Emilia Rosa Torres is the main character and protagonist. She faces the challenges of her ADHD—which she accepts as a part of her unique self—her family life, and the problems stemming from her activism. Emilia is also the narrator, so the story is in her words and represents her point of view.

Emilia has many names. She’s Emilia, Emilia Rosa, Emi Rose, Sweet E, and Chispita. Her multiple names reflect her multilayered identity. She’s Cuban, West African, and she has ADHD, but Cartaya doesn’t reduce her to race or a neurodevelopmental condition. They’re a part of her, but they don’t define her. She has many “tiny sparks,” and all the lights contribute to who she is. Though Emilia can have trouble concentrating, she can also focus intensely. She excels at taking things apart. She dissected her Easy-Bake Oven, she offers to help Mrs. Liz fix the microfilm machine, and she helps her dad fix the Shelby Mustang. Emilia is also compassionate. When she discovers the link between the Olympics and immigration, she becomes an activist, and the other students follow suit.

Emilia has a close relationship with her mom, but sometimes she feels like her mom worries too much about her.