Peter is a 32-year-old human rights lawyer working in Dublin. He is successful and naturally argumentative, frequently using his skills to represent marginalized clients in court. Despite his outward confidence, he struggles with self-loathing, grief over his father's recent death, and an inability to be vulnerable. He suppresses his feelings with alcohol and pursues complicated romantic relationships to avoid addressing his emotional isolation.

Ivan is a 22-year-old chess prodigy and freelance data analyst who feels he has wasted his youth on competitive games. Socially awkward and grieving the recent loss of his father, he struggles to assert his independence and adulthood. He wears braces and is conscious of how others perceive his maturity, often feeling patronized by his older brother.

Margaret is a 36-year-old program director at the Clogherkeen Arts Center in County Leitrim. Separated from her husband, she feels trapped by the monotony of her small-town existence and the constant scrutiny of her community. She views her life as stalled until an unexpected encounter at a chess event sparks a new desire for connection.

Naomi is a college student living in Dublin who relies on sex work to manage severe financial instability. Directly affected by the city's housing shortage, she faces constant threats of eviction. She is pragmatic about her survival and perceptive of the power imbalances in her relationships.

Sylvia is a literature instructor who previously dated Peter during their university years. Following a severe car accident, she experiences chronic physical pain that prevents her from enjoying sexual intimacy. She acts as a moral compass for Peter, though she maintains strict boundaries regarding their current relationship.

Alexei is the Koubek family dog. Following the death of Mr. Koubek, Alexei's living conditions become a point of contention among the surviving family members. The pet serves as a living connection to the past and a source of uncomplicated affection for Ivan.

Christine is Peter and Ivan's mother, who now lives with her new husband's family. She possesses a dominant personality that frequently puts her at odds with Peter. She favors her stepchildren over her biological sons, further straining the family dynamic in the wake of her ex-husband's death.

Ricky is Margaret's estranged husband who lives in the small town of Clogherkeen. He struggles with severe alcoholism, which made him possessive and erratic during their marriage. Even after their separation, his unpredictable behavior remains a source of fear for Margaret.

Bridget is Margaret's mother. She is openly critical of Margaret's life choices and frequently compares her unfavorably to her siblings. She holds traditional views on marriage and continuously pressures her daughter to reconcile with her estranged husband.

Darren is the stepbrother of Peter and Ivan, living with their mother, Christine. He is largely unambitious and fails to contribute meaningfully to the household or society. His neglectful treatment of the family dog creates friction when Ivan visits.

Colm is a younger peer of Ivan in the competitive chess circuit. Despite starting the game later than Ivan, he has achieved the higher rank of International Master. He acts as a catalyst for Ivan's return to serious gameplay by reminding him of upcoming tournaments.

Ollie is the captain of the local chess club in Clogherkeen. He is highly involved in the town's social network and represents the interconnected, gossip-driven nature of the community that Margaret fears.

Gary is a coworker of Peter at the law firm. He provides a listening ear outside of Peter's complicated romantic and family circles, allowing Peter to vocalize his frustrations about his brother.

Anna is a friend of Margaret who lives a traditional family life in Clogherkeen. Her domestic stability highlights the unconventional nature of Margaret's current situation, creating a quiet distance between the two friends.

Janine is a friend of Naomi who runs in the same social circles. She acts as an intermediary when Naomi faces legal and housing crises, reaching out to Peter for assistance.