There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom characters

Appears from the start

A fifth-grader with a long record of poor schoolwork, hostility, and fantastic lies. Rejected by classmates and convinced that everyone dislikes him, he tries to control each encounter by insulting people first. The arrival of a new student and a patient counselor begin to challenge the identity he has built for himself.

Appears from the start

A new student assigned to the empty desk beside Bradley. Unaware of Bradley's reputation, he initially accepts his conversation and becomes the first classmate in a long time to spend time with him.

Appears from the start

The class teacher, who seats Jeff next to Bradley because it is the only available desk. She is familiar with Bradley's disruptive habits and incomplete work but continues to give him opportunities to participate.

First appears in chapter 6

The school's new counselor, whom Bradley is required to visit. She listens without ridicule, accepts his imaginative stories as part of their conversations, and asks questions that allow him to consider making his own choices.

First appears in chapter 3

Bradley's older sister, who argues with him at home and sometimes mocks his claims. Her ordinary successes and social life sharpen his sense that he is the difficult child in the family.

First appears in chapter 4

Bradley's mother, concerned by reports from school and uncertain how to help him. She participates in meetings about his behavior and about the new counselor's methods.

First appears in chapter 20

A girl in Bradley's class who is preparing a birthday party. Including Bradley in the event becomes a test of whether he can risk trusting classmates who have known him mainly through his bad behavior.

First appears in chapter 12

One of the boys Jeff befriends at school. He represents the established peer group whose approval complicates Jeff's new friendship with Bradley.

First appears in chapter 3

A small rabbit figure among Bradley's collection of toy animals. In his private games she has a voice and personality, giving him a safe way to express fears and hopes he cannot admit to people.

First appears in chapter 3

A bear figure in Bradley's collection of toy animals, portrayed in his private stories as Ronnie's companion. The games involving the figures reflect Bradley's changing ideas about friendship.