John is a 23-year-old Army soldier who grew up in North Carolina, raised by a single father. Following a rebellious teenage phase marked by drinking and a lack of direction, he enlisted in the military to find structure and responsibility. He is fiercely loyal but harbors frustration toward his quiet, routine-oriented father. His rough exterior softens when he meets Savannah, who introduces him to a highly optimistic worldview.

Savannah is a 21-year-old college student from Chapel Hill spending her summer volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Raised on a horse farm by attentive parents, she holds deeply religious beliefs and maintains an innocent, optimistic view of the world. She studies special education with the dream of opening a therapeutic horseback riding camp for children on the autism spectrum.

Mr. Tyree is John's single father and a lifelong postal service employee. He relies heavily on strict daily routines, eating the same meals and retreating to his den every evening. His sole passion is numismatics—specifically tracking and collecting rare coins—which forms the boundary of his social interactions.

Tim is a college student and Savannah's longtime friend from her hometown of Lenoir. He watches out for her at school and during their summer volunteer work, stepping into a protective, almost familial role. He acts as a primary caregiver and emotional anchor for his younger brother.

Alan is Tim's younger brother who is on the autism spectrum. His positive reaction to working with horses on Savannah's family farm deeply impacts Savannah's educational choices. He relies heavily on predictable environments and his older brother's presence for comfort.

Randy is a college student from Chapel Hill volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity group in Wilmington. He spends time in Savannah's social circle and is noticeably unhappy when she invites a local soldier back to their rental house.