Xavier is an 18-year-old biracial high school senior living in Oak Knoll. He is a focused student with a scholarship to study classical guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Raised by his widowed mother, he attempts to ignore subtle community prejudices and concentrate on his future, though his intense personality makes it difficult for him to suppress his growing romantic feelings for the girl next door.

Juniper is the 17-year-old stepdaughter of Brad Whitman. Having taken a purity pledge at age 14 through her family's church, she is expected to conform to strict traditional gender roles and prioritize marriage over education. However, she secretly wishes to study natural sciences and begins seeking independence by securing a grocery store job and pursuing a hidden connection with Xavier.

Valerie is a widowed ecology professor who holds deep attachments to the natural environment, particularly an 80-foot historic oak tree in her yard. She lives in Oak Knoll with her teenage son, utilizing a progressive and communicative parenting style. She is unsettled by the sense of entitlement displayed by her new neighbors and is prepared to defend her property from careless destruction.

Brad is the wealthy, self-made owner of Whitman HVAC. He recently purchased a property in Oak Knoll, demolished the existing house, and built a massive estate that damages the surrounding ecosystem. He maintains a charming public persona as a local celebrity but harbors deep prejudices, a need for control, and a disturbing fixation on his stepdaughter.

Julia is Brad's wife, having married him after struggling as a single mother living in poverty. She actively works to fit into her husband's wealthy lifestyle and strictly manages her daughters' appearances and behaviors to maintain a flawless image. Her controlling parenting methods stem from a desire to protect her children, though it alienates Juniper.

Tom is Valerie's late husband and Xavier's father, who passed away when Xavier was an infant. He was a white sociology professor and outspoken activist who defended his interracial family against his own prejudiced relatives.

Lily is the young daughter of Brad and Julia. She is energetic and talkative, heavily influenced by her father's attention and her parents' traditional household expectations.

Pepper, whose real name is Penny, is Juniper's outgoing best friend. Raised in a more progressive household, she actively challenges the patriarchal teachings of Juniper's church and encourages her to seek independence and follow her desires.

Lottie is Julia's mother, a heavy smoker dealing with health issues who temporarily moves into the Whitman home after accidentally burning down her trailer. She is blunt, unapologetic, and fiercely defends Juniper's character.

Chris is Valerie's current boyfriend. Their relationship is complicated by physical distance and Valerie's reluctance to introduce significant changes to Xavier's life before he leaves for college.

Ellen is the homeowner association president and a member of the local book club. She prefers maintaining peace in the neighborhood and advises Valerie to seek diplomatic solutions with the Whitmans.

Tony is the local district attorney who socializes with Brad. He is a pragmatic, career-focused official who prioritizes his own political standing in the community.

Dashawn is a high school friend of Xavier's. He frequently debates Xavier on social dynamics and race, pointing out the complexities of dating across cultural lines in their community.

Wilson is a conservative, traditional-looking attorney. Valerie strategically hires him, believing his demographic profile will assist her in holding wealthy developers accountable in the local court system.