Elsie is a 26-year-old librarian working at the Los Angeles Public Library. As the only child of doctors who expected her to practice medicine, she intentionally chose a quieter, independent life surrounded by books. She lives alone in a carefully decorated apartment and avoids casual dating, preferring to wait for a genuine romantic connection. Meeting Ben upends her solitary routine and introduces her to an immediate, intense romance.

Ben is a 26-year-old man who lost his father to cancer three years prior. He shares a close bond with his widowed mother, Susan, and feels highly responsible for her emotional well-being. He falls quickly and intensely for Elsie after their first encounter. Direct and authentic, he avoids typical dating games and openly discusses his desire to build a family.

Susan is Ben's mother, living in a large, carefully decorated home in Newport Beach. Since losing her husband to cancer three years ago, she has funneled her energy into remodeling her house and maintaining a close bond with her only son. Her grief initially manifests as anger and suspicion toward Elsie, but her profound familiarity with loss provides a shared emotional foundation.

Ana is Elsie's best friend since they met in a college dining hall at age 17. Unlike Elsie, Ana actively dates and possesses an energetic, highly social personality. She provides immediate practical support to Elsie, helping her with meals, chores, and difficult logistical tasks. She dates several men before forming a serious connection with someone from her yoga class.

George is an elderly patron who frequents the Los Angeles Public Library. He regularly seeks reading recommendations for his great-granddaughter and strikes up conversations with the staff. He shares a quiet, predictable routine with his wife, Lorraine, and offers Elsie a different perspective on companionship.

Lyle manages the Los Angeles Public Library where Elsie works. He oversees the staff schedules, approves leaves of absence, and accommodates Elsie's book donation ideas.

Richard directs the operations at the funeral home handling Ben's arrangements. He requires official marriage documentation from Elsie to proceed with her specific service requests.

Kevin takes yoga classes with Ana, where the two form a connection. He possesses a gentle demeanor that differs from the men Ana typically dates, seeking a serious commitment.

Lorraine is George Callahan's wife. She shares a long, stable life with him at their home, engaging in a comfortable daily schedule.

Amber is Ben's former girlfriend. She repeatedly dials his number while intoxicated, causing friction in his new relationship with Elsie.

Rebecca is a friend of Susan Ross. Susan invites Elsie along to a dinner with Rebecca specifically to show off her new familial dynamic.

Brett is a young patron at the Los Angeles Public Library. He flirts with Elsie and ignores her boundaries regarding her marital status, provoking a physical confrontation.

Jim is a man who attends the same gym as Ana. He spends time with her during a holiday gathering.

Marshall is a man Ana briefly dates. He accompanies Ana, Elsie, and Ben for an evening out at the cinema.