Arthur Owens
Arthur Owen, aged 13, is the central character in the novel. Since childhood, Arthur has been a good child who is respectful, peaceful and loving. However, Arthur becomes violent after the death of his father. Arthur does not want to meet any person who does anything that irritates him. For instance, when Arthur meets Mr. Hampton collecting trash in the neighborhood, he throws a brick at him. Mr. Hampton is injured badly during the incident.
The police arrest Arthur and take him to court to answer charges against his criminal actions. During the proceedings, Arthur pleads guilty and is sentenced to community service. Arthur is required to collect trash alongside Mr. Hampton to ensure the small town is clean. At first, Arthur does not like collecting garbage but later appreciates the significance of making the environment clean. In addition, Arthur realizes that trash can be converted into beautiful art and other products that generate revenue.
Mr. James Hampton (The junk man)
Mr. Hampton is described as a hard worker who uses trash to make beautiful art. Mr. Hampton's work is to collect trash using his rusted cart in town and later take it into his garage where he uses machines to convert it into artwork. While on duty, Mr. Hampton is hit by a big brick and is badly injured. Arthur wants to hit Mr. Hampton on the head, but the brick hits him in the shoulder. A Good Samaritan rescues Mr. Hampton and takes him to the hospital.
The truck driver
The truck driver is the Good Samaritan who rescues Mr. Hampton and takes him to the hospital. After taking Mr. Hampton to the hospital, the truck driver reports the case to the police and proceeds with his journey. Arthur is arrested and taken to juvenile prison.
Reporters
After Mr. Hampton's injury incident, the reporters come to interview him and know the cause of his injury. The reporters are inquisitive and precise because they document everything during the interview. Mr. Hampton tells them that the boy who hit him is innocent because the brick incident is "God's act."
