Richard’s father, a former colonel for Pancho Villa, who grapples with the clash between his traditional values and the new American culture as he raises his family in California.

Richard’s mother and Juan Rubio’s wife, who finds herself torn between her Mexican heritage and adapting to American culture, while loving Richard in an idealized and intense way.

One of Richard’s earliest friends from an uptight Protestant family, who shares his love of books and whose steady friendship and conviction leave a lasting impact on him.

A neighborhood bully who leads a group of boys during childhood, later becoming involved with Richard during adolescence but retaining complex power dynamics.

Richard’s friend and the son of Italian immigrants, whose conventional views and focus on money often clash with Richard’s ideals, but the friendship persists despite these differences.

A friend and mentor to Richard, known for his intellect and rejection of familial norms, who eventually faces personal challenges that illustrate the dangers of isolation.