Sally is a quiet and studious girl growing up in a Connecticut suburb. As the younger sister, she frequently acts as a confidante, listening to Kathy's stories about high school and romance. She often feels overshadowed by her sister's natural charisma, leading her to retreat into academic pursuits and structured routines.

Kathy is Sally's charismatic and popular older sister. She possesses a natural confidence that draws attention, whether she is singing the National Anthem at a basketball game or socializing at the town pool. Her long-standing crush on a local boy acts as a catalyst for bringing new people into the Holt family's orbit.

Billy is the son of a local florist and a popular athlete known for performing dangerous stunts. He works at the town pool snack bar and charms the local girls with his reckless behavior. His daring nature eventually leads to serious consequences, fundamentally altering his identity and his connection to the Holt family.

Susan is Sally and Kathy's mother, a former teacher whose high school boyfriend died in the Vietnam War. She desires a pristine, aesthetically pleasing domestic life, evidenced by her impulsive purchase of a flawless white couch. Her emotional state is fragile, leading her to seek comfort in unconventional places during times of distress.

Richard is a safety consultant for telephone tower workers and the father of Sally and Kathy. He views the world through a lens of potential hazards, constantly attempting to impose order and prevent disaster. He prefers strict discipline and reacts to emotional turmoil by retreating into anger and isolation.

Peter is a high-achieving, vegetarian classmate who offers Sally her first experience with a conventional relationship. He is ambitious, serving as student body president, and values typical teenage milestones. His traditional approach to life contrasts sharply with the emotional chaos surrounding Sally.

Valerie is a classmate who becomes Sally's closest confidante during middle and high school. She provides a window into typical adolescent experiences, from piercing ears to discussing awkward romantic encounters, offering Sally a grounded friendship.

Priscilla is Kathy's vibrant best friend, deeply embedded in the high school social scene. She stays connected to the neighborhood gossip and frequently orchestrates social outings, acting as a bridge to the popular crowd.

Rick is a classmate who embodies the casual cruelty of middle school boys. He aggressively targets isolated students, participating in playground rumors that significantly impact his peers' social standing.

Jan is a prosperous lawyer who also works as a local psychic. She claims to communicate with the spiritual world and provides unconventional comfort to those seeking answers outside of traditional channels.

Bill is Billy's father and a local business owner. He previously survived a severe fall from a ladder that broke his neck, establishing a family history of dangerous physical incidents that his son later mimics.

Mrs. Barnes is Billy's mother and the wife of a local florist. She is a supportive presence in her son's life, helping him plan his future and manage his complex social reputation.

Ray is a successful, pragmatic lawyer living in New York City. He values honesty and direct communication, seeking a stable and committed partnership while remaining oblivious to the deeper historical ties of his partner's youth.