An eleven-year-old girl living in British Columbia with hair the color of carrots in an apricot glaze. She remains unshakably certain that her missing parents are alive and awaiting rescue, refusing to accept the town's assumption that they drowned. She spends her afternoons at the harbor keeping vigil and meticulously records cooking recipes in a loose-leaf binder.

A tall, blonde former Canadian Navy sailor who resigns his commission to care for his orphaned niece. He works as a real estate developer with ambitious plans to gentrify the working-class fishing village into a tourist destination. He is energetic and charming but often distracted by his business schemes.

A loquacious school counselor of British royal descent who frequently shares stories of her world travels. She insists that Primrose is suffering from denial and requires professional intervention, heavily advocating for foster care placement. She aggressively pursues a romantic relationship with Uncle Jack.

The fiercely independent proprietor and chef of The Girl on the Red Swing café. She serves every single dish over a waffle and chain-smokes while managing her chaotic kitchen. She respects Primrose's intuition and offers the girl steady support when others dismiss her.

Primrose's elderly, crotchety neighbor who temporarily takes over babysitting duties for an hourly fee. She insists on proper etiquette and complains about Primrose's alleged daydreaming. She suffers from significant cognitive decline, often inventing memories of events that never occurred.

A cheerful, innocent retired woman who lives in the neighboring town of Nanaimo. She operates as a matched set with her husband, directing most of their shared activities and conversations. She deeply sympathizes with Primrose's situation and unquestioningly validates the girl's inner feelings.

A mild-mannered retired man living in Nanaimo. He shares a quiet, affectionate life with his wife and steps into the role of foster father. He claims to enjoy conversation but primarily listens and agrees with whatever his wife decides.

A devoted wife who bravely but impulsively sails into a Pacific typhoon to locate her missing husband. Her disappearance leaves her daughter in the care of the town and sets the community's gentrification and foster care conflicts into motion.

A local fisherman in Coal Harbour. He vanishes during a severe typhoon, prompting his wife's desperate search and leaving his daughter holding out hope for his eventual return.

The local law enforcement officer in Coal Harbour. He handles Primrose's case gently and openly discusses his own experiences with trusting gut instincts over hard evidence during investigations.

The widowed sister of Miss Perfidy. She steps in to manage her sister's affairs as her cognitive health declines, inadvertently causing distress for Primrose by giving away stored belongings.

A defensive local merchant who runs a drug store in Coal Harbour. He holds a harsh view of Primrose and quickly blames her whenever mishaps occur near his property.

Co-owner of the local drug store. She actively participates in policing her shop and shares her husband's unfounded distrust of Primrose.

A former lawyer and mother of two who previously lived next door to Primrose. She experiences a severe emotional break triggered by an obsessive desire to win a boiled potato cooking competition.

A Cambodian war orphan with one foot who lives in Coal Harbour. He draws pity from the other children because his adoptive mother strictly forces him to wear a necktie.

A local homeowner attempting to sell her property through Uncle Jack. She employs the tactic of burning cinnamon to make her house smell appealing but uses such a heavy hand that the scent becomes overwhelming.

An energetic puppy adopted by Uncle Jack. Named after Primrose's favorite cookie, the dog frequently accompanies her to the harbor and happily chases sea birds.

The classroom pet guinea pig assigned to Primrose's care by her teacher. His weekend away from school results in a brief, accidental kitchen fire.

A cockapoo belonging to Evie and Bert. The dog moves with the couple and becomes part of their expanded household in Coal Harbour.