Philip Enright
The protagonist is an 11-year-old Caucasian boy named Philip. He is lost at sea when the ship he's sailing on is destroyed. He drifts at sea with an old man to an island where they have to survive together. As he awaits rescue, Philip has to get along with the old man despite his prejudice against people of color.
Timothy
Timothy is an old man of African descent who also survives the attack on the ship he was on. Stranded at sea with Philip, he takes it upon himself to care for him. Timothy teaches Philip how to survive on the island and educates him on the values of being a decent human being who doesn't judge people based on their skin color.
Grace Enright
Philip's mother is a questionable parent who teaches her son to be racist towards people of color. When the ship is destroyed, they are separated. It's unclear whether she survived the attack.
Philip Enright Sr.
Philip's father works in the energy industry. His job entails maintaining an oil refinery that produces fuel for aviation purposes. The family moved to Curaçao because of his work. When they attempt to flee, it's unclear if he was left behind or had already left.
