Mark Salzman is a Pulitzer-nominated writer who reluctantly offers to teach writing classes to youth inmates at Los Angeles's Central Juvenile Hall. The story takes place principally from Mark's perspective. At first, he is skeptical as to the worth of his efforts, but is ultimately stunned by the depth of the inmates' capabilities.

Sister Janet Harris is one of the Catholic volunteers who works at Central Juvenile Hall. On account of her faith, she has an optimistic, if not idealistic view of the writing program. Specifically, she believes that the inmates need the opportunity to be heard, and to exist outside of the confines of prison and gang culture.

Jimmy Wu is one of the young inmates in Mark's writing class. He wants to change his life, but is in serious legal jeopardy, awaiting sentencing for a violent crime. In addition to this, his family is a source of anxiety: his brother suffers from a congenital disease, and his mother is in financial trouble due to paying for Jimmy's legal defense.