Jane is a thirty-three-year-old Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios in Los Angeles. As a teenager, she played the awkward outcast Janey Jakes on the television show *Pop Rocks*, an experience that left her with deep social anxiety and a lasting fear of vulnerability. She constantly tries to project confidence through meticulously chosen outfits and frequently hides in her closet or under her desk when overwhelmed. She desperately wants to prove her professional worth by producing a script called *True Story*.

Dan is a thirty-two-year-old cinematographer and artist living in Los Angeles. He runs a pop-up art camp for children on the beach and remains fiercely dedicated to his personal artistic vision. He moved across the country from his tight-knit Long Island family to protect his individuality and avoid being seen simply as an interchangeable brother. He refuses to compromise his ideals for commercial success, bringing him into direct conflict with Jane's studio ambitions.

Jack is a massively successful pop music icon and former child actor. During his teenage years on the set of *Pop Rocks*, he cruelly ridiculed Jane when she confessed her feelings for him. His current ubiquity on the radio serves as a constant, inescapable reminder of Jane's past humiliations and deep-seated insecurities.

Clem is Jane's college roommate and closest friend from their time at UCLA. She serves as the primary grounding force in Jane's life. She consistently encourages Jane to drop her emotional defenses and pursue what she truly desires, offering honest advice without judgment.

Jane's mother is a widow who lost her husband when Jane was five years old. She consistently moves between different boyfriends and maintains a highly romanticized, idyllic view of love. Her constant optimism and refusal to acknowledge life's harder realities create a barrier of emotional distance between her and her daughter.

Nathan is the head boss at Clearwater Studios. He focuses heavily on the financial viability of film projects. He insists that quiet, character-driven scripts must be adapted to attract larger commercial audiences, forcing his employees into high-pressure situations.

Mandy is an administrative assistant working at Clearwater Studios. She assists Jane with her daily executive tasks and was present on the street when Jane first met Dan by chance.

Cormack is Dan's father and the patriarch of the large Finnegan family in Oak Shore. He shares a strong, forty-year marriage with his wife. He worries about his son's choice to pursue a risky artistic career in California rather than settling down locally on Long Island.

Maureen is Dan's mother. She anchors the bustling Long Island household with immediate warmth and hospitality. She quickly embraces guests, inviting them into family activities like baking pies and freely sharing their home.

Aiden is Dan's identical twin brother. He lives near his parents in Long Island and participates in the loud, playful family dynamic. His physical identicality to Dan heavily influenced his brother's desire to move away and establish a unique identity on the West Coast.

Connor is one of Dan's four brothers. He lives in Oak Shore and contributes to the boisterous, tight-knit environment that defines the Finnegan family gatherings on Long Island.

Brian is another of Dan's brothers. He participates in local family activities like boating and beach bonfires, representing the strong family roots Dan left behind.

Finn is one of Dan's brothers in Long Island. He regularly engages in the family's playful teasing and outdoor summer activities near the beach.

Hailey is a successful former child actor who played the female lead on *Pop Rocks*. Because she lacked musical talent during the show's production, the studio secretly used Jane's voice for her character's songs.

Lyle is a professional manager working in the music industry. He handles Jack Quinlan's schedule and acts as a strict gatekeeper, protecting his famous client from unwanted solicitations.

Gary is the current romantic boyfriend of Jane's mother. He spends time cooking breakfast at her house and participates fully in her domestic life.

Brooke is a woman from Oak Shore who shares an on-again-off-again romantic history with Dan. She previously pressured him to marry her, prompting his deep fears of losing his individuality.

Ruby is Dan's young niece. She is an energetic child who loves to dance but experiences a sudden moment of stage fright before a planned performance at a family anniversary party.

Rodney is a professional assistant working in the Los Angeles film industry. He works alongside Dan Finnegan, accompanying him to important studio pitch meetings and assisting with daily tasks.

Kay is the writer who authored the script for *True Story*. She is a gracious professional who understands the difficulties of getting a movie produced and deeply values authentic storytelling.

Will was the male lead actor on *Pop Rocks* when Jane and Jack were children. Because he lacked natural singing ability, Jack Quinlan provided the secret vocal tracks for his musical performances on the show.