| A | B |
|---|
| Matin Luna | The main character. Martin is a 16-year-old high school sophomore. He transferred from Zamora High to Bluford High this year. His old friends are mostly gang members. |
| Eric "Huero" Luna | Martin’s 8-year-old brother, who was killed in a drive-by shooting. |
| Mom (Imelda Luna) | Martin and Huero’s mother. She loves her son and will do anything to protect him. |
| Mr. Gates | Superintendent of Bluford High School. He has to decide whether or not to expel Martin. |
| Ms. Spencer | Principal at Bluford High School. She is strict but fair. |
| Ms. Bader | Ms. Spencer’s secretary. |
| Mr. Mitchell | Martin’s sympathetic English teacher at Bluford. |
| Steve Morris | A cocky football star who is in Martin’s English class. |
| Clarence | A boy who tags along with Steve. |
| Mr. Dooling | Martin’s gym teacher at Bluford. |
| Mrs. Eckerly, Mr. Singh, Mrs. Reed | Other Bluford teachers. |
| Vicky | A smart, friendly, and pretty girl in Martin’s English class. |
| Teresa | Vicky’s friend. She seems suspicious of Martin |
| Frankie Pacheco | The toughest guy among Martin’s gang-member friends. Frankie is 19. |
| Chago, Junie, Jesus | Other members of Martin’s gang. Of the three, Martin is closest to Chago. |
| Nelson Ramirez | A police officer who is a friend of Mrs. Luna. |
| Hector Maldenado | The gang member who accidentally shot and killed Huero while seeking revenge against Frankie. |
| César | Hector Maldenado’s brother. He became paralyzed after being kicked by Frankie. |
| Eric | A boy in Martin’s gym class whom Martin protects from Steve |
| Dr. Boyd | Bluford’s school psychologist |
