All the characters in the story Taking sides by Gary Soto are Lincoln Mendoza ,Mom , Flaco (the dog ) , Monica (Lincolns new Girlfriend) , James (Lincolns new friend) , Tony , Roy , and coach Yesutis. These characters are people that Lincoln Mendoza knows about.IN the story these characters are in Lincolns new school, some are in Lincolns family and some are from Lincolns old school.