Adelaide is a young American woman pursuing a graduate degree in marketing and communications in London. She is deeply romantic, drawing inspiration from literature and fairy tales, which fuels her desire for unconditional love. Though highly capable professionally, she struggles to assert her own needs and boundaries in her personal life, often prioritizing her romantic partners over her own well-being.

Rory is a charming, conventionally handsome young man living in London who meets Adelaide through a dating app. He presents an idyllic, fairy-tale image that quickly captures Adelaide's heart. However, his inconsistent communication and emotional unavailability create a destabilizing environment. He frequently withdraws without explanation, expecting others to accommodate his shifting moods.

Brennan, frequently referred to as Bubs, is Rory's flatmate and former coworker. He is a reliable, steady presence who consistently offers kindness and practical support to Adelaide when she crosses his path. Unlike Rory, Brennan communicates clearly and shows genuine empathy for the people around him.

Nathalie is an accomplished senior book editor at The New York Times. She represents an idealized standard of success and grace that Adelaide deeply admires. She shares a long romantic history with Rory from their college years, adding tension to Adelaide's perception of her own relationship.

Eloise is Adelaide's best friend from the United States. She serves as Adelaide's primary confidante and emotional anchor. Eloise regularly offers advice and comfort via phone calls while managing her own life and relationship with her high school sweetheart, Nico.

Madison is Adelaide's college friend who moved to London with her. They share a flat in Highgate, where Madison acts as a grounded, protective force. She frequently questions the unhealthy dynamics she observes in Adelaide's romantic life and encourages her to maintain independence.

Celeste is a vital part of Adelaide's core friend group in London. Alongside Madison, she provides a reliable support system. She accompanies Adelaide to social events and offers practical help when Adelaide experiences emotional distress.

Emory is Adelaide's first boyfriend from high school in 2009. His aggressive and abusive behavior during their relationship left a lasting psychological impact on Adelaide. This early experience taught her to associate intimacy with pain and sacrifice.

Izzy is one of Adelaide's sisters. She lives with bipolar disorder, a condition that initially causes tension during family gatherings. Her mental health journey eventually becomes a point of connection and shared understanding between the sisters.

Holly is Adelaide's other sister. She visits for the 2009 Christmas holiday and forms part of the American family unit that Adelaide leans on for long-distance support.

Sam is a former colleague of Adelaide's. He recruits her for a marketing position at Alliance Technologies, helping secure her financial stability and career progression in London.

Djibril is the head of the international marketing team at Alliance Technologies. He conducts a successful onboarding meeting with Adelaide, integrating her into the corporate team.

Diana is a college friend of both Rory and Nathalie. She remains part of Rory's extended social circle in London and runs into him at the Soho Theater.

Nico is Eloise's high school sweetheart and long-term partner. He provides a stable, dependable presence in Eloise's life, serving as a direct contrast to the men Adelaide dates.

Dr. Grayson is a psychiatrist who evaluates Adelaide at the hospital. She gathers Adelaide's mental health and family history, providing a diagnosis that helps Adelaide contextualize her long-standing emotional struggles.

Meg is a professional therapist who holds regular sessions with Adelaide. She offers practical guidance and compassionate listening, assisting Adelaide in processing trauma and prioritizing self-care.

Raven is an assistant at Adelaide's workplace. During a night out, her casual conversation about a dating app inadvertently brings crucial information to Adelaide's attention.

Townsend is a man Adelaide meets during a night out at a bar. He shares a brief, vulnerable moment with her when he becomes emotional about a recent family loss.

Fitz is a dog that Adelaide adopts. He provides her with unconditional companionship and a daily routine, supporting her growing commitment to building a stable home environment.