Daphne Vincent is a children's librarian in Waning Bay, Michigan. Uprooted from her life to follow her fiancé, she finds herself suddenly unhoused when he leaves her for his childhood best friend. She is cautious, practical, and deeply reliant on routines, using a whiteboard to schedule her days. Passionate about her work and her young patrons, she feels socially awkward and protects herself from vulnerability after enduring an inconsistent childhood.

Miles Nowak is an outgoing employee at the Cherry Hill winery who becomes Daphne's unlikely roommate. Though initially dismissed by Daphne's ex as an unmotivated stoner, he proves to be a kind, socially adept local who maintains close ties with farmers and business owners throughout Waning Bay. He hides deep insecurities about his traumatic family history behind a sunny, easygoing exterior.

Peter is Daphne's health-conscious, controlling ex-fiancé who abruptly cancels their wedding after his bachelor party. He moves his childhood best friend, Petra, into the home he purchased with Daphne. He thrives on predictability and structure, imposing his lifestyle preferences onto his relationships while assuming a condescending attitude toward those he deems unsuccessful.

Ashleigh is a librarian who initially projects "scary-librarian" energy but soon becomes Daphne's closest local confidante. As a single mother to a preteen son, she values directness and demands absolute honesty from her friends. She plays poker weekly with a group of older locals and refuses to settle for superficial relationships, insisting on emotional transparency.

Holly Vincent is Daphne's hyper-independent mother living in Maryland. After divorcing Daphne's father, she raised her daughter alone, forming an incredibly tight bond built on mutual reliance. She works hard to support Daphne from afar and continually offers her financial help or a place to return to when life in Michigan becomes difficult.

Petra is Peter's childhood best friend who quickly becomes his fiancé. She leaves Miles to be with Peter, triggering the housing crisis that forces Daphne and Miles together. She comes from a seemingly perfect family and easily commands attention wherever she goes, causing Daphne significant insecurity.

Julia is Miles's twenty-three-year-old sister who shows up unannounced from Chicago. She brings a whirlwind of energy to the quiet apartment and harbors lingering trauma from her difficult upbringing with abusive parents. Despite her impulsive nature, she deeply loves her brother and encourages his happiness.

Jason is Daphne's father, known for his inconsistency and broken promises during her childhood. He frequently failed to show up for scheduled visits, leaving a lasting impact on Daphne's ability to trust men. He travels with a much younger woman who serves as his life coach.

Starfire is Jason's new wife and personal life coach. She brings a distinctly New Age energy to their interactions and believes firmly in spiritual rebirths and unconventional healing methods, oblivious to the awkward family dynamics around her.

Sadie is Daphne's closest friend from college. Their bond formed over a shared love of Jane Austen, but the relationship strains and cools following Daphne's messy breakup with Peter, leaving Daphne feeling isolated in Michigan.

Harvey is the septuagenarian branch manager at the Waning Public Library. He creates a welcoming environment for his staff and hosts a weekly poker night at his house for a close-knit group of locals.

Barb is a local farmer in Waning Bay who supplies the Cherry Hill winery with fresh produce. She is a regular at Harvey's poker nights and offers blunt, practical advice to her friends, immediately accepting Daphne into their circle.

Lenore is a Waning Bay local who operates a farmstand with Barb. She is highly protective of Miles and participates actively in the town's tight-knit agricultural community.

Duke is Ashleigh's ex-husband. He preferred maintaining the status quo over pursuing personal growth, ultimately leading to their divorce when he refused to attend couples therapy.

Mulder is Ashleigh and Duke's preteen son. Despite his parents' divorce, he remains talkative, pleasant, and central to his mother's daily routine.

Maya is a shy teenage regular at the Waning Public Library. She forms an informal two-person book club with Daphne, reminding the librarian of her own younger self.

Mr. Dorner is the grumpy neighbor who lives in the same building as Miles and Daphne. He strictly enforces noise rules and regularly complains about their late-night activities.

Landon is a librarian at the Waning Public Library. He finds Daphne's extreme privacy so unusual that he theorizes she might be in the FBI or witness protection.

Elda is the local cheesemonger in Waning Bay. She participates actively in community events and eventually forms a romantic connection with the library branch manager.

Gil is a biker passing through Waning Bay on his way to Las Vegas. He falls into a long conversation with Miles, demonstrating Miles's unique ability to befriend anyone effortlessly.

Adara was Ashleigh's stepmother who served as a priest at Harvey's church. Her death from stomach cancer deeply affected the local community and left a lasting void for her family.