Grace is a journalist at The New Yorkist and the youngest daughter in the Maier family. She bears her father's last name and features, distinguishing her from her older sisters. She possesses a sharp, sometimes prickly demeanor and recently published The Lost Mother, a fictionalized account of her grandmother's disappearance. She often analyzes her life through a cynical lens but maintains a fierce dedication to uncovering facts.

Lila is the formidable former executive editor of The Globe. Raised in Detroit by an abusive father, she cultivates a tough exterior, famously carrying a switchblade in her youth. She pursues a highly successful journalism career while deliberately leaving most child-rearing responsibilities to her husband. She rarely discusses her emotional life or her traumatic childhood.

Zelda is a beautiful woman who married young after being orphaned at age sixteen. Confined to her home by an abusive husband, she endured constant pregnancies and extreme misery. She was committed to the Eloise Asylum when Lila was two years old, leaving behind lingering questions about her fate that haunt her descendants.

Joe is a wealthy lawyer from Bloomfield Hills who serves as the primary caregiver for his three daughters. He maintains an easygoing, forgiving nature that contrasts sharply with his wife's intense drive. He offers steady support to his family and serves as a stabilizing force, though his wife's demanding career periodically strains their marriage.

Ruth is Grace's brilliant, highly organized best friend from the University of Chicago. Raised by her single mother and grandmother in Florida, she is empathetic and focused on achieving both personal and professional success. She plans meticulously for her future, including launching a podcast about family histories.

Aldo is a General Motors laborer from Detroit who rules his household with violence. He views women through a deeply sexist lens, demanding total obedience and domestic servitude. He refuses to take responsibility for his actions, instead blaming his family members for his unhappiness.

Frances is Joe's energetic, generous mother. She lives on a sprawling estate called Tara and delights in orchestrating large family events. Despite her immense wealth, she acts without pretense and refuses to use her money to control others.

Bubbe is Aldo's embittered mother. She resents losing her independence late in life to care for her grandchildren, wearing all black to signify mourning for her lost freedom. She demands a weekly salary from Aldo to perform domestic duties.

Stella is Grace's oldest sister. She and Ava are known collectively as the Starbirds. She inherited her mother's last name and physical features, maintaining a protective stance over her parents' dynamic.

Ava is the middle Maier sister. Like Stella, she resembles her mother and takes a more defensive, understanding stance regarding Lila's parenting choices.

Clara is Lila's sister. Having grown up in Aldo's violent household, she internalized the trauma differently than Lila, preferring to hide from their father rather than provoke him.

Polo is Lila and Clara's brother. He acts as a protector figure in their youth, carrying significant guilt from their childhood, and later becomes a firefighter in Detroit.

Doug is the publisher at The Globe who recognizes Lila's talent and promotes her to executive director. He later launches a podcast company and serves as a mentor figure for younger journalists.

Josh is a journalist at The Globe who clashes with Lila after she publicly calls out his inappropriate workplace behavior. He frequently fabricates expenses and plagiarizes his work.

Mrs. Goldsmith is an English teacher in Florida who recognizes Ruth's brilliance and encourages her to pursue higher education.

Nico is Mrs. Goldsmith's son. He strikes up a quick connection with Ruth and supports her career ambitions patiently.

Xander is Nico's twin brother. He takes an immediate interest in Grace, persistently trying to break through her emotional defenses.

Frank is a veteran editor at The Cincinnati Courier. He provides rigorous tutelage to Lila and helps launch her journalism career before suffering a heart attack.

Jim is the executive director at The Globe. He hires new talent based on their grit and boldness, famously praising applicants who display aggressive confidence.

Robert is a resident of Florida who becomes the subject of a genealogical inquiry. He is known by his family as a former young sinner who now lives a quiet life.

Jeff is a born-again Christian living in Florida. He possesses a criminal record and acts as a defensive spokesperson for his brother's household.

Jacqui is a combative woman living in the South. She harbors strong prejudices and reacts aggressively to unwanted family inquiries.

Herbert is a forward-thinking accountant who marries quickly after a brief courtship. He supports his wife's ambitions, eventually teaching her to drive and encouraging her to attend college.

Dennis is Herbert's son. He grows up to earn a law degree, though he often feels intellectually overshadowed by his younger sister. He develops an interest in genetic testing.

Heidi is a highly intelligent, slightly cynical lawyer. She excels academically and reads Grace's novel, attributing her sharper mind to her brother's premature birth.