Bug
Bug is the eleven-year-old protagonist and narrator of the novel. She says she dresses like a boy and describes feeling uncomfortable wearing dresses and makeup. She mostly enjoys reading and riding her bicycle. She was very close with her uncle Roderick and struggles with the loss of him in her life. During the events of the story, she is at a major personal crossroads. By the end of the novel, she comes to a meaningful revelation about her gender identity.
Moira
Moira is Bug's best friend. Bug feels as though Moira is better adjusted to the social norms of their school. Moira is up-to-date on all of the latest fashions. She is mostly focused on making friends when she and Bug start middle school in the fall. She and Bug's friendship was previously in a worse state, when they fought more often as children. She is totally supportive of Bug's gender identity.
Uncle Roderick
Bug's uncle Roderick dies at the beginning of the book. He continues to appear as a ghost through the events of the novel. When he was alive he is described as having been incredibly loving and supportive of both Bug and her mother. Bug mentions some of his past boyfriends. He haunts the house in an effort to get Bug to discover and accept her true gender identity.
Bug’s Mom (Sabrina)
Bug's mother, Sabrina, is described as being very caring and loving. At the same time, she is crushed by the loss of her brother, Roderick, and is having a difficult time with the decline of her greeting-card business. Bug's mother is very supportive of Bug being transgender.
Griffin
Griffin is a new friend that Bug makes at the library. Bug says that he is handsome and thoughtful. He helps her learn more about ghosts and hauntings.
Moira's mom
Moira's mom works with Bug's mom. They are good friends.
Mrs. Campbell
Mrs. Campbell is the principal of Bug's school. She takes Bug's mother's concerns about Bug's treatment at school very seriously.
Emily and Isla
Emily and Isla are middle-school girls in Bug's year at school. Moira befriends them and introduces them to Bug. They are friendly to Bug despite being primarily interested in talking about clothing and crushes.
Hypatia, Chloe, and Chelsea
Hypatia, Chloe, and Chelsea are slightly older girls who Moira meets and invites to a sleepover with Bug. They are all very warm to Bug and Moira and try to give them advice about school and friendship in a way that Bug finds inviting and not at all condescending.
Tobias
Tobias is one of Roderick's ex-boyfriends. Bug says that he was always nice to her. She adds that he and Roderick ultimately broke up because he wanted kids and Roderick did not. He comes out to the wake held for Roderick.
