Matt is a 36-year-old photographer for National Geographic who recently transferred back to New York City after years in the field. He is intense, strong-willed, and harbors a deep longing for connection despite his current cynicism. Though successful in his career, he feels unfulfilled and isolated from his wealthy, unsupportive father and brother. He finds his truest artistic and emotional validation through his memories of his college relationship with Grace.

Grace is a 36-year-old music teacher in Manhattan who possesses a deep passion for the cello and the arts. Coming from a financially unstable family with an alcoholic father, she learned early to shoulder heavy responsibilities and protect herself emotionally. She is empathetic, sensitive, and resilient, having built a stable life for herself while quietly carrying the emotional weight of her past heartbreak.

Liz is a lead photographer at National Geographic who initially selected Matt for an internship in South America. She works in the same Manhattan office as Matt, creating a hostile environment due to their complicated romantic and professional history. She is driven, possessive, and willing to intervene directly in others' lives to secure her own relationship goals.

Tatiana is Grace's college best friend who eventually plays in the New York Philharmonic. She is a fun-loving, adventurous musician who acts as a fiercely protective force in Grace's life. She frequently challenges Grace's decisions, ensuring her friend prioritizes her own potential and happiness.

Ash is Grace's 15-year-old daughter who possesses a maturity and wisdom well beyond her years. She is confident, open-hearted, and speaks her mind without hesitation. Raised with honesty about her family history, she approaches complicated emotional situations with an empathetic and forgiving perspective.

Dan is a music professor at NYU who forms a traveling orchestra. He recognizes Grace's immense musical talent and provides her with crucial financial and emotional support during her college years. He eventually changes his last name to Porter and becomes a stable, supportive presence in Grace's adult life.

Scott is Matt's coworker at the National Geographic office in New York. He is a pragmatic and sometimes lewd colleague who frequently observes Matt's dissatisfaction with life. He serves as a catalyst for Matt's actions, offering blunt advice about moving on and suggesting modern methods to track down missed connections.

Aletha is Matt's mother, a warm and artistic woman who creates custom leatherwork in her home studio. She maintains a close, supportive bond with Matt, standing in sharp contrast to the rest of his fraught family dynamic. She is welcoming to the people Matt cares about and actively encourages his creative pursuits.

Charles is Matt's wealthy father who lives in California with his new wife. He has changed significantly since acquiring wealth, prioritizing financial success over emotional connection. He actively discourages Matt's passion for photography, creating a persistent rift in their relationship.

Alexander is Matt's brother whose lifestyle closely aligns with their wealthy father's worldview. His relationship with Matt is severely damaged, complicated by family tension and romantic entanglements that make Matt feel like an outsider in his own family.

Monica is Matt's ex-girlfriend who is now married to his brother, Alexander. She maintains a complex presence in Matt's life, occasionally meddling in family affairs but also showing moments of surprising sympathy and support when family tensions boil over.

Orvin is the proprietor of a local bow shop and an older confidant for Grace. He shares her deep love for music and provides her with a safe space to discuss life, eventually serving as a source of wisdom and encouragement during her times of doubt.

Brad is a coworker of Matt's at National Geographic who previously engaged in an affair with Liz while she was married to Matt. He now works in the same office, serving as a constant, uncomfortable reminder of Matt's past betrayals.

Brandon is Tatiana's college boyfriend who occasionally hangs out with the core group. His relationship with Tatiana is sometimes used as a point of comparison when the friends debate the seriousness of their respective romantic commitments.

Regina is Charles's new wife. She lives in California and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, representing the wealth and status that Charles now prioritizes over his relationship with his younger son.