Walter, affectionately called Pops, is a former NYPD officer and recent widower living in a rent-controlled apartment on Riverside Drive in Manhattan. Eight years prior, an off-duty shooting left him with severe injuries and an ongoing civil lawsuit against the city. He drinks heavily to self-medicate and frequently clashes with his family and former colleagues, using a hostile exterior to mask his deep emotional wounds and insecurities about his aging body.

Junior is Pops's adult son, currently living in the Riverside Drive apartment alongside his girlfriend, Lulu. He carries a difficult history involving criminal activity and prison time, and he still appears to dabble in selling questionable merchandise. Despite their frequent verbal clashes and mutual misunderstandings, he demonstrates genuine concern for his father's well-being following the loss of his mother.

Oswaldo is a newly sober friend of Pops who temporarily lives rent-free in the Washington apartment. Grateful for the safe haven, he attempts to express his appreciation to his host while focusing on his recovery. However, a strained connection with his own biological father threatens his hard-won sobriety and emotional stability.

Lulu is Junior's attractive and somewhat eccentric girlfriend who resides in the apartment. She frequently wanders the home in revealing outfits, prompting highly critical commentary from Pops. Despite her seemingly dim exterior and unstable living situation, she possesses a strong will and quickly asserts her loyalty to Junior.

The Church Lady is a Brazilian woman who visits the Washington apartment to offer spiritual comfort. Dressed in a striking manner that contrasts with her overtly religious jewelry, she uses her disarming conversation and confident physical presence to connect with Pops. She claims to raise money for orphans in her home country.

Audrey is an active NYPD detective who previously worked as a rookie alongside Pops. She views the older man as a surrogate father figure, even hoping he will participate in her upcoming wedding. Despite her professional authority as a detective, she finds herself caught between profound loyalty to her old partner and the pragmatic pressures of the modern police department.

Dave Caro is a confident, brash NYPD lieutenant engaged to Detective Audrey O'Connor. He visits the Riverside apartment ostensibly for a friendly dinner, but he possesses clear ulterior motives regarding the ongoing civil suit against the city. His cocky, fast-talking New York demeanor quickly shifts from ingratiating to aggressive when he meets resistance.

Delores is Pops's late wife and Junior's mother, who passed away the Christmas before the events of the play. Though absent, her memory looms large in the rent-controlled apartment, where her wheelchair remains untouched and her fine china is still actively used. Her loss serves as a deep, unresolved emotional wound for both her husband and her son.