Liz is the protagonist and narrator of this memoir, which is told about her life from her point of view. She likes to help those she loves, and wants only for her family to stay whole. She wants friends, and ultimately, she wants education. Her biggest hurdle is a lack of financial resources and all the opportunities that accompany that privilege.

Lisa is Liz’s older sister by two years. For much of their childhood, they’re not particularly close, though Lisa does try to protect Liz when she can, such as when they’re at Ron’s house. Lisa ends up cutting herself off from the family, though, until Liz leaves to live on the streets. Then Lisa must step in and take care of Jeanie.

Jeanie is Liz and Lisa’s mother, who obviously loves both of her daughters but cannot stop using drugs. Abused as a child and homeless as a teen, Jeanie wants a better life for both of her children, but often falls back into drug abuse.