The Arizona Kid does not sport a large cast of characters, but those who do appear play a sizable role in the action of the story, like an ensemble. The main characters are Billy, Cara Mae, Lew, and Wes, with Abby and other adults in the novel taking on important but more minor roles.

As narrator, Billy captures the largest role in the book and, by default, becomes the character the reader knows the best. His early self-description—"Billy Kennedy, the shrimp.

Good grades, good outside shooter, fair shortstop, sense of humor, okay guy in general. Virgin"—indicates what he feels are his most notable qualities. In seeing only these qualities, Billy sells himself short, resembling many adolescents who do not believe in themselves.

In reality, Billy shows himself to be honest, giving, intelligent, and caring enough not to allow his hormones...