Tess is a 15-year-old girl struggling with intense guilt and sorrow following the sudden death of her sister on September 11. Feeling alienated from her mother and stepfather's mourning process, she moves into her biological father's house to find physical and emotional space. She uses extensive morning makeup routines as a protective shield to face the world, hiding a deep emotional intelligence and a desperate longing for connection.

Zoe is Tess's three-year-old half-sister who passed away in a hit-and-run accident. Known affectionately as "Z," her sudden death shatters the family dynamic and serves as the emotional center of the story. She remains a constant presence in Tess's mind, representing lost innocence and the heavy burden of survival.

Nick is Tess's biological father who lives in a working-class neighborhood and breeds German Shepherds. He struggles with steady employment and owes back child support, but he provides Tess with a comfortable, judgment-free environment when she leaves her mother's house. He loves his daughter fiercely, though his unstructured lifestyle brings dangerous elements near his home.

David is an attorney and Tess's stepfather, a practical man who married her mother when Tess was five. He focuses on academics, college savings, and efficiency, frequently clashing with Tess over her morning routines. Despite communication barriers, he tries to maintain structure for his family while processing his own grief.

Elly is Tess's mother, a woman emotionally paralyzed by the sudden death of her youngest daughter. Her severe depression strains her once-close relationship with Tess, leading her to seek brief moments of distraction in inappropriate flirtations. She longs to keep her remaining family intact but struggles to bridge the growing emotional gap.

Em is Tess's seven-year-old half-sister, an observant first-grader dealing with the absence of both her siblings. She shares a highly affectionate bond with Tess, often communicating her loneliness and confusion through physical touch and sharing a bed. She keenly feels the unfairness of her situation as the adults around her withdraw into their own sorrow.

Jimmy is a tall, curly-haired teenager who lives next door to Nick. Having returned from a facility for troubled youth, he carries his own family trauma and offers Tess a listening ear. He operates the Skycoaster at Kennywood amusement park and slowly builds a connection with Tess across their adjacent bedroom windows.

Justin is a young clerk at the local grocery store. He is friendly with the Gladstone family and provides a source of mild, escapist flirtation for Elly during her intense period of mourning.

Travis is an intimidating associate of Nick who visits the house for mysterious transactions. He makes inappropriate comments to Tess and represents the criminal elements operating around Nick's unstructured lifestyle.

Frank is a young German Shepherd puppy bred by Nick. Tess claims him as her own upon moving in, and he becomes her constant, comforting companion during restless nights.

Vicky is Tess's coworker at the Kennywood amusement park. She is outspoken, frequently abandons her post to socialize with customers, and asks invasive questions about Tess's personal life.

Gram is Nick's mother and Tess's grandmother. She provides a soft, comforting presence for Tess during family church outings and anchors Nick's extended family ties.

Mo Mo is Nick's grandmother and Tess's great-grandmother. She attends Sunday mass with the family, representing the deep generational roots of the DeNunzio family.

Miss Soothing is Tess's first therapist following the family tragedy. She attempts to uncover hidden jealousies within the family dynamic, though Tess finds her methods reductive.

Keisha is one of Nick's German Shepherds. She gives birth to a litter of puppies that includes Tess's new companion, Frank.