Maggie Nelson's spouse, an artist who undergoes gender-affirming procedures, contributing passages about their mother's death and representing a key focus of Nelson's narrative.

Maggie Nelson and Harry Dodge's infant son, conceived through IVF, whose presence and birth are central themes in exploring identity and love.

Harry Dodge's son from a previous relationship and Nelson's stepson, who introduces Nelson to the challenges and joys of motherhood.

A significant figure in Nelson's reflections on motherhood, whose relationship with Nelson is complex and influenced by traditional family values.

Harry Dodge's adoptive mother, whose death is a pivotal event in the narrative, highlighting the themes of love and familial bonds.

The woman Dodge seeks out in adulthood, whose colorful life story adds depth to the narrative's exploration of family ties and identity.

A former professor of Nelson, who plays a dual role as both a mentor in feminist theory and a friend, representing a complex figure in Nelson's academic and personal growth.

A pioneering theorist in queer literary theory whose intellectual and personal presence influences Nelson’s understanding of queer identity.

A child psychologist whose ideas about motherhood and child development significantly inform Nelson's reflections on her own experiences as a parent.

A renowned gender theorist whose concept of gender performativity is used by Nelson to examine socially constructed aspects of identity.