Donald Zinkoff
Donald Zinkoff is the novel's protagonist. An energetic, kind-hearted, enthusiastic, and often clueless boy, Zinkoff finds himself ostracized in school because of his awkward personality. Zinkoff laughs at every humorous thought that comes to mind and vomits several times a week until he has surgery to fix the upside-down valve in his stomach. After failing horribly in a track-and-field race, he's branded "Loser" by other students, a nickname that sticks with him into middle school. Although Zinkoff is continually rejected by others, he never assumes malice or cruelty. At the end of the novel, Zinkoff enters a dream-like, near-hypothermic state when he spends seven hours looking for a little girl who gets lost in the snow. Although the novel does not make it explicit, Zinkoff's behavior and tendencies suggest he is neurodivergent.
Miss Meeks
Miss Meeks is Zinkoff's first-grade teacher. Although she thinks Zinkoff is cute, she refuses to let him keep wearing his giraffe hat in class. She is never sure whether Zinkoff is purposefully trying to make things difficult with his genuine enthusiasm and propensity to laugh.
Mrs. Biswell
Mrs. Biswell teaches second grade. She's a grumpy teacher who regrets her life choices and takes it out on the children. She's offended by Zinkoff's constant questions and sloppy handwriting. When Zinkoff vomits on her prized chalkboard eraser, she sends him out of the class and orders him to never come back, a command Zinkoff takes literally.
Andrew
Andrew is Zinkoff's next-door neighbor. They become friends for a little while, but Andrew is reluctant to acknowledge their acquaintance after they meet again in middle school.
Mr. Yalowitz
Mr. Yalowitz teaches fourth grade. He embraces Zinkoff with fervor, inviting him to sit in the front row because he knows how it is to have a last name that puts you in the back of the room. Because of Mr. Yalowitz's enthusiasm and encouragement, Zinkoff considers him his favorite teacher.
Claudia
Claudia is a little girl who lives on Willow Street, an area of the neighborhood Zinkoff likes to visit. When Zinkoff hears Claudia is missing he heads out into the dark, snowy night to look for her. When Zinkoff can't find her, instead of turning back and going home, he continues to search for the little girl for seven hours. He learns the next day that she had been located almost immediately while he searched in vain.
Polly
Polly is Zinkoff's little sister. She is a source of joy and encouragement for Zinkoff. At Zinkoff's graduation from elementary school, Polly shouts "Go Donald!" over the crowd.
The Waiting Man
The Waiting Man is a man who lives on Willow Street. He stands in his window and looks out, waiting for his brother to return from the Vietnam War, even though over thirty years have passed.
The Old Lady
The Old Lady lives on Willow Street. She thanks Zinkoff for delivering her a letter on the day Zinkoff goes to work with his father, who is a mailman. One day she invites Zinkoff inside and makes him peanut-butter sandwiches while he tells her everything about his life.
Mrs. Zinkoff
Mrs. Zinkoff is Donald's mother. She is always encouraging and supportive of her son. She works as a telemarketer once Donald is older.
Mr. Zinkoff
Mr. Zinkoff is Donald's father. He works as a mailman, which Zinkoff considers a noble, and heroic profession. He drives cheap, falling-apart cars the family calls clunkers. Mr. Zinkoff is supportive and encouraging.
