A Southern transplant from Mississippi living in Freesia Court with her husband and infant twins. She presents a perfect, put-together facade but harbors deep insecurities and shame regarding her impoverished upbringing. To cope with her hidden past, she often writes unmailed, apologetic letters to her deceased mother.

A wealthy, confident woman from an Italian family in Chicago who relies on royalties from her grandfather's inventions. She embraces her physical desires and sensuality, often prioritizing pleasure over convention. Her relaxed approach to life and parenting contrasts with the more anxious temperaments of her suburban neighbors.

A compact, fiercely physical woman who channels her endless energy into social activism and progressive causes. Though her given name is Marjorie, her childhood nickname perfectly captures her dynamic, flexible nature. She frequently clashes with others over her political convictions but remains intensely protective of her loved ones.

A kind, maternal widow of Norwegian descent who works to support everyone around her. Having lost her husband and facing a childless future, she pours her affection into her extended family and her legendary neighborhood parties. Her domestic life shifts dramatically when her college-aged niece needs an immense favor.

A stunningly beautiful woman raised by a strict pastor in Iowa. She sought freedom by moving to Minneapolis, only to find herself trapped in a marriage to a controlling doctor. She uses the neighborhood book club and small acts of hidden defiance as a sanctuary from her home life.

A gay man who integrates into the suburban neighborhood with his partner. He offers a fresh perspective to the women of Freesia Court and provides crucial emotional support to them during turbulent times in their personal lives.

A respectable doctor who presents a charming face to the Freesia Court neighborhood. Behind closed doors, he is a cruel, controlling abuser who manipulates and physically assaults his wife.

Faith's protective husband who works as a commercial pilot. He provides financial stability for his family but remains unaware of his wife's hidden history and internal struggles.

Audrey's husband, who frequently prioritizes his own needs and desires over his family's. He expects fidelity and attention from his wife while maintaining a blatant double standard regarding his own behavior.

A meteorologist married to Slip. He appreciates his wife's outspoken nature and provides a stable, supportive counterweight to her fiery activism.

Slip's brother, who grew up with the nickname "Laughing Spaniel." His decision to enlist in the military during the Vietnam War causes immense distress for his peace-activist sister.

Kari's college-aged niece living in San Francisco. She finds herself in a desperate situation after an unexpected pregnancy and turns to her aunt for a life-altering favor.

The biracial infant born to Mary Jo. She is secretly taken in by Kari, who raises the child as her own in the Freesia Court neighborhood.

Faith's deceased mother. She struggled with alcohol dependence in Mississippi, leaving her daughter with deep emotional scars.

Faith's chatty mother-in-law. She carries prejudiced views but also attempts to offer Faith genuine acceptance regarding her background.

Grant's partner, who helps integrate their household into the suburban neighborhood fabric.

Slip and Jerry's precocious daughter. She sometimes struggles to manage the neighborhood dynamics and her mother's intense personality.

Faith's fearless and bold daughter. She contrasts sharply with her twin brother's quieter disposition.

Faith's quiet, sensitive son. He prefers playing with dolls over traditional boy games, which causes his mother anxiety.

Audrey and Paul's son. He exhibits a wild streak and occasionally gets into fights at school.

Audrey and Paul's other son, who grows up in a relatively unstructured household.

Slip and Jerry's son, who appreciates his mother's unique quirks.

Merit and Eric's first daughter. She and her sisters form close bonds to survive their father's hostility and neglect.

Eric's sister. She recognizes her brother's abusive patterns because they stem from their shared traumatic childhood.

Kari's deceased husband. His death left her a widow five years before the neighborhood book club begins.

A neighborhood resident known as a do-gooder. The women view her as a nemesis and mock her in moments of unified rebellion.

Kari's brother, who remains a grounding figure in her extended family network.