A 13-year-old narrator passionate about oceanography, known for her intelligence and logical approach to life, who begins to expand her worldview by considering new perspectives.

A Puerto Rican street-sweeper who values peace and quiet while navigating life's constant noise and learns to appreciate the coexistence of conflict and cooperation.

A fifth-grade boy from Seattle, interested in baseball, who challenges parental expectations and embraces his individuality.

A teenage girl with a deep interest in her Jewish heritage, faced with family challenges that influence her perspective on historical and personal issues.

An 18-year-old honor student and community volunteer whose untimely death plays a crucial role in the narrative's turning point.

A philosophical and understanding woman, she is Lea Zamora's mother, who responds to her daughter's death with mercy and belief in a greater purpose.

A German student exploring the United States before college, notable for his worldliness and contrast to the protagonist in terms of knowledge and independence.