Juliet is a 19-year-old Puerto Rican lesbian from the Bronx who travels to Portland, Oregon, for a summer internship. Having recently come out to her family, she actively seeks a deeper understanding of her identity, feminism, and queer culture. She has asthma, which flares up during moments of intense anxiety or emotional distress. She is observant, open-hearted, and eager to find a community that accepts her completely.

Harlowe is the successful white author of the feminist book *Raging Flower*. She lives in Portland, Oregon, and runs a summer internship program that Juliet joins. Living a polyamorous, holistic lifestyle, Harlowe views herself as an anti-racist ally and progressive mentor. She often acts as a maternal figure to the young people in her orbit but struggles to recognize her own cultural blind spots and privileges.

Juliet's mother is a protective, traditional woman living in the Bronx. She serves as the foundational anchor of Juliet's life, though she struggles immensely to understand and accept her daughter's sexual orientation. She holds strong opinions about how women should present themselves and initially views Juliet's lesbian identity as a passing phase that needs correcting.

Lainie is Juliet's girlfriend from the Bronx. She spends her summer away at an internship in Washington DC. She has not come out to her own parents and insists on keeping her relationship with Juliet hidden when family is around. Over the course of the summer, she becomes increasingly distant and unresponsive to Juliet's attempts to connect.

Maxine is a Black woman holding a master's degree in divinity. She is in a polyamorous relationship with Harlowe but maintains clear boundaries regarding her independence and identity. She provides Juliet with unfiltered advice and perspectives on race that heavily contrast with the white-centric feminism prevalent in Portland.

Kira is a junior librarian in Portland. She is attentive, kind, and openly interested in Juliet. By pursuing Juliet directly and offering to show her around the city, Kira provides a sharp contrast to the distant, one-sided dynamic Juliet experiences with her current girlfriend.

Ava is Juliet's bisexual cousin who lives in Miami. She is deeply embedded in the queer community and acts as a cultural translator for Juliet. Ava provides Juliet with feminist reading materials, introduces her to queer terminology, and brings her to events that celebrate queer people of color.

Phen is a young nudist who lives at Harlowe's house after being left there by their mother. Phen frequently questions Juliet's identity and understanding of gender pronouns, acting as an abrasive but ultimately educational presence in Juliet's first days adjusting to Portland culture.

Lil' Melvin is Juliet's younger brother. He provides quiet, steadfast support in the chaotic family dynamic. He gives Juliet a confidential care package before she leaves for Portland, demonstrating his attentiveness to her emotional needs.

Titi Wepa is Juliet's aunt. She provides transportation and practical support, offering Juliet tough love and a listening ear when the young woman feels overwhelmed by the immediate demands of her new internship.

Titi Penny is Juliet's aunt who lives in Miami, and the only sister of Juliet's mother. While initially appearing to live a completely conventional life, she shares surprising history from her youth that helps Juliet understand her family's capacity for unconditional love.

Zaira is a writer and workshop facilitator who creates safe spaces for women of color. She is one of Maxine's romantic partners and is unafraid to challenge white feminists on their intentions and practices.

Lupe is a Latina lesbian living in Portland and a friend of Harlowe's. She works as an acupuncturist, offering healing treatments. She is welcoming to Juliet and provides a rare point of shared cultural connection in the overwhelmingly white city.

Ginger Raine is Lupe's pregnant partner. She forms part of the queer community orbiting Harlowe in Portland and represents a healthy, domestic queer relationship.