Ingrid Magnussen
Extremely beautiful poet who is the mother of Astrid. Ingrid is sent to jail after murdering her deceitful partner (Barry) with the poison from the White Oleander flower.
Astrid Magnussen
Daughter of Ingrid who at the beginning of the book is twelve years old. Astrid becomes a ward of the state of California after her mother is prosecuted for murder. Astrid grows as she bounces between foster homes, and learns a lesson from each one.
Claire Richards
Actress who encounters Astrid, and truly cares for her, however when visiting Ingrid in prison, she becomes convinced that her husband Ron is cheating and commits suicide.
Barry Kolker
Ingrid's lover who was murdered by her after being caught cheating.
Klaus Anders
Astrid's biological father, who left when she was young. Astrid and Klaus eventually meet again much later in her life, and reconcile.
Starr
One of Astrid's foster mothers. Starr is a recovering alcoholic and former stripper, who becomes violent when discovering relations between Astrid and Ray
Ray
Starr's boyfriend, who eventually has feelings for Astrid, and begins a relationship with her after Starr has a relapse.
Marvel Turlock
Foster parent of Astrid, who makes Astrid take care of her kids.
Ed Turlock
Partner of Marvel and foster parent of Astrid. Kicks Astrid out after she comes back drunk one night.
Olivia Johnstone
Black prostitute who happens to be extremely wealthy. Is hated by the Turlocks. Teaches Astrid about being proper and lady-like.
Amelia Ramos
Foster mother to Astrid, Nidia Diaz, Lina Torrez, Kiki, and Silvana. She starves the foster children, and does not take care of them well.
Ron Richards
Husband of Claire Richards and foster father to Astrid.
Paul Trout
Foster child at Maclaren's Children's Center. Meets Astrid and falls in love with her through their mutual love for art.
Rena Grushenka
Foster mother of Astrid and many others.
Sergei
Rena's boyfriend, who despite his age forms sexual relations with Astrid.
Nidia Diaz
Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid
Lina Torrez
Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid
Kiki
Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid
Silvana
Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid
