Weetzie Bat contains many characters, some of whom, like Marilyn Monroe and other stars, are implied rather than actually present in the story; characters who do appear include a genie, a convertible named Jerry, a rubber chicken, a slinkster dog, and a variety of "wrong Ducks." The main characters are Weetzie and her extended family.

The reader will know Weetzie Bat, the title character, the best by the end of the story. Her "bleach-blonde flattop . . . pink Harlequin sunglasses, strawberry lipstick, earring dangling charms, and sugar-frosted eye shadow" almost conceal a sensitive, caring young woman who more than anything wants a place to belong. Weetzie's honest, outgoing, and idealistic nature leaves her open to new relationships and ideas, but also exposes her to some sorrow, making her utterly human and extremely lovable.

Her best friend Dirk, the coolest boy in school "with a shoe-polish-black mohawk...