Scott is a 6'4" middle-aged web designer and recent divorcé living in Castle Rock, Maine. He experiences a mysterious condition where he continually loses weight on the scale without losing any physical body mass. The unexplainable medical situation initially causes him anxiety but quickly fills him with an unexpected cheerfulness and a desire to mend fences within his community.

Deirdre is a former competitive runner who recently opened a vegetarian Tex-Mex restaurant called Holy Frijole. Having faced extensive discrimination because of her marriage to a woman, she maintains a defensive posture to protect herself from further hurt. She focuses her energy on her business and protecting her family.

Missy is the talented chef at Holy Frijole and Deirdre's wife. She possesses a fragile appearance that masks a courageous spirit, demonstrated by her willingness to open a progressive restaurant in a conservative small town. She actively tries to build bridges with neighbors to protect Deirdre from the emotional toll of community rejection.

Bob is a 74-year-old retired physician living in Castle Rock. He remains active and fit, offering a visual contrast to Scott's changing physical reality. As a loyal friend, he agrees to keep Scott's bizarre medical condition a secret and acts as a sounding board.

Myra is Bob's wife and an active participant in various Castle Rock church and town committees. Raised in an insular environment, she initially disapproves of Deirdre and Missy's marriage and refuses to eat at their restaurant. Her assumptions face a challenge when she interacts directly with the couple.

Mike owns the Book Nook in Castle Rock and sells tickets for the local Turkey Trot. He generally means well but holds a passive attitude toward the town's prejudices, believing marginalized people should simply adapt to the conservative climate to avoid trouble.

"Bull Neck" is the nickname given to a boorish, belligerent man in Castle Rock. He loudly expresses vulgar and bigoted opinions about Deirdre and Missy's sexuality in public spaces. He represents the overt hostility present in the town's conservative factions.