Our Friend, Martin

Miles is a bright but academically struggling student who admires Martin Luther King Jr. and longs to prove himself. His curiosity drives the time-travel journey as he seeks a future in which he can succeed. He learns responsibility, friendship, and the impact of history on personal growth.

Miles's white best friend, loyal and eager to learn, who shares in the classroom adventures and time-travel mishaps. He starts as a close ally, and later is shown affected by the altered timeline, illustrating how friendships can be shaped by history. He learns to navigate change and the consequences of actions.

Martin is presented through moments from childhood to adulthood, portraying a leader who champions nonviolence and unity. His work in Birmingham, Montgomery, and beyond inspires countless people to seek justice through peaceful means. He serves as the moral compass around which Miles and friends orbit.

Miles's teacher who pushes him to improve and recognizes his potential. She embodies the belief that education can change futures and helps connect the students with Martin's legacy. Her presence anchors the present-day school setting within the larger historical narrative.

The museum curator who warns the children about meddling with the past. She guards the boundary between the present and history and keeps the museum's artifacts intact. Her role emphasizes responsibility when exploring historical memory.

An ally-turned-adversary, Turner pushes for retaliation against those who harmed King and his family. His arc illustrates how anger can threaten a movement if not tempered by the example of nonviolence. He ultimately serves as a cautionary figure about the costs of violence.

A friend who joins Miles and Randy on the journey to understand Martin's legacy. Her participation underscores the diverse range of people who carry the civil rights message forward. She shows resilience and curiosity as she witnesses history in person.

A white classmate who, with Maria, follows Miles into the museum time-travel mission. He represents the possibility of ordinary citizens engaging with history to affect change, though his actions reveal how perception can shift under alternate timelines.