Sal, the 13-year-old narrator and protagonist, is a new seventh grader at Culeco Academy for the Arts in Miami, having recently relocated from Connecticut. A skilled stage magician, Sal possesses a unique talent for manipulating the space-time continuum, which allows him to access alternate universes. Describing himself as short with longish hair, Sal strategically utilizes his appearance for magic tricks, often clad in cargo shorts and vests for impromptu performances.

As a new student, Sal begins the story somewhat isolated from his peers. Sal’s reputation takes a hit after the “chicken incident,” leading to ostracization due to suspicions of “black magic” use. Gradually, though, Sal connects Gabi and Yasmany, eventually confiding in Gabi about his extraordinary abilities. Outside of his social challenges at school, a shadow of grief looms over Sal, stemming from the loss of his mother, Floramaria, when he was eight years old. His mother died of diabetic ketoacidosis, and Sal himself also has type 1 diabetes. He occasionally summons trans-dimensional versions of her, prompting the family’s move to Miami after one particularly traumatic summoning. Sal’s resistance to The Importance of Dealing With Grief often parallels his failures to manage his diabetes.