I just finished re-reading 'Monster House' last week, and the main cast is pretty tight-knit, which I like. The central trio is DJ Walters, his best friend Chowder, and the girl next door, Jenny Bennett. They're the ones who first suspect the house across the street is alive and then have to deal with it.
What's interesting is the graphic novel gives Nebbercracker, the old man who owns the house, a bit more background than I remember from the movie. He's not just a grumpy plot device; you get glimpses of his past that tie directly into why the house is the way it is. The house itself, Constance, is practically a character too—her anger and sadness drive the whole story.
Honestly, the dynamic between the three kids carries everything. DJ's the cautious leader, Chowder provides the comic relief but isn't just a joke, and Jenny's smarter and braver than both of them sometimes. Their banter feels real.