Betsey Brown: The protagonist, a spirited and intelligent 13-year-old girl navigating adolescence, school integration, and her identity as an African-American in a middle-class family. She’s curious, rebellious, and deeply influenced by her surroundings, often finding solace in solitude or with her first crush.

Jane Brown: Betsey’s mother, a social worker who appears conventional on the surface—married to a doctor, caring for her family—but harbors a more rebellious spirit. She struggles with her husband’s activism and eventually leaves the family temporarily due to these tensions.

Greer Brown: Betsey’s father, a physician with a strong commitment to racial justice. He’s outspoken, enjoys demonstrations, and pushes his children toward civil rights awareness, which sometimes puts him at odds with Jane.

Vida: Betsey’s grandmother, a traditional figure who offers a generational contrast to the family’s modern struggles. She provides stability and reflects on the changing neighborhood and times.

Margot Brown: Betsey’s younger sister, sweet yet boisterous, adding to the lively dynamic of the Brown household.

Sharon Brown: Another of Betsey’s younger sisters, who contributes to the chaos and energy of the family alongside Margot.

Allard Brown: The youngest sibling and only boy, known for his fascination with fire, which evolves into an interest in music by the novel’s end.

Charlie: Betsey’s cousin, who lives with the family and gets into mischief, like trespassing, alongside Allard. He also introduces Betsey to Eugene.

Eugene Boyd: An older high school basketball player and Betsey’s first crush. He’s kind and flirtatious, giving Betsey her first kiss and serving as her imagined boyfriend despite infrequent meetings.

Bernice Calhoun: The first of several housekeepers hired by the Browns. She briefly works for the family but leaves after Betsey and the kids overwhelm her.

Carrie: The third and most successful housekeeper, who steps in after Jane’s departure and manages the household effectively.

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