Lauren is a 30-year-old woman who has been with her husband since she was 19. Working in a college alumni department, she struggles to define her identity outside of her marriage. After agreeing to a year-long separation, she faces living alone for the first time. She relies heavily on her family and friends for support as she tries to evaluate what she truly wants from her life and her relationships.

Ryan is Lauren's college sweetheart and husband of several years. Charming but flawed, he has grown distant and uncommunicative over time. When he and Lauren agree to separate, he moves out of their shared Hancock Park home to gain perspective on his own needs and their fading connection.

Rachel is Lauren's highly independent younger sister. Single by choice, she is content with her life and pursues her own passions, including an interest in baking. She provides Lauren with a steady source of comfort and a living example of how to thrive without a romantic partner.

Charlie is Lauren and Rachel's 25-year-old younger brother. Previously free-spirited and unattached, his life shifts dramatically when he learns he is going to be a father. He moves back to Los Angeles from Chicago to embrace his new responsibilities, surprising his family with his sudden maturation.

Leslie is the mother of Lauren, Rachel, and Charlie. Having raised her children single-handedly after her husband left her during her pregnancy with Charlie, she is resilient and self-possessed. She embraces romance on her own terms and offers Lauren an experienced, realistic perspective on relationships.

Lois is Leslie's mother and the family matriarch. With traditional views on love and marriage rooted in her long relationship with her late husband, she serves as a voice of stability for the Spencer family. She frequently shares relationship advice columns with Lauren to prompt self-reflection.

Mila is Lauren's coworker and close friend from her days at the UCLA alumni department. She is a supportive confidante who encourages Lauren to relish her newfound freedom. Being married herself, she offers grounded, practical perspectives on relationship struggles.

David is a recently divorced man who is still struggling with his feelings for his ex-wife. He and Lauren bond over their shared heartbreak, developing a casual physical relationship that allows them both to feel less alone during difficult transitions.

Natalie is a young woman who becomes pregnant after a brief encounter with Charlie. She quickly integrates into the Spencer family as she and Charlie decide to raise their child together, adjusting to a new city and a new family dynamic.

Bill is Leslie's new boyfriend. His presence in Leslie's life illustrates her personal philosophy of seeking romance and passion without necessarily demanding a formalized, traditional commitment.

Thumper is a Labrador retriever who serves as a loyal companion to Lauren and Ryan. During the couple's separation, he stays with Lauren, offering her a vital source of comfort, warmth, and a feeling of security in an otherwise empty house.

Christina is Mila's wife. Though primarily mentioned off-screen, her occasional arguments with Mila serve as a reference point for Lauren to examine the realities and effort required in long-term commitment.

Emily is a woman Ryan dates during his year-long separation from Lauren. She inadvertently helps Ryan reflect on the differences between his new relationships and his marriage.

Ashley is David's ex-wife. Her infidelity ended their marriage, leaving David with significant heartbreak that he discusses openly with Lauren.