Alma Rivera - The novel's central protagonist, a housewife from Pátzcuaro, Mexico. She emigrated to the United States with her husband Arturo and daughter Maribel after Maribel suffered a traumatic brain injury, hoping to enroll her in a special school in Delaware. Alma struggles with homesickness, learning English, and guilt over Maribel's accident.

Maribel Rivera - Alma and Arturo's teenage daughter who sustained a brain injury that left her with impairments like memory loss and difficulty speaking. Her parents bring her to the U.S. to attend a school for students with disabilities.

Mayor Toro - A Panamanian-American teenager who develops a romantic connection with Maribel. He is an outcast at school but finds solace in his relationship with Maribel.

Arturo Rivera - Alma's husband and Maribel's father. He owned a construction business in Mexico but takes a job at a mushroom farm after immigrating to support his family.

Celia Toro - Mayor's mother, originally from Panama. She befriends Alma and helps her adjust to life in the U.S.

Rafael Toro - Mayor's father, also from Panama. He loses his job during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Other notable characters include Quisqueya Solis, a neighbor who witnesses Mayor and Maribel's relationship, and Garrett Miller, a bully who torments Mayor at school.