Lara
Lara Montoya-Borislava is a biracial sixteen-year-old girl trying to find her place in the world. Lara is a multifaceted and complex character whose life has been filled with uncertainty. She is constantly striving to fit in in a world that may not accept her completely. She is frequently frustrated by her mother's erratic behavior and lack of emotional connection. Despite the difficulties that her family's situation brings, Lara is determined to forge her path. She is intelligent, self-sufficient, and resilient. She is also a romantic at heart, and she enjoys reading and learning about different cultures. She eventually learns to accept her identity and her mother as the story progresses.
Yevgenia
Yevgenia Lara's mother is portrayed as a complex character with many different traits. She is a strong-willed, independent woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means making questionable decisions. She is also self-absorbed and superficial, frequently using sex to get her way. She has an authoritarian parenting style and is not very affectionate or supportive of her daughter. Furthermore, she is embarrassed by her past, which creates a schism between her and Lara and makes Lara curious about her father. Despite her flaws, Yevgenia is a strong survivor who is fiercely protective of her daughter and only wants what is best for her.
Julie
Julie is a wealthy, privileged girl from an upper-class family whom Lara meets at school. Julie is outgoing, confident, and friendly. She has a strong moral compass and is an outspoken advocate for social justice. She is not afraid to question authority or the status quo. She is also a loyal friend who is willing to defend Lara and her other friends when they need her. Julie is accepting and welcomes Lara into her circle of friends, providing her with much-needed support and friendship. She is friendly and welcoming, and she is always willing to assist Lara. Julie is a strong role model for Lara, and she assists her in learning to accept and embrace herself.
Charles
Charles is a trailer park resident whom Lara meets and befriends. He is a hardworking young man who works as a dishwasher in a local restaurant and aspires to be free of his current situation. Charles is a dreamer as well; he is ambitious and has lofty goals for the future. He is very determined, and despite the odds, he works very hard to make his dreams come true. He is a loyal friend who provides Lara with a sense of security and stability, which she has lacked her entire life. He is patient and understanding, and he is always willing to listen to Lara and offer advice when she requires it. He is also very supportive and encouraging of Lara's dreams, and he is willing to help her achieve them.
Brody
Brody is a young boy who lives next door to Lara. He is a quiet, introverted, and sensitive young man who is frequently regarded as an outcast by the other residents of the Oasis Mobile Estates. He is a loner who frequently withdraws into his world of books and music. He prefers the solitude of his own company and avoids social interaction. Brody is extremely intelligent and understands the world around him, but he finds it difficult to express himself and connect with others on a deeper level. He is frequently portrayed as a lost soul, trying to make sense of the world and his place in it, and he is frequently lost in thought. He is devoted to and protective of those he cares about, and he is always there to lend a helping hand, even when asked. Brody is a complex character who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is a sympathetic and understanding figure who resonates with readers and offers support and understanding to Lara and her mother during difficult times.
Steve
Steve is a mysterious, self-assured, and compassionate character. Despite his problems in the trailer park, he makes time to be a good father to Brody and to watch out for his safety and well-being. Steve is open and honest with Lara, and he does not attempt to hide the fact that his family is struggling. He is generous in offering to pay Lara for babysitting, even though she never receives payment. Steve is also kind to Brody, as evidenced by how he comforts him when he has to leave and how he takes the time to make him something to eat. Steve also appears to have a sense of humor, as evidenced by the joke he shares with Lara about her mother's name.
Terri
Terri is a dedicated single mother who is struggling to support her son, Brody. She has a strong sense of self and a moral code that she instills in her son. She is not afraid to take risks and is willing to go to any length to provide a better life for herself and her son. She is a caring and nurturing mother who is committed to her son's well-being even if she is unable to be present at all times. She is self-assured and has a good sense of humor, which she employs to defuse tense situations. She is resourceful and creative, as evidenced by her ability to create something seemingly out of nothing. She is also generous and kind, offering to pay Lara for her services.
Lara's father
Lara's father is only mentioned briefly in flashbacks and is portrayed as a gentle and kind man. He is a Cuban immigrant with a "black Cuban" complexion. His background is unknown, and he is not in contact with Lara, but the description suggests that he had a significant positive impact on Lara's life. He is said to have supported Lara's mother, Yevgenia, and her decision to relocate to the United States. He is also said to be the one who introduced Yevgenia to the world of books and taught her how to read. He is regarded as a loving and caring father who only wanted what was best for his daughter and his wife. Despite his absence from the narrative, his presence still serves to influence the story and to provide Lara with a strong sense of identity.
