Ernesto
He is the protagonist, just a boy at the beginning. From an early age, he is a responsible and thoughtful boy. He never complains about the lifestyle his family leads amid poverty in Mexico. In the States Ernesto is immensely grateful for his education and improved living conditions. Then, his mom dies, and he loses the privileges of his stepdad's money and goes to live with his uncle and works full-time. A true testament to his character, Ernesto still doesn't complain. Instead, he focuses himself on his work and tries to do his best, but he recognizes his value. He knows that he is smart enough to never have to work like this, so he quits and sets his mind to improving his circumstances.
Ernesto's mom
Ernesto's mom is his major authority figure, but he is also raised by his aunts and uncles in a communal environment. His mom moves him to California, along with the rest of the family. There she remarries into a wealthier estate. For a while, things are great, but she dies suddenly while Ernesto is still a kid.
Uncle José
When Ernesto's mom dies, he moves in with Uncle José. His uncle does his best to support the boy, but Ernesto needs to leave school in order to work.
