Jolene is a Black Hawk pilot for the Army National Guard and a dedicated mother to two daughters. Having lost her parents at a young age, she values her family deeply and tries to maintain a positive outlook on life. She faces tension balancing her military obligations with the demands of her household, particularly as her husband becomes increasingly distant.

Michael is a 45-year-old defense attorney working in Seattle. Grieving the recent loss of his father and legal partner, he throws himself into his work and frequently neglects his wife and children. He strongly disapproves of Jolene's military career and avoids communicating his true feelings, creating severe friction at home.

Tami is Jolene's next-door neighbor, best friend, and a fellow Black Hawk pilot in the National Guard. She is of Native American heritage and has a grounded personality. She shares Jolene's military background, having served with her for over a decade, and understands the unique pressures of balancing active duty with raising a family.

Betsy is Michael and Jolene's 12-year-old daughter. She is entering adolescence and feels intensely self-conscious, often reacting to her parents with anger. She is particularly mortified by her mother's military uniform and career, wanting nothing more than to fit in with her peers at middle school.

Lulu is the four-year-old daughter of Michael and Jolene. She is sweet and highly dependent on her parents' presence. As she prepares to enter kindergarten, she is sensitive to the emotional atmosphere in the house and often seeks comfort when her parents argue.

Keith is a 24-year-old military veteran who served two tours in Iraq. He is in jail facing first-degree murder charges related to the death of his wife. He is deeply traumatized by his combat experiences, suffering from severe psychological distress that impairs his ability to participate in his own legal defense.

Mila is Michael's mother and a survivor of World War II in Greece. She runs a gardening shop and remains heavily involved in her son's family life. She recognizes Michael's flaws and frequently steps in to help Jolene manage the girls, offering practical support and blunt wisdom about marriage.

Carl is Tami's husband and Jolene's neighbor. He is a steady, supportive presence in his household, managing things at home while his wife fulfills her obligations to the National Guard.

Seth is the teenage son of Tami and Carl Flynn. He used to be close friends with Betsy Zarkades, but as they enter middle school, his reserved nature causes her to distance herself from him.

Dr. Cornflower is a psychiatrist who specializes in combat trauma. He provides expert insight into the psychological toll of warfare, helping Michael build a defense for his client while also educating Michael on what soldiers experience overseas.

Edward is Keith's father. He is desperate to save his son from a life in prison and pushes Michael to look deeper into Keith's psychological changes following his second tour in Iraq.

Bill is a colleague of Michael's at the Seattle law firm. He is eager to pass off a high-profile, difficult case so he can take his planned vacation to Mexico.

Brad is the prosecuting attorney assigned to Keith Keller's murder trial. He points to strong evidence and witness testimony to secure a conviction, serving as Michael's primary legal opponent.

Captain Lomand is an officer associated with Jolene and Tami's National Guard unit. He organizes social gatherings for the troops and serves as a point of contact between the military and the soldiers' families.

Smitty is a military crewmate serving alongside Jolene and Tami in the National Guard. He is a dependable member of their flight unit as they prepare for and execute their duties in a war zone.

Jamie is a gunner in Jolene's Black Hawk crew. He relies on his fellow soldiers for safety and camaraderie during highly stressful operations.