Here are some of the key characters:
* Dave Pelzer: The young boy, protagonist, and narrator of the story. He is a resilient and intelligent child who endures unimaginable abuse.
* Catherine Pelzer: Dave's mother, who is the main antagonist of the story. She is a deeply troubled and abusive woman who subjects Dave to physical, emotional, and psychological torture.
* Richard Pelzer: Dave's father, who is largely absent from the story. While he is aware of the abuse, he does little to stop it.
* The other children: Dave has three brothers, all of whom endure some level of abuse but not to the same extent as Dave. They are largely background characters, but their experiences offer a glimpse into the dysfunctional family dynamic.
While the book focuses primarily on Dave and his mother, the supporting characters play important roles in shaping his experience and revealing the complexities of his childhood trauma.