Nora is a 39-year-old divorced mother of two who supports her family by writing formulaic, happy-ending movies for The Romance Channel. Grounded and practical, she maintains strict daily schedules to keep her household running smoothly. Her life is disrupted when her unusually serious script about her failed marriage is adapted into a major Hollywood film, bringing a film crew right into her backyard.

Leo is a 40-year-old Hollywood movie star, formerly named the Sexiest Man Alive, who is cast to play Nora's ex-husband in *The Tea House*. Exhausted by his isolated, celebrity-centric life where everyone caters to his career, he decides to rent Nora's backyard tea house for an extra week to experience a normal, domestic existence. He is generous and genuinely curious about everyday errands like grocery shopping.

Ben is Nora's ex-husband, a man who grew up wealthy and entitled but refused to maintain steady employment. He dreamed of a glamorous life in the city and resented Nora's role as the primary breadwinner, ultimately leaving the family because he felt constrained by their suburban existence.

Arthur is Nora's ten-year-old son, a quiet and somewhat anxious boy who is deeply affected by his parents' divorce. He lacks athletic confidence but finds a creative outlet when he is cast as Fagin in the school production of *Oliver Twist*.

Bernadette is Nora's eight-year-old daughter. Unlike her older brother, she is extremely outwardly expressive and thrilled by the novelty of having a famous movie star stay at their house for a week.

Penny is Nora's sister. Growing up, she aspired to live a wealthy lifestyle and successfully integrated herself into high society. She now lives in New York City with her husband and twin boys, maintaining a strong, loyal bond with her sister despite their different lifestyles.

Weezie is Leo Vance's personal assistant. She operates primarily out of New York City, tracking Leo's whereabouts, handling his logistics, and managing communications between the actor and the outside world.

Naomi is a stunning leading actress co-starring with Leo Vance in *The Tea House*. She plays the role based on Nora, though she struggles to understand Nora's lack of dramatic emotional outbursts regarding the divorce.

Kate is a local Laurel Ridge resident and one of Nora's closest friends. She acts as a sounding board for Nora's anxieties and helps shield her from the invasive gossip of other suburban mothers.

Mickey is Kate's husband, a friendly local in Laurel Ridge who quickly hits it off with Leo Vance over barbecue and casual conversation.