Jeffrey Magee- "Maniac Magee"; main character; talented athlete and knot untying specialist

 Aunt Dot- Jeffrey's aunt; hated by, but married to, Uncle Dan

 Uncle Dan- Jeffrey's uncle; hated by, but married to, Aunt Dot

 Amanda Beale- Maniac's friend from the Eastend

 Mrs. Pickwell- mother of ten

 John McNab- a "giant"; star pitcher; bully

 Mars Bar Thompson- black boy; bully on Eastend

 Hester- Amanda's little sister

 Lester- Amanda's little brother

 Mr. and Mrs. Beale- Amanda's parents

 Hands Down- great football player

 Grayson- Old man; Maniac's "guardian" after the Beales

Russell and Piper- John McNab's little brothers

George McNab- Russell, Piper, and John's dad