Homer Hickam, AKA Sonny
The son of a coal miner in West Virginia, Homer's life is colored black. His father comes home from the mine everyday with a nasty cough, covered in coal. The work at the mine is horrific, but honorable, and so Homer Jr, or Sonny as he is called, feels pressured into work in the mine. But he hates mining. He hates the life and death nature of the job, and he feels he wants to escape Coalwood somehow.
Miss Reily
Miss Reily encourages Sonny to use his uncanny abilities in research and independent study to enter a science fair, showing him that, although most kids don't believe her, there is always a way out of Coalwood—becoming a scientist. Sonny teams up with Miss Reily, his teacher, and his friends, to make a rocket for the science fair, hoping to earn money.
Quentin Wilson
Although Quentin was originally regarded by Sonny's friends as a nerd, he quickly becomes part of the gang, because his wicked abilities in calculus make him a huge help in their calculations. Together, Quentin and Sonny partner up, using Quentin's math abilities, and Sonny's strategic, problem-solving skills to perfect the crafting of their rockets.
Homer Hickam Sr
Well, that leaves Homer's father, Homer Sr. He is a hard-working, furrow-browed man who is deeply committed to sacrifice and honor. He doesn't necessarily agree that his son should be playing with crafts and toys when he is old enough to work. Their conflict becomes an impasse, and they often fight. But, eventually, the town comes out to celebrate one last rocket launch, and Homer Sr arrives, proud of his son's accomplishment.
