Charles "Chick" Benetto is a retired baseball player who struggles to find steady work after his sports career ends. He deals with severe alcoholism and the collapse of his marriage to Catherine. His deep need for approval, particularly from his absent father, drives many of his life choices and leaves him feeling alienated from his remaining family. Feeling entirely isolated after missing his daughter's wedding, he drives to his hometown of Pepperville Beach with the intention of taking his own life.

Pauline "Posey" Benetto is Chick's mother, a French Protestant woman who works as a beautician for homebound older women. She is fiercely protective of her children. Facing social judgment in her small town as a divorced single mother, she prioritizes her family's well-being and makes quiet sacrifices to ensure her children receive a good college education. She serves as a gentle, forgiving presence in Chick's life.

Leonard "Len" Benetto is Chick's father, an Italian Catholic man who runs a liquor store. He joined the Army at eighteen and deployed to Italy during World War II. At home, he pushes Chick heavily into a baseball career while remaining aloof from regular family life. His conditional affection and eventual disappearance create a lasting psychological impact on his son.

Maria is Chick's adult daughter. She recently married and excludes her father from the ceremony due to his worsening alcoholism and erratic behavior. Her letter announcing the marriage acts as the final push for Chick's suicide attempt, as she represents the family connection he feels he has permanently lost.

Catherine is Chick's former wife and the mother of Maria. She initially meets Chick at a college party, charmed by his energetic performance of a big band song. Their marriage eventually collapses when she grows tired of his severe depression and heavy drinking following the end of his baseball career.

Roberta is Chick's younger sister. She grows up alongside Chick in Pepperville Beach, experiencing the confusing aftermath of their parents' divorce. She and Chick carve their names into the kitchen table as children, and as adults, they continue to maintain their childhood home exactly as their mother left it.

Rose is an elderly, hard-of-hearing woman and one of Posey's homebound clients. She maintains a warm friendship with Posey, discussing their respective children during hair appointments. Her interactions with Posey give Chick space to reflect on how he treated his mother during his teenage years.

Thelma is the Benetto family's former housekeeper, a lean woman with a broad smile and a quick temper. She gave Chick his lifelong nickname because he hollered like a rooster as a child. She works closely with Posey and faces health struggles with quiet dignity, wanting to look her best for her grandchildren.