Cécile is a 17-year-old girl spending her summer on the French Riviera with her father. She embraces a lifestyle of carefree indulgence, emotional detachment, and material pleasure. Intelligent but averse to discipline, she prefers sunbathing and socializing over studying for her upcoming exams. She idolizes her father's unstructured life and fiercely guards her own independence.

Raymond is Cécile’s 40-year-old widowed father. He is a charming, indulgent man who frequently changes romantic partners and rejects traditional views of fidelity. He provides his daughter with a life of ease and spontaneity, prioritizing pleasure over responsibility. His lighthearted philosophy deeply shapes the worldview of his daughter.

Anne is a refined, self-assured, and highly intelligent family friend who was once close to Cécile’s late mother. She introduces a sense of structure, accountability, and moral clarity to the otherwise unregulated household. Her high standards and elegant demeanor demand respect but also make others feel judged.

Elsa is Raymond’s romantic partner, described by Cécile as gentle and unpretentious. She enjoys a performative, carefree femininity and embraces the lazy summer routine of the Riviera. Though eager to maintain her place in Raymond's life, she is often naive to the shifting social dynamics around her.

Cyril is a 25-year-old law student vacationing near the villa. He is tender, deferential, and emotionally open, contrasting with the detached attitudes of Cécile and Raymond. He acts as a sailing instructor for Cécile and quickly develops genuine, protective feelings for her.

Charles is a theatrical publicist and friend of Raymond. He is obsessed with appearances and social status, embodying the superficial values of their bourgeois circle. He previously dated Elsa and continues to openly admire her beauty in social settings.

Madame Webb is Charles’s wife. She is sharp-tongued, highly conscious of social standing, and dismissive of those she considers beneath her. Her marriage appears more performative than genuinely affectionate, and she freely makes pointed remarks toward younger women.