Curtis
Adam Shepard is the protagonist of the narrative, trying to determine whether the American Dream is still alive. He starts off with only $25 in cash, a tarp, a gym bag and the clothes on his body. His willingness to live in a homeless shelter and work for a job agency for less than minimum wage shows his high degree of discipline and commitment. He has an open-minded attitude, which he demonstrates by talking to a variety of people from all walks of life and listening to their input and advice without judging them. Moreover, he is an optimist, believing that he will eventually achieve his goals despite the occasional setbacks. He follows a practical approach to success, focusing on the essentials instead of giving in to mindless consumerism, which helps him save money.
Sergeant Mendoza
Sergeant Mendoza, a former army soldier, selflessly and proudly serves and protects the people at the homeless shelter, who call him "Sarge." When Shepard arrives at the shelter, it is Sarge who lets him in and cares for him by getting a mattress and food. Being asked for his motive, he simply replies, "I go where I’m needed, and they need me here." In his ten years on duty at the shelter, Sarge had arrested two criminals from America's Most Wanted. Sarge has an aura of authority and is respected by the homeless: When he suffers a heart attack, only to return to the shelter the next day, rumors about him getting shot on duty and checking himself out at the hospital spread quickly, which show that he has the reputation of a callous man.
Derrick Hale
Derrick Hale looks like an average guy, but after working at Fast Company for three years, he has become one of the most valuable employees. When Shepard starts working with him, they both form a strong bond, exchanging stories and getting to know each other. Derrick is a hardworking man who takes his job seriously, wants to excel, and wants to feel proud of his work. At the same time, he is a kind man who takes his time to show Shepard the tricks of the trade, which benefits both of them, as they eventually become the best moving team at the company. Unlike others at Fast Company, Derrick did not boast; instead, he let his work speak for itself. Eventually, Derrick's hard work pays off, as he is able to buy a house of his own, having learned the fundamentals of real estate during the meetings at NACA. Shepard is deeply impressed by this accomplishment and considers it another piece of evidence that the American Dream is still very much alive.
Bubble Gum
Bubble Gum, or BG, is Derrick's cousin. After working as a cook at his aunt's restaurant, he wants to try his luck in Charleston. However, even though he is a talented handyman (he fixes Shepard's truck and renovates the duplex that he and Shepard share), he lacks the motivation to excel. He frequently borrows Shepard's truck without permission and lies about his whereabouts. His relationship with Shepard, already complicated at the beginning because of the stubbornness of both of them, deteriorates when BG joins Shepard's and Derrick's crew, which slows them down. Eventually, Shepard cannot bear BG's lies and laziness anymore, so he starts a fight with him--which he immediately regrets because BG has much more street fighting experience. However, the fight seems to have been an eye-opener for BG: In the end, he respects Shepard and his property, and both become close friends.
