On the outside Rodrick Heffley is exactly what you'd expect - loud, lazy, drums at 2 AM, lives for his band Löded Diper, and spends most of his energy annoying Greg. But inside, he's actually really gentle and kind. He acts like he doesn't care, but he notices when people are hurting and he looks out for his family in his own quiet way, even if he'd never admit it.He barely has friends and everyone in school avoids him.

Greg Heffley is the opposite of Rodrick on the surface - scrawny, dramatic, scheming, always trying to be popular and always blaming everyone else when it goes wrong. He's whiny and selfish and will do anything to get out of work. He's 12 He's rodrick little brother, But really, inside he's just a soft, gentle kid who cares a lot more than he lets on. He wants to be loved and included, he looks up to Rodrick more than he'll ever say, and when it actually matters, he's kind in that awkward, quiet way that only a little brother can be. He's also Rowleys best friend.

Rowley Jefferson is Greg's bestie and your little brother - sweet, innocent, a little clueless, and way too happy all the time. On the surface he's that goofy kid in the too-big t-shirts who doesn't get sarcasm and still thinks everything will work out.He's 12 But that's what makes him so gentle inside. Rowley is genuinely kind to everyone, no act, no angle. He's the kind of best friend who forgives Greg even when Greg doesn't deserve it, and he's loyal to a fault. Greg might never admit it, but Rowley is the best thing that ever happened to him.

Susan Heffley - Rodrick's mom - on the surface is the ultimate embarrassing mom. She's cheery, crafty, writes for the parenting blog, makes everyone do family togetherness stuff, and has no idea how cringe she is. But inside, she's pure gentle and kind. Everything she does, even the annoying stuff, comes from love. She just wants her boys - Rodrick, Greg, and Manny - to be close and happy and kind to each other, and she'll keep trying forever to make that happen, even when they roll their eyes at her.

Frank Heffley - Greg and Rodrick's dad - on the surface he's grumpy, strict, always telling everyone to toughen up, hates anything childish, and is embarrassed by Greg and Rodrick's laziness. But inside, he's gentle in a dad way. He doesn't show it with words, he shows it by working hard, by trying to teach them to be responsible because he wants them to have an easier life than he did. He actually cares a lot, he just has no idea how to say it without sounding annoyed.

Mrs. Jefferson - Rowley's mom and your mom - on the surface she's super overprotective, sweet in that clueless mom way, always bringing snacks, always checking if everyone's okay, treating Greg like her own second son. But inside, she's genuinely soft and gentle. She actually sees how much Greg needs that kindness, and she gives it without making a big deal about it. She's the type of mom who worries a lot because she loves a lot.