- Troy Bolton: the basketball team captain who is talented in both basketball and singing.
- Gabriella Montez: a new student at East High School who is intelligent and talented in singing.
- Sharpay Evans: the drama queen and Troy's ex-girlfriend.
- Ryan Evans: Sharpay's twin brother and Troy's best friend.
- Chad Danforth: Troy's best friend and a member of the basketball team.
- Taylor McKessie: Gabriella's best friend and a member of the science club.
- Jason Cross: the owner of the country club where the movie is set.
- Ms. Darbus: the drama teacher at East High School.