Anne is an Irish immigrant and nurse who moves to the suburban town of Gillam with her husband. She carries deep emotional trauma, including the painful loss of a stillborn child. She is easily angered and fiercely protective of her son, Peter. She spends much of her time isolated in her bedroom, refusing overtures of friendship from her neighbors.

Peter is the only child of Anne and Brian Stanhope. Growing up in a tense household with an unpredictable mother and an emotionally distant father, he forms a deep attachment to the girl next door. He is observant and tries to manage his mother's outbursts, often hiding his own mistakes to keep the peace.

Kate is the youngest daughter of Francis and Lena. She is a headstrong, pragmatic teenager who develops a close friendship with Peter Stanhope. Living next door to his volatile household, she defies her parents' warnings and maintains an innocent bond with him. She prefers scientific, rational explanations for the world around her.

Francis is an Irish-born New York City police officer who moves his family to the quiet suburb of Gillam to avoid city violence. He is a genial man who attempts to support his partner and neighbor, Brian. He approaches his job and community with a desire to maintain order and help those around him.

Brian is an NYPD officer and Francis's partner. He keeps photographs of his wife and brother, along with a prayer card to St. Michael, in the sweatband of his police cap. He turns to alcohol to manage the stress of his job and the volatility of his home life, routinely avoiding confrontation by physically removing himself from arguments.

Lena leaves her job as a technician to become a dedicated suburban mother in Gillam. She initially misses the city but commits fully to raising her three daughters. She attempts to befriend her new neighbor, Anne, but is met with coldness and hostility, leading to a lingering tension between the two households.

George is Brian's brother who lives in Queens. He provides a stable, practical presence in contrast to Brian's avoidance and Anne's instability. He understands his family's history of difficulties and offers pragmatic advice when family members face crises.

Joan is a recently divorced woman living in the Gillam neighborhood. She struggles with her new circumstances and often drinks heavily during neighborhood social events to mask her unhappiness.

Eddie is an older student who takes an interest in Kate during her teenage years. He acts as a casual acquaintance outside of Kate's tight-knit neighborhood circle.

Dr. Abassi is a medical professional who treats patients with emotional distress. He believes in the importance of honest communication to promote genuine healing.