A young boy with incredibly dark skin who faces bullying and racial violence, and becomes entangled in the narrator's story as a figure urging the retelling of his own significant experiences.

Soot’s father, characterized by his tall, skinny frame, and who deals with life-long discomfort about being perceived as a Black man.

Soot’s caring but anxious mother, who changes from a nurturing figure to a disciplinarian following personal tragedy.

An eighth-grade student and Soot's cousin, who bullies Soot, introducing colorism as an issue in their interactions.

Soot’s grandfather, living in a rest home, who is loved by Soot but perceived negatively by William due to past familial tensions.

The first-person narrator’s publicist, adept at media dealings, often using emotional events for marketing advantage.

The narrator's media trainer whose confusing and philosophical nature makes him appear both surreal and focused on public image.

Soot’s uncle, a strong and confident figure, who advocates for facing racial prejudice with defensive preparation.

A series of romantic interests for the narrator, with the last Kelly offering a chance for genuine connection despite the narrator’s personal struggles.