesses a reasoned and kind disposition, unlike the aggressive neighborhood boys.

Beans is the tough, aggressive ringleader of the local neighborhood boys in Waymer. Named for his habit of blowing his unpleasant breath into other kids' faces, he lacks basic self-care habits and actively promotes chaos among his peers. He eagerly anticipates turning ten so he can participate in Family Fest as a wringer, embracing the town's violent traditions with enthusiasm.

Henry is the tallest member of Beans's gang. Unlike Beans and Mutto, Henry lacks a naturally malicious heart, usually allowing the louder boys to drag him along into their chaotic activities. He maintains a quieter presence within the group's dynamic and shows flashes of a kinder nature.

Mutto is a dedicated follower in Beans's neighborhood gang. He enthusiastically participates in the group's bullying and vandalism, taking genuine enjoyment in the chaotic activities that Beans organizes.

Palmer's mother is a protective presence who dislikes the rough, aggressive nature of her son's new friends. She disapproves of the town's violent traditions, including the birthday Treatment, and prefers that Palmer spend his time with kinder children like Dorothy.

Palmer's father is a former wringer and pigeon shooter who fully embraces the traditions of Waymer. He views these local customs as rites of passage for young boys, taking pride in Palmer's endurance of pain and entrusting him with prized heirloom toy soldiers as a mark of maturity.

Nipper is a wild pigeon that unexpectedly seeks shelter at Palmer's house. The bird displays a friendly personality, walking confidently into Palmer's room and nipping affectionately at his ear. Nipper's presence brings joy to Palmer but also creates immense danger due to the town's hostility toward pigeons.

Farquar is an older teenager in Waymer who acts as the enforcer of a local birthday tradition known as The Treatment. He punches younger boys in the arm once for every year they have been alive, a painful ritual that the neighborhood children view as a badge of honor.