Cam
Cam is the central character in the novel. Cam is a calm boy who is appreciative and supportive. Cam lives with his widowed father and is always ready to support his father when doing household tasks. When Cam's birthday approaches, he wonders if his father will buy him a gift.
When Cam’s father brings him cardboard as a gift, Cam appreciates it, and he jointly helps his father to make a boxer out of the cardboard. The boxer comes to life at night, and Cam is excited because that is not something he expected. Cam names the boxer Bill, and they become best friends.
Mike
Mike is a widower and father to Cam. Mike is a carpenter by profession. The author depicts Mike as a loving father who is always concerned about his son's happiness. When Cam's birthday approaches, Mike uses all his savings to buy him a cardboard gift, which turns out to be magical.
Marcus
Marcus is the rich kid who oppresses the poor kids because he believes they are weak. Marcus is a bully and bad boy who uses his power to threaten the less fortunate kids. For instance, Marcus beats Cam and steals his magical cardboard.
Gideon
Gideon is an aged man who owns the crazy roadside toyshop. When Mike tells Gideon he wants to buy his son a gift, he advises him to buy cardboard because it is the cheapest. Gideon tells Mike the cardboard is magical and can make anything Cam imagines. However, Gideon gives two instructions. Firstly, he tells Mike never to come for extra cardboard and that he should return any unused peace of cardboard.
Bill (The boxer)
Bill is the boxer that comes to life at night. Bill and Cam become best friends. Mike also loves Bill and makes him part of the family. Neighbors start becoming curious about Mike because they doubt if he is a real human being. Marcus steals the magical cardboard to create monsters.
