Sydney is an independent 22-year-old aspiring music teacher who is uprooted from her stable life after discovering her boyfriend's infidelity. Refusing to rely on her disapproving father, she accepts her neighbor Ridge's offer to move into his apartment. She has a deep passion for music and a talent for writing lyrics. This provides a creative outlet as she adjusts to her complicated new living situation.

Ridge is a deaf songwriter for the band Sounds of Cedar who currently struggles with intense writer's block. He communicates primarily through text message, writing, and American Sign Language. Loyal and protective of those he loves, Ridge invites Sydney to move in after witnessing her boyfriend's betrayal. He soon discovers that her lyrics are the cure for his creative block.

Warren is Ridge's childhood best friend, roommate, and the manager of Sounds of Cedar. Having grown up with deaf parents, he is fluent in American Sign Language and frequently acts as a translator during moments of high emotion. Underneath his prankster exterior, he is fiercely protective of Ridge. He serves as a blunt, realistic voice of reason within the apartment.

Maggie is Ridge's girlfriend of five years who lives a few hours away in San Antonio. She has mild hearing loss and lives with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, a life-threatening illness. Despite her health challenges, she is unapologetically adventurous. She is deeply dedicated to her independence and frequently resists Ridge's attempts to overprotect her.

Hunter is an accountant and Sydney's college boyfriend of two years. He pressures Sydney for a traditional, stable life together while secretly carrying on a sexual relationship with her roommate, Tori. His betrayal shatters Sydney's life and acts as the catalyst for the events that follow.

Bridgette is the moody, abrasive roommate of Ridge and Warren. She provides a chaotic and comedic presence in the apartment, often speaking loudly to Ridge out of a misunderstanding of how deafness works. She harbors hidden desires beneath her prickly exterior.

Brennan is Ridge's younger brother and the lead singer of their band, Sounds of Cedar. Having grown up in a traumatic household where Ridge shielded him from their parents' substance abuse, Brennan remains deeply devoted to his brother's happiness and musical success.

Tori is Sydney's friend and former roommate who betrays her by carrying on a secret affair with Hunter. Her actions force Sydney out of their shared apartment and challenge Sydney's strict views on morality and loyalty.