1. Hollis Woods: The protagonist, a young girl who is placed in a series of foster homes.
2. Beatrice "Bea" Holland: A kind and caring woman who becomes Hollis's foster mother.
3. Michael "Mickey" Woods: Hollis's biological father who is estranged from her.
4. Jean Hollis: Hollis's biological mother who is deceased.
5. Curtis "C.J." Holland: Bea's husband, a warm and supportive man who becomes a father figure to Hollis.
While there are other important characters in the book, these five are considered the main characters as they drive the plot and are most central to the story.