Little
Little (a nickname, real name Chiron) is a nine year-old boy living in Miami. He is constantly harassed and teased by bullies, but he doesn’t understand why until they call him a “faggot” one day. Little despises being at home with his mother and seeks refuge in the home of Juan and Teresa. His best friend is Kevin, a more popular little boy.
Chiron
Chiron is the high-school-aged version of Little, who still struggles with his sexuality, bullying, and his resentment towards his drug-addled mother.
Black
Black is Chiron as a grown man. He runs a drug ring in Atlanta and has changed into a somewhat hardened criminal. He lives a sexless life, having never gotten over the rupture between him and Kevin.
Juan
Juan operates a crack dealing ring in Miami and takes Little under his wing when he notices him being chased by bullies one day. He becomes a father figure to Little and, alongside his girlfriend, Teresa, provides Little with a refuge from his tumultuous home life.
Teresa
Juan’s girlfriend. She becomes a mother figure to Little and Chiron, using comfort food to induce him to share his troubles with her and Juan.
Paula
Chiron’s mother. She begins as a kind, hard-working mother but later becomes addicted to crack and grows into an abusive mother. Once Chiron reaches adulthood, she recovers from her addiction and starts reaching out to Chiron in an attempt to mend their relationship.
Terrence
Juan’s employee, a dealer.
Terrel
A high school bully who forces Kevin to beat up Chiron. Chiron later seeks revenge on Terrel.
Kevin
Chiron’s closest friend growing up. Chiron and Kevin’s relationship briefly becomes romantic when they reach high school, but the two part ways after Kevin chooses to beat up Chiron under orders from a bully. Later in life, Kevin goes to prison, has a child, and becomes a cook at a diner. He reaches out to Chiron in an attempt to mend their relationship.
Travis
Chiron’s employee, a dealer.
