Liz Murray
Elizabeth is the main character and protagonist of the memoir - suitable, because she was the one that wrote it. Growing up in the Bronx, New York City, Liz lives under the care of her neglectful parents, dubbed "Daddy" and "Ma". Both of them are addicted to drugs, and care little for the health of Liz. Fending for herself, Liz often skips school without the knowledge of her parents, and is abused by other men that Ma sees. However, the story miraculously ends with the fact that Liz is able to overcome all of these struggles, and graduate from Harvard University in 2009.
Ma
Ma is Liz's mother, who is severely addicted to drugs. Ma is a horrible parent to Liz - such as stealing money from her just to pay drugs, and being open about the fact that she is a drug addict. Later in the memoir, Ma dies from AIDS, which, at the time, Liz does not completely understand. Despite her neglectful behavior, Liz loves her mother for not abandoning her completely.
Daddy
Daddy is also an abusive parent that haunts the young life of Liz. Arrested while his wife was pregnant, Daddy goes to jail for selling drugs. He is only released when Liz is three years old, and for the rest of her life is often wandering about, nowhere to be seen. Daddy is the embodiment of someone who doesn't really care about things, and would be more than happy to give up his daughters just to get more drugs to use or sell.
Lisa
Lisa is Liz's older sister, who is an important role model to her throughout the memoir. At one point, Lisa goes to live in a wealthy foster home, leaving Liz alone in the abusive household. Because of this, Liz is forced to make other friends at school, but still deeply misses her sister, who is very outspoken.
Ron
Ron is yet another antagonist of the book, who is a sexual predator and drug dealer to Ma. Ma is lured in to him because of drugs, but Ron takes advantage of her and her family. Liz is raped by Ron several times in one chapter, and it is because of his actions that Ma experiences mental breakdowns throughout the rest of the book.
