Ava is a 37-year-old former corporate lawyer on a career hiatus to care for her two-year-old son. She feels exhausted, isolated from her busy surgeon husband, and burdened by the pressure to be a perfect mother. When her glamorous former college roommate reappears with an illicit business proposition, Ava's frustrations make her susceptible to the opportunity.

Winnie is a stylish, ambitious Chinese immigrant who briefly roomed with Ava at Stanford before leaving amid an academic scandal. She now runs a sophisticated operation dealing in high-end replica designer handbags. Bold and unapologetic, she views the luxury goods industry as inherently exploitative and feels no guilt about her return-fraud business model.

Olivier is a highly ambitious transplant surgeon who double-majored at Harvard. His demanding career leaves him with little time or energy to support Ava with their toddler's behavioral challenges. Concerned about their single-income finances, he exerts strict control over their family budget, sparking resentment in his wife.

Mak Yui Fai, often called Boss Mak, is an older Chinese businessman who owns factories that produce legitimate luxury handbags alongside high-quality replicas. He requires a liver transplant due to years of heavy drinking, prompting Winnie to seek out Ava's surgeon husband for medical assistance.

Henri is Ava and Olivier's two-year-old son. He experiences developmental delays and behavioral challenges, frequently exhibiting severe outbursts. His difficulties contribute heavily to Ava's daily stress and her feelings of parental inadequacy within her highly competitive social circle.

Maria is the nanny employed by Ava and Olivier to help care for Henri. She offers Ava a crucial source of emotional stability and practical help, often stepping in to soothe the toddler when Ava feels completely overwhelmed by motherhood.

Mandy is Mak Yui Fai's daughter. She is a polished, sophisticated socialite and businesswoman who steps in to manage her father's manufacturing empire when his health begins to fail. She actively strategizes to expand their lucrative black-market operations.

Detective Murphy is the law enforcement official investigating the counterfeit luxury goods scheme. She serves as the silent audience for Ava's lengthy, emotional explanation of her involvement with Winnie and the replica business.

Gabe is Ava's brother who, unlike his sister, rejected their father's strict academic expectations early on. He works as a salesman and lives comfortably in Chicago, serving as a contrast to Ava's anxiety-driven perfectionism.