Ghost characters

Also known as Ghost

Appears from the start

A seventh grader named Castle Cranshaw who gives himself the nickname Ghost. He is quick-tempered, observant, and naturally fast, though he has never trained as a runner. He lives with his mother and carries memories of the night his father fired a gun at them, forcing them to run for their lives. When he impulsively challenges a track team's best sprinter, his speed earns him an unexpected invitation to join.

Appears from the start

The patient but demanding coach of the Defenders, an elite youth track team. A former competitive runner, he recognizes Castle's unusual speed and offers him a place if he will follow the team's rules. He treats discipline as part of training and refuses to separate athletic promise from honest conduct.

Appears from the start

The Defenders' confident leading sprinter. Lu is albino, wears carefully coordinated athletic clothes, and initially resents Castle for interrupting practice and challenging him. His pride makes him Castle's immediate rival, though both boys are now expected to function as teammates.

First appears in chapter 2

Castle's hardworking mother, who is studying for a nursing career while raising him alone. After surviving her husband's attack, she insists on honesty, schoolwork, and safety. She is wary of activities that might distract Castle from his responsibilities and must give permission before he can join the team.

First appears in chapter 2

The veteran proprietor of the neighborhood store where Castle regularly buys sunflower seeds. Mr. Charles knows Castle and his mother well and was the person who sheltered them after they fled Castle's armed father. His store remains a place of familiarity and security for Castle.

First appears in chapter 3

One of the Defenders' new runners. Patina is serious, direct, and more experienced than Castle. She is part of the small group Coach calls the newbies and helps define the team community Castle is entering.

First appears in chapter 3

A thoughtful new member of the Defenders whose specialty is long-distance running. Sunny is less confrontational than Lu and becomes part of Castle's developing circle on the team.

First appears in chapter 4

A classmate who repeatedly mocks Castle for his clothes and family circumstances. Her taunts target the poverty he tries to hide and can provoke the anger that has already caused him trouble at school.

First appears in chapter 5

Castle's father, now in prison for shooting at Castle and his mother. Though absent from Castle's daily life, he remains a powerful presence in Castle's memories and fears, especially whenever Castle thinks about why running feels so urgent to him.