Annie is a 30-year-old teacher who relocates to the small, picturesque town of Rowan after her boyfriend of eight years ends their relationship. Lacking self-confidence, she frequently criticizes her own appearance and struggles with an intense fear of being single. Moving into a new apartment, she quickly becomes enchanted by a beautiful local woman who offers her a glimpse into a fiercely independent life.

Sophie is a wealthy, impossibly beautiful woman who lives alone in a lavish, Versailles-like mansion in the woods of Rowan. She rejects societal expectations for women entirely, refusing to be polite when she does not feel like it or cater to male comfort. The townspeople treat her with a strange mix of extreme deference, awe, and visible fear.

Annie's ex-boyfriend who recently ended their eight-year relationship because he felt they were more like friends than partners. Despite breaking her heart, he continually texts her and insists on maintaining a friendship. He remains entirely oblivious to the pain his casual contact causes her.

A student in Annie's class at the Aster school who stands out from her peers. She is self-assured, brings homemade kombucha for lunch, and actively stands up to the bullies who mock her new teacher.

The owner of the local coffee shop in Rowan. He harbors a deep, bitter resentment toward Sophie and openly warns Annie to stay away from the woman in the woods. He firmly believes Sophie is a dangerous influence on the town.

Annie's coworker and friend from the city. She views Annie's relocation to upstate New York through the optimistic lens of a romantic comedy, hoping her friend will find a fresh start and a new romance.

The vice principal who handles administrative duties like student transfers. She is highly invasive regarding Annie's personal life and aggressively pushes her to go on a blind date with her husband's friend.

Jill's husband. He is boorish and openly makes invasive, misogynistic comments about Annie's body and eating habits during their dinner, ruining the evening.

A friend of Dan's who is set up with Annie. He is quiet and exceptionally rude, showing absolutely no interest in making conversation or getting to know his date.

A disruptive student in Annie's class who mocks her physical appearance by chirping at her. His bullying continues until he suffers a frightening medical incident in the middle of a lesson.

The owner of the local diner who rents the land for his business from Sophie. He is visibly frightened of her, refuses to make eye contact when serving her, and holds deep-seated resentments about answering to a powerful woman.

A resident of Rowan who warmly welcomes Annie to the neighborhood. Though she is friendly on the surface, she exhibits a noticeable physical tension whenever Sophie is mentioned.

A local baker who nervously provides Sophie with free pastries. She visibly jumps when she hears Sophie's voice but defends her importance to the local community.

The owner of the local liquor store. She physically flinches and touches her cheek when Annie innocently mentions Sophie's name.

Annie's landlord in Rowan who lives on the first floor of the house. She observes Annie's behavior from a distance and reports back to the townspeople.

A large, highly expressive spider with a visible smile. Sophie keeps him as a companion in her home, and he soon takes a strong liking to Annie.

Oskar's ex-wife who married young and eventually left him after forming a close friendship with Sophie. Her departure is the root of Oskar's bitter grudge.

Oskar and Helen's son, who works with his father at the Good Mug. He maintains a relationship with his mother despite his father's anger.

A student in Annie's class at Aster school and a close friend of Madison Thorpe.