Beth is a gentle, optimistic teenager who struggles with the public perception of her character in her father's controversial novel. Eager to prove she is more than the girl who dies in the book, she seeks to establish her own identity and figure out what she wants in life. Her sudden death initiates a chaotic investigation that forces her family to confront their secrets and grief.

Meg is the oldest March sister, studying women's health at Harvard University. She harbors deep resentment toward her father for exposing their private lives to the public. The intense pressure to fit in with her wealthy college peers routinely pushes her to compromise her personal values and finances.

Jo is a high school senior and aspiring writer with an energetic, headstrong personality. She idolizes her father and desires to follow in his literary footsteps, bringing her into frequent conflict with her sisters. Following Beth's death, she channels her grief and anger into a relentless amateur investigation to uncover the truth.

At fifteen, Amy is the youngest March sister, recognizable by her pink-streaked hair and rebellious image. She dreams of becoming a famous painter and feels immense pressure living in the shadows of her accomplished siblings. This insecurity fuels intense jealousy, leading her to compete fiercely for opportunities, money, and attention.

Rob is the patriarch of the March family who achieved fame by turning his daughters' lives into a bestselling novel. The resulting public backlash, death threats, and vandalism prompted him to retreat to Canada to let the controversy subside. His choices remain a central point of conflict for his daughters, shaping their ambitions and insecurities even in his absence.

Mrs. March is a stabilizing force for her daughters amidst the chaos of sudden fame and devastating loss. She works as a trauma nurse and approaches emotional crises with the same methodical, practical care she applies in a hospital. Her primary goal is to guide her family through their grief while maintaining their fractured bonds.

Henry is a teenager who recently moved to Concord following the tragic loss of his mother. He lives with his grandfather and bonds with Beth over their shared desire to escape external judgments. He claims to be unfamiliar with her father's famous novel, offering her a chance at a fresh start away from the public eye.

Theodore, who goes by Laurie, is Jo's wealthy neighbor and longtime best friend. Their relationship becomes strained by unreciprocated feelings and complicated romantic entanglements with other family members. He serves as a frequent confidant for the March sisters, often finding himself caught in the middle of their disputes.

Sallie is a college student who shares an apartment with Meg at Harvard. She lives an affluent lifestyle that deeply influences Meg's own ambitions and insecurities. Her high social status provides her with influence, making her a person of intense interest during the early investigation into the party's events.

Fred is an established, renowned artist whose attention flatters young, aspiring painters. He uses his prestige and wealth to attract students to his exclusive European summer program. He quickly becomes the central focus of Amy's artistic ambitions.

John is a talented musician of modest means who previously gave Beth piano lessons. His financial status creates friction in his relationship with Meg, who desires a more affluent lifestyle. As one of the last people to see Beth alive, he quickly becomes entangled in the police investigation.

Florence is the March sisters' cousin on their mother's side and Amy's closest companion. She comes from a highly respected family that owns a prestigious Catholic art museum. Her sheltered upbringing and immense financial security contrast sharply with her cousin's situation.

Aunt March is Rob's wealthy sister who works as a successful record label executive in Manhattan. She holds significant financial sway over her nieces and acts as an aloof patron of the arts. Her offer to fund Beth's tuition at a prestigious boarding school sparks intense rivalry and jealousy within the family.