Hope Yancey- Hope is introduced into he story while living with her Aunt Addie in Brooklyn, New York. Just before the end of her sophomore year, Hope is forced to move after another diner her and her aunt had been working at went belly-up, again. Hope was born with a natural talent of waitressing, which is no surprise, in following her mother Deena's footsteps, who is an infamous waitress as well. Hope is being raised by her aunt Addie because Hope's mom didn't think she could be a good enough mother for her. Hope never knew her father, but so deeply wishes she could. Incase she ever does get to meet him, she's been keeping scrapbooks of her whole life to show her dad, so he won't miss s thing. Hope is a young, powerful, and determined girl who won't let anything get in her way. As Hope's name suggests, she's full hope and shines a light of it anywhere she goes. She is a remarkable individual, which makes it easy for any young adult reader be able to relate to and admire the wonderful Hope Yancey.
G.T. (Gabriel Thomas) Stoop- G.T. has lived in Mulhoney his whole life. His entire heart and soul are invested into the Welcome Stairways Diner, where he is the owner and short-order cook. His entire world seems to get turned upside down when he is told he has leukemia. As devastating as this may seem, GT doesn't let this obstacle get in the way of him living his life to the fullest. Still operating and working full-time at the diner, GT comes up with, what seems to be the crazy idea of running for Mayor of Mulhoney. GT promises the residents that he fights for truth, fairness, and honesty. Trying to battle multiple huge tasks at time is a daunting challenge, but with GT's bright and positive spirit, he proves anything is possible.
Eli Millstone- Serving as the current Mayor of Mulhoney, there is much controversy brewing as Millstone tries to win his third-straight election with not one competitor. This man's cocky and ignorant attitude all change when GT Stoop stands up for what's right. For the past eight years, Millstone has been making illegal deals with the Real Fresh Dairy in town. He let's them not abide by their rules and, in return, it's workers support his campaign. It's Stoop's goal to uncover these hidden truths, and show Mulhoney who Eli Millstone really is. It's about time for Millstone's lies to be revealed, and for Mulhoney to finally be at peace and be a great place to live.