The narrator, a teenage Chicana (Mexican-American girl). Wants a home of her own. The House on Mango Street is about her life. Her name means "hope" in Spanish.

Esperanza's little sister whose real name is Magdalena; Esperanza is responsible for her. She also plays with Lucy and Rachel.

Esperanza's friends; they live across the street from Esperanza; they buy a bike together and play together.

Esperanza's first friend in the neighborhood. Moves out the week after Esperanza's family moves in. One of the few characters who is not from Mexico or Latin America.

Esperanza's younger brothers

A young woman from Puerto Rico who lives with her cousin's family. She sells makeup for Avon and teaches Esperanza and her friends about the world of boys.

Esperanza's friend who attends a local university. Her mother died. She is afraid of mice & fathers. Works hard and hopes to change her life from within.

Esperanza's aunt who used to be a swimmer, but now she is old, blind, and sick. Listens to Esperanza's poems and encourages her to keep writing.

Esperanza's friendly uncle; he dances with her at her cousin's baptism.

Esperanza's neighbor who owns the building next door. Has a daughter named Ruthie.

A childish grown-up neighbor who enjoys playing with Esperanza and her friends.

A "witch woman" Esperanza visits to have her fortune told with cards, palm, water.

A guy Marin dances with; he is later hit by a car and dies (he has no last name).

Esperanza's neighbor; a jukebox repairman who works the night shift and lives next door in Edna's basement apartment.

The overweight Mexican wife of a neighbor. She doesn't learn English and is very unhappy. She never leaves her third-floor apartment.

A neighborhood woman whose husband locks her in their apartment because he is afraid she'll leave him. She drinks coconut and papaya juice on Tuesdays.

Esperanza's first crush. He stares at Esperanza. She stares back. He and his girlfirend Lois hang around outside late at night.

Esperanza's friend who has a very strict father who thinks she is too pretty. She kisses all the boys in the Monkey Garden. She leaves Esperanza alone at the carnival.

She has 2 children and an abusive husband. She writes poems and shares her poems with Esperanza.