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Klara

An Artificial Friend, or AF, from whose point of view the story is told. Klara is unusually observant and empathetic for an AF, and grows quickly to love Josie, the child who chooses her. Klara is a quick learner and is constantly looking to the world around her for information on life and love. She worships the Sun, as it provides her with energy, and attempts to communicate with him throughout the story.

Read an in-depth analysis of Klara.

Josie

The girl who chooses Klara. Josie is fourteen years old; she is a lively, adventurous girl despite being chronically ill. Josie was lifted when she was a child, which means her mother agreed to allow genetic editing to be done to her in order to make her better equipped for survival in the modern world. Unfortunately, the lifting process resulted in Josie’s illness, which comes and goes throughout her life. She is artistically inclined and highly intelligent, oftentimes handling her illness with more fortitude than the people around her.

Read an in-depth analysis of Josie.

The Mother/Chrissie

Josie’s mother. She is a high-powered professional who is clearly wearing herself out between her job and taking care of her ill child. Wracked with grief following the death of her other daughter, Sal, the Mother is ultra-protective of Josie and does all she can to give her a chance at a good life. However, she begins to lose it as Josie grows sicker. The depth of her fear and grief is revealed when the truth of Mr Capaldi’s portrait comes to light, as her intention to continue Josie as an AF after death demonstrates how desperate she is not to lose her daughter.

Rick

Josie’s best friend from childhood. Rick was not lifted as a child, and because of this is treated as an outsider during their rare social gatherings. He lives in a ramshackle home with his mother, Miss Helen, near Josie’s house. Despite not being lifted, Rick has the brain of an engineer; he hopes to someday get into college off of his portfolio of drones that he has taught himself to build. He loves Josie fiercely, and does all he can to be there for her.

Miss Helen

Rick’s mother. Miss Helen’s dark past is relatively unclear, but it is indicated that she was once very put-together and nowadays finds herself struggling. She is eccentric and dreamy, but loves Rick very much. She regrets that she didn’t let Rick get lifted, but tries to make up for it by doing all she can to help him get into college. 

Melania Housekeeper

The Mother’s housekeeper. Melania Housekeeper works for the Mother in many ways, between cooking, cleaning, and acting as a nanny to Josie. She is often uncomfortable with Klara’s presence in the house, not trusting of AFs. Melania Housekeeper is tough and strict, but clearly loves Josie very much. 

The Father/Paul

Josie’s father. He lives in a closed community that Miss Helen calls fascistic for their use of artillery and self-defense against people whom they deem ‘other.’ The Father used to be a successful engineer before losing his job, but believes now that he is better off without it. He is close with Josie despite not being around often, but does not get along well with the Mother. 

Manager

The manager of the store where Klara first lives. Manager is kind to the AFs that she sells, and appears to understand them better than most. She rules over the store with warmth and optimism, and does her best to make sure the AFs are happy. She senses early on that Klara is different, and supports her as best she can.

Rosa

Klara’s friend, another girl AF. Klara and Rosa spend all of their time together while living in the store. Klara is very fond of her but recognizes their differences; she struggles to understand Rosa’s lack of curiosity for the world around them, but appreciates moments when Rosa makes surprisingly clever observations. Rosa’s departure from the store happens very quickly, but Klara never forgets her.

Mr Capaldi

A scientist, masquerading as an artist. He is allegedly painting a portrait of Josie, when in reality he is designing an AF twin for her so that if she dies, the Mother won’t have to live without her. Melania Housekeeper and Rick both don’t trust him. He is single-mindedly dedicated to his work, and though he notes that there are ethical issues with it, he appears to be unconcerned by them. 

Dr Ryan

Josie’s doctor. He comes to visit when Josie’s illness worsens, and advises her and the Mother on how to handle Josie’s health. 

Sal

Josie’s sister, who died when Josie was young. The Mother commissioned Mr Capaldi to make a bereavement doll of Sal after Sal’s death, but the doll did not help her. Sal was sensitive and thoughtful towards the Mother in a way that Josie is not. 

Boy AF Rex

A boy AF from the store. Klara is tentative friends with Rex, who at times helps her and at times teases her.

Pam

A mother at the interaction meeting. Pam speaks inappropriately about Josie and Rick during the interaction meeting, and upsets the Mother. 

Danny

A bully at the interaction meeting. Danny tries to abuse Klara but is fended off by Rick, who humiliates him in front of the rest of the children.

Scrub

Danny’s friend.

The Long-Armed Girl

A girl at the interaction meeting. The Long-Armed Girl approaches Rick to try and get him to interact with her, but it is clearly a ploy to make fun of him.

Missy

The Long-Armed Girl’s little sister. She tries to join in on making fun of Rick. 

Sarah

A mother at the interaction meeting. She bursts in when Rick is embarrassing Danny as a means of defending Klara, and yells that Rick does not belong there. 

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