Macy is a young pediatrics doctor in San Francisco. Having lost her mother to cancer at age ten, she struggles to express her emotions and often withdraws to protect herself from further heartbreak. She finds a safe, isolated space in literature and quiet moments, though her present-day life feels distinctly compartmentalized and emotionally distant.

Elliot is the youngest boy in the large Petropoulos family, growing up in a weekend house town in Healdsburg. He works for a literacy nonprofit in the city. An avid reader who finishes a book a day, he is emotionally open, patient, and completely devoted to the people he cares about.

Sean is a successful artist and hospital benefactor who is thirteen years older than Macy. He is emotionally reserved following a painful divorce from his ex-wife. He focuses his energy entirely on his young daughter, preferring clear boundaries in his social life and an uncomplicated domestic routine.

Duncan is Macy's tall, Danish father. Following the loss of his wife, he devotes himself entirely to raising his daughter. He is a quiet man who communicates volumes through nonverbal expressions, dubbed "Danish Eyeball" by the neighborhood boys. He purchases the Healdsburg weekend house to give Macy a peaceful retreat from the city.

Laís is Macy's late Brazilian mother, who passes away from cancer when Macy is young. Before her death, she leaves behind a detailed list of instructions for her husband on how to raise their daughter. This includes the directive to surround Macy with books.

Sabrina is Macy's best friend, having first met her as a college roommate. Experiencing her own family tragedy in the past, she understands Macy's background but refuses to let her hide from her true feelings. She acts as an honest sounding board regarding Macy's engagement and lifestyle choices.

Nick is Elliot's father and the patriarch of the large Petropoulos family. He is welcoming to his new neighbors and eager to help fix up their house, bringing a warm, chaotic energy to the neighborhood. He insists that Macy call him by his first name.

Andreas is Elliot's eldest brother, described as a bit of a "meathead." He wrestles with Elliot and frequently teases his younger brother about his developing relationship with Macy.

George is one of Elliot's older brothers. He grows up in the busy Healdsburg house and eventually marries Liz, connecting the family's past to Macy's professional present.

Liz is the receptionist at the pediatrics clinic where Macy works. She is married to Elliot's brother George, inadvertently serving as a link between Macy's past and present lives.

Rachel is Elliot's girlfriend in the present-day timeline. She met Elliot in graduate school, and their relationship developed steadily over time. She is keenly aware of Elliot's complicated past and unresolved feelings.

Phoebe is Sean's six-year-old daughter. She is the central focus of her father's life and the primary catalyst for his marriage proposal. She accepts Macy as a regular fixture in their home.

Ashley is Sean's ex-wife and a former investment banker. She struggled with addiction, leading to the dissolution of their marriage and leaving a lasting impact on Sean's ability to trust.

Emma is a girl from Elliot's high school circle. She represents the wider social world outside the isolated bubble of the weekend house, sparking occasional insecurity in Macy regarding her friendship with Elliot.

Desmond is Elliot's present-day best friend. He is Australian and serves as a supportive part of Elliot's adult social circle in the city.

Danny is Sabrina's husband. He is a supportive partner who initially struggles to remember the details of Macy's past relationship with Elliot.

Nikki is a member of Macy's present-day friend circle. She provides a social contrast to the isolation Macy felt in her youth.