An intelligent and considerate middle school student facing family changes, who seeks solace in his candid friendship with Charlotte and develops new connections.

Charlotte's father is a retired art history professor, and her mother is a statistician, both of whom are intellectually driven and play a supportive role in her life.

Charlotte’s artistic but superficial best friend at the novel's start, whose interests diverge from Charlotte’s leading to their growing apart.

Charlotte's bright and kind next-door neighbor who shares her academic interests, and emerges as a new friend amid shared experiences of bullying.

Ben's logical and kind friend, whom he meets due to shared circumstances and who aids Ben in developing important social connections.