Rusty-James
the main character and narrator of the story who likes to get in fights and admires his older brother
The Motorcycle Boy
the main character's older brother, who is very smart, likes to steal motorcycles, and is the 'coolest person in the world'
Patty
the main character's girlfriend, who dyes her hair blond, is sometimes a hellcat, and doesn't want her boyfriend to fight anymore
Steve Hays
the main character's best friend, who does not like to fight or do anything wrong
Biff Wilcox
the big bully who pops pills and wants to kill the main character because of what he said to a girl at school
Smokey Bennet
a friend of the main character whose funny, colorless eyes gave him his nickname; there's always a tension between he and Rusty-James
Midget
a tall, skinny friend of the main character; he's taller than any other kids their age
Benny
the owner of the pool place who is annoyed that junior high kids hang out there
The Old Man
the main character's father, who doesn't have a job and drinks all day
Alex
the main character's roommate at the reformatory
