The charismatic center of August’s friend group, she is brilliant and self-confident with ambitions shaped by her family's expectations. Her relationships with others form a crucial part of the narrative.

A talented dancer with a complex background, she harbors secrets about her family life that affect her relationship with her friends. Her ambitions and struggles are highlighted through her art and disappearance.

An aspiring actress known for her beauty and the complexities surrounding it, she faces personal challenges and hardships that influence her path and the dynamics within her friend group.

A devoted parent who moves his family to Brooklyn after his wife’s death, navigating his grief and new religious beliefs. His evolving relationship with August and her brother forms a significant backdrop.

A math whiz who looks up to his sister, he contrasts August with his early acceptance of their mother's death and commitment to his faith. His life unfolds alongside August’s central journey.

A pivotal figure in August's memories, her tragic death remains a crucial influence on August's life and perceptions, impacting the family's trajectory.

A neighbor from the Dominican Republic, her life is marked by struggles that intersect briefly with August’s family. She leaves a notable impression during her time living nearby.

A transformative presence in August's family, she introduces new religious practices and influences the children with her lifestyle and teachings, affecting their views and habits.

August’s first boyfriend, whose relationship with her provides insights into young love and personal boundaries. His actions impact friendships within the narrative.

August’s uncle who served in Vietnam and whose death left a lasting impact on his family, particularly August's mother.

A devout Muslim woman who provides guidance to August as she struggles with her mother’s death, influencing her journey toward acceptance.