Max Cordoba is the protagonist. At nearly 12 years old, he is a boy on the brink of adolescence. He has “ a mop of black curls, heavy eyebrows, and caramel-colored eyes” (7-8). He’s on summer break from school and his biggest concerns are about upcoming tryouts for the village fútbol team and exploring big questions about growing up. Max is a talented fútbol player, like his father and grandfather were before him. Max wants to play goalie and spends his time practicing fútbol with his friends Chuy, Ortiz, and Guillermo.

Max’s mother left when he was very young, and Max feels the mystery of her absence heavily. As the story progresses, Max struggles to find his identity. Papá is overprotective and keeps secrets from Max about their family, waiting until Max is older. Papá doesn’t want Max getting hurt from dreaming too big, so tries to keep Max grounded. Max and Papá clash throughout the book as Max tries to prove that he is old enough for more responsibility.

Max is a dreamer who likes to tell stories and wonder about “big and bewildering things” (4). Max’s favorite stories include legends about Santa Maria and the Guardians of the Hidden Ones.