Who Are The Main Characters In Casebook?

The main characters in 'Casebook' are such a fascinating bunch! At the center is Miles Adler-Hart, this incredibly curious and slightly awkward nine-year-old who starts snooping on his parents' divorce out of a mix of childish worry and detective-like intrigue. His voice is so genuine—you really feel like you’re seeing the world through his eyes as he scribbles notes in his 'casebook' and tries to make sense of adult chaos. Then there’s his mom, Irene, who’s this complex mix of vulnerability and strength—she’s trying to rebuild her life post-divorce while unknowingly becoming the subject of Miles’ investigations. His dad, Eli, is equally layered; you can see how Miles both idolizes and resents him in that messy way kids do when parents disappoint them.

But the real scene-stealer might be the Mims’ new boyfriend, the enigmatic 'Bosco' (real name: Robert), who Miles scrutinizes with hilarious suspicion. The way Mona Simpson writes his internal monologue—part kid-logic, part startling insight—is brilliant. Even minor characters like Miles’ twin sisters or his friend Hector add texture to the story. It’s less about traditional 'heroes' and more about how every character orbits Miles’ growing understanding of love and betrayal. What stuck with me is how Simpson makes even flawed characters deeply sympathetic—you end up rooting for everyone in their own messy way.

Miles is definitely the heart of 'Casebook', but what I love is how the adults around him feel just as real. His mom’s attempts at dating post-divorce are cringey yet relatable, and his dad’s midlife crisis is painfully accurate. The book’s magic is in how ordinary people become extraordinary through a kid’s notebook scribbles.