1. Cressida Malone: The protagonist, Cressida Malone, is a 12-year-old girl who struggles to cope with the changes and chaos in her life after her family's move to Luxembourg. She is initially resistant to embracing the new culture and making friends, but gradually opens up and finds her place.
2. Grandma Malone and Grampa Malone: Cressida's grandparents play significant roles in the story. They are kind and understanding, providing support and guidance to Cressida as she adjusts to her new circumstances.
3. Aunt Marigold and Uncle Fred: Cressida's aunt and uncle are also important characters. They too provide support and encouragement, and help Cressida to embrace the positive aspects of her new life.
4. Pépé and Mémé: Cressida's host family in Luxembourg, Pépé and Mémé, are elderly and have their own struggles. They initially come across as cold and distant, but Cressida eventually develops a close bond with them and learns about their past and experiences.
5. Nicolas and Laetitia: Nicolas and Laetitia are Cressida's new friends in Luxembourg. Nicolas is a boy her age who helps Cressida integrate into the local culture, while Laetitia is a younger girl who admires and looks up to Cressida.
6. The Malone Family: Cressida's immediate family, including her parents and siblings, also play roles in the story, even though they are not physically present in Luxembourg. Their relationships and interactions with Cressida shape her experiences and emotions in the novel.