Birdie’s older sister, characterized by her cinnamon skin and curly hair, who is seen as black by both parents. Cole is comfortable with her racial identity and eventually lives separately from Birdie when they are taken to different places.

Birdie and Cole’s mother, a white woman actively involved in social justice movements, who goes on the run with Birdie under a new identity. She comes from a Wasp family and has a complex relationship with her past and activism.

Birdie and Cole’s African-American father, a Harvard graduate and intellectual who focuses on race theory. He struggles with his own racial identity and has a complex relationship with his daughters.

Deck’s sister and Birdie’s favorite aunt, who seeks spiritual enlightenment in India. She represents a different path in life, one that is not defined by racial identity.

A man Sandy dates while in New Hampshire, who becomes a potential father figure to Birdie. He is described as easy-going and supportive, yet Birdie is hesitant about his role in her life.

Walter and Libby Marsh are an upper-class New Hampshire couple who rent a cottage to Sandy and Birdie. Their lifestyle fascinates Birdie and they inadvertently contribute to her sense of belonging.

A mixed-race girl at Birdie’s New Hampshire school with a complex relationship to her identity. She serves as a contrasting figure to Birdie’s own experiences with racial identity.