Clove is a mother of two living in California, carefully maintaining an image of domestic perfection. She hides her traumatic childhood and her mounting credit card debt from her husband, shuffling expenses around to maintain her secrets. Originally named Calla, she grew up in a violently abusive household in Hawaii and has spent her adult life reinventing herself, utilizing strict control over her environment to suppress her severe anxiety.

Jane is a pragmatic woman whom Clove meets by chance and later works alongside at the Earthside grocery store. Previously working as an escort to survive, she now seeks a stable life and desperately wants to become a mother. She eventually moves into Clove's basement to work as a nanny for Nova and Lark, stepping in as a fierce protector against outside criticism.

Clove's mother is currently serving a life sentence at the Central California Women's Facility for the murder of her husband. During Clove's childhood, she endured severe physical and emotional abuse, desperately trying to find small symbols of safety—such as hoarding bottled water. After decades of assuming Clove was dead, her unexpected letters disrupt Clove's meticulously organized life by asking for testimony at a clemency hearing.

Clove's deceased father was a deeply violent and manipulative man who subjected his family to constant physical and emotional terror. He frequently relocated the family—eventually moving them to a high-rise in Hawaii—to isolate his wife and maintain absolute control. His cruelty, manipulation, and threats of murder-suicide continue to haunt Clove's adult psyche.

Clove's husband is a stable, reliable professional who remains entirely unaware of the dark truths regarding his wife's past. Clove specifically chose to marry him because of his predictable nature, his lack of prying curiosity, and his healthy family background. While he provides stability, his reluctance to shoulder more childcare responsibilities frequently frustrates Clove.

The Butcher is a grocery store employee who provides Clove with her first healthy romantic relationship after she flees her family. He offers her housing when she turns eighteen, approaching her trauma with patience, respect, and deep pity. Despite his supportive nature, Clove eventually flees from him without explanation to pursue a totally detached, upscale life.

Nova is Clove's seven-year-old daughter. She is just beginning her summer vacation, a transition that significantly adds to Clove's daily stress and hypervigilance regarding household safety.

Lark is Clove's three-year-old son. He is currently going through the difficult process of weaning, an event that heightens his mother's emotional fragility and paranoia about his well-being.

Tootsie is Clove's mother-in-law, a traditional woman who often wears an American flag pin. She is highly critical of Clove's parenting style and household management, and her presence creates severe tension as she actively probes into matters Clove wishes to keep hidden.

Christina is a neighbor in the Hawaiian apartment building where Clove's family moves during her childhood. She becomes a confidant to Clove's mother, frequently criticizing her for staying with an abusive husband, and later provides crucial assistance when a young Clove needs to escape the island.

Celine is Christina's daughter, a young girl who suffers from an immune disorder. She becomes Clove's best friend during the family's turbulent time living in Hawaii, sharing confidences and offering emotional support amid their difficult home lives.

Velvet is a specialist in helping young women disappear from dangerous situations. She provides Clove with a temporary bed, survival skills like dumpster diving, and crucial assistance in securing her first job at a grocery store.

Mike is an employee at Earthside and Jane's ex-boyfriend. He occasionally lets Jane sleep in an abandoned car parked in his yard when she lacks permanent housing.

Stephen is an employee at Earthside who engages in a casual sexual relationship with Jane. He abuses her trust by sharing private, explicit photos of her with other coworkers without her consent, prompting Clove to intervene.

Gary is an older coworker of Clove's mother. He behaves aggressively toward a young Clove during a company gathering, cornering her in a bathroom stall and forcing her to defend herself with a broken bottle.