An abusive alcoholic who focuses her manipulation and abuse on David, eventually leading to his removal from her care.

A firefighter with a drinking problem who fails to protect David from his mother's abuse and does not maintain contact after David enters foster care.

One of David's younger brothers who appears malnourished and disheveled, indicating abuse from their mother in David's absence.

David’s social worker who plays a key role in making him a permanent ward of the court and develops a close, supportive bond with him.

David's first permanent foster mother who becomes an important maternal figure and fights to keep him within the foster care system.

Lilian’s husband and David’s foster parent, who becomes frustrated with David’s early misconduct but remains fond of him.

Temporary foster parents who become permanent guardians, teaching David life skills and becoming crucial parental figures.

A supportive mentor during David’s teenage years who provides a safe haven and inspires his interest in joining the Air Force.

A delinquent peer who befriends David and later implicates him in arson, contributing to David's troubles with the law.

A fellow foster brother at the Catanzes’ home who befriends David and takes him on outings.

Another foster brother who harasses David and challenges him with rebellious behavior.

A foster child with cerebral palsy who lives with the Catanzes and whose situation prompts David to think about his future.

Foster parents to David whose relationship problems lead him to request a move to another home.

Foster parents whose volatile marriage results in David being moved to another foster home.

Foster parents who live near David's biological family; their home is eventually shut down.

David's probation officer who supports him during his time in juvenile hall and helps him transition to a new foster home.

A teenager who becomes one of David’s closest friends while living on Duinsmoore Drive.

Another close friend of David’s during his teenage years who shares interests in stunts and mini-bikes.

Paul’s father, admired by David for his mechanical skills and projects.

A shy Hispanic boy who forms a friendship with David based on trust and shared experiences.

The first foster parent David lives with after being removed from his biological family.

A former colleague of David’s father, who provides information about his father during David’s search for him.

Another of David's younger brothers who damages David’s bike during a visit.

A teenage foster child living with the Catanzes who initially scolds David but is part of his foster home community.