Curtis primarily explores the theme of relationships, focusing particularly on the dynamics between parents and children as well as between siblings. Kenny shares a close and open bond with his parents, intuitively knowing when to approach them with questions or problems. Both Dad and Momma show respect for Kenny and his inquiries, offering straightforward and honest answers. When Kenny inadvertently hurt his only friend, Rufus, Momma noticed the subtle change in Kenny's demeanor and helped him discuss what was bothering him. Kenny even sought her advice. After realizing Kenny had attempted to apologize to Rufus, she encouraged him to try again and allow Rufus time to forgive. Without making a big deal of it, she also intervened on Kenny’s behalf with Rufus, enabling the boys to reconcile.

In the sibling relationship between Kenny and By, Kenny oscillates between fear and fascination. By often bullies Kenny, who tries to avoid By but also seizes opportunities to retaliate when it’s safe. By serves as a teenage role model that both intrigues and frightens Kenny, while also disappointing their parents. They are concerned about Kenny following By’s footsteps into gang-related activities and disobedience. Unlike Kenny’s relationship with his parents, By’s relationship with them is marked by rebellion.

The parents share a deep love and are unified in their approach to disciplining their children. They use what is now known as “tough love” with By, determined to save him from his self-destructive behavior and the negative influence of his gang-like friends. They are prepared to take drastic steps, even considering sending him to Birmingham, where the Civil Rights Movement is gaining momentum. By rescuing By, they hope to set a strong example for Kenny, guiding him towards independence and responsibility.

Kenny

Ten-year-old Kenneth (Kenny) Bernard Watson faces two challenges: a lazy eye that turns inward despite his parents’ efforts to correct it and a sharp, intelligent mind. His reading skills often make him an example in front of other students, which leads to him being teased and bullied. At home, Kenny feels somewhat out of place as the middle child—not old enough to join By’s “exciting adventures” and too old to play pretend games with Joetta, his five-year-old sister. Although Kenny knows By frequently gets into trouble, he thinks some of those “exciting adventures” might be worth the parental punishment.

Kenny’s only friend turned out to be a thief, leaving him without a close companion for quite some time. This changes when a new boy boards his bus and joins his fourth-grade class. Like Kenny, this new boy is also an outcast, and Kenny sees him as his "saver," hoping the other kids will shift their teasing from him to Rufus, the new student. Initially, Kenny joins in with the others in mocking Rufus, but he soon realizes that it's okay to be different. Before long, Kenny learns valuable lessons about friendship and the sacrifices it entails.

Kenny is a deep thinker and often asks his dad profound questions. He worries that he might not have all the answers and fears he won't know how to be a good parent like his own mom and dad. His emotions for his family run deep, and learning to manage these feelings helps him grow and change. Because of his reflective nature, Kenny often sees through By’s scary stories. Even though he strongly suspects they are just tales, he sometimes finds himself believing them, much like his younger sister Joetta, against his better judgment.

Byron

Byron (By) Watson, at thirteen, has earned the title of an "official juvenile delinquent," a reputation he works hard to maintain. He wants everyone to see him as tough and "Mr. Cool." Determined to defy his parents and teachers, he skips school, refuses to study, starts fires, and even straightens his hair. By is a bully through and through, making Kenny’s life difficult and keeping him teetering between fear and admiration. He concocts scary stories to tell Kenny and Joetta and takes advantage of his parents’ love, pushing their patience to the brink. By finds gang life thrilling and enjoys tormenting younger children.

Dad and Momma have repeatedly tried to reform By’s behavior, often threatening to send him to Grandma Sands’s house in Birmingham. Despite Momma’s threat to burn him if she catches him playing with fire again, By promises to change but always relapses. Eventually, Dad and Momma follow through on their threat and take By to Birmingham to stay with Grandma Sands. By’s tough demeanor crumbles when he sees Grandma Sands after nine years—a petite lady with white hair and a cane. A near-tragic incident involving Kenny and a church bombing near Grandma Sands’s home prompts a significant change in By. He even becomes protective of Kenny, helping him recover from depression following the bombing.

Joetta

Joetta, often nicknamed Joey or Jo, is a typical five-year-old who attends kindergarten and tries to keep up with her two older brothers. She adores them both and often steps in to defend them, especially By, with their parents. Joetta is a cheerful and carefree girl who easily believes By's tall tales about imaginary garbage trucks that collect frozen bodies every morning and his story about the "Wool Pooh" in the water.

Momma and Dad

Momma and Dad are pivotal characters in The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. Dad, who hails from Michigan, works diligently at his factory job. He loves his family deeply and provides for them, balancing a great sense of humor with a strong desire to instill high moral values and strong character traits in his children.

Momma moved from Birmingham to Flint fifteen years ago when she married her husband. She is fiercely independent and loves her children passionately. Together with her husband, she is committed to raising their children with abundant love and firm discipline.