Poppy is an adventurous, loud, and distinctly eccentric travel writer who built a lucrative career as a social media influencer. Standing short and favoring bright vintage clothing, she carefully curates her bohemian image to distance herself from a lonely adolescence in Linfield, Ohio. Though she enjoys an expenses-paid lifestyle testing luxury vacations, she struggles with a sense of emptiness that has persisted since a severe falling out with her best friend.

Alex is a tall, serious high-school English teacher residing in his hometown of Linfield, Ohio. Following his mother's early death, he took on significant caretaking responsibilities for his father and younger brothers, developing a cautious and highly responsible demeanor. He prefers quiet nights reading over wild parties, but maintains a decade-long tradition of taking summer trips with Poppy.

Rachel is an art school-educated style blogger living on the Upper West Side of New York. As a highly successful influencer, she enjoys the aesthetic perks of her job but prefers the comforts of home to international travel. She provides Poppy with practical advice and a grounded perspective on life in the city.

Sarah is a serious, willowy brunette who works as a teacher and shares Alex's neat, literary sensibilities. She has a traditional vision for her future, desiring marriage and children in an orderly life. Her reserved nature and need for predictability frequently put her at odds with Alex's chaotic friendship with Poppy.

Julian is an aspiring artist and college dropout. Thin and fond of traveling, he actively avoids conversations about marriage and children. He represents Poppy's early pattern of dating unpredictable men who demand little emotional commitment.

Guillermo is a sweet, attractive chef who quickly charms Poppy in the city. They share a comfortable dynamic in New York, but their relationship falters when he judges her family during a trip to her Midwestern hometown.

Trey is a photographer working at *Rest + Relaxation* magazine. With his tattooed, urban aesthetic, he initially seems like a perfect match for Poppy's peripatetic lifestyle, joining her and Alex on a group vacation to Europe.

Bernard is a talkative, lonely widower and photographer. He joins Alex and Poppy on assignment in Croatia, where his constant presence prevents the pair from finding private time during a highly tense period of their friendship.

Mr. Wright is Poppy's eccentric father, heading a loud and boisterous household in Ohio. He collects used cars in his front yard and fully supports the individualism of his children, appearing intimidating to outsiders but remaining highly tolerant of his family's quirks.

Mrs. Wright is Poppy's warm, effusive mother. She is highly sentimental, keeping a refrigerator overflowing with her adult children's artwork. She makes her preferences known by openly supporting Alex as a prospective partner for her daughter.

Mr. Nilsen is Alex's father. Following the tragic, early death of his wife, he struggled emotionally and relied heavily on his eldest son to manage family crises and help raise his three younger boys.

David is Alex's youngest brother. He works as an actor in Los Angeles and possesses an energetic, charismatic personality. His upcoming wedding in Palm Springs serves as the catalyst for Alex and Poppy to take their first trip together in two years.

Betty is Alex's maternal grandmother. Unlike the more conservative members of her family, she is highly inquisitive and open-minded. Her passing leaves Alex with her split-level house, deepening his roots in Ohio.

Swapna is the intense editor at *Rest + Relaxation* magazine. With a high-fashion aesthetic and unyielding work ethic, she demands excellence from her staff and maintains strict standards for the publication's luxury travel features.

Jason is a former classmate of Poppy's from Linfield. During middle school, he spread a cruel rumor that resulted in severe bullying, leaving a lasting impact on Poppy's confidence and driving her desire to leave their hometown entirely.

Thad is David Nilsen's fiancé. His and David's destination wedding in Palm Springs brings the extended Nilsen family together and provides the backdrop for Alex and Poppy's reunion.

Dr. Krohn is a therapist and the mother of Rachel. She provides professional counseling to Poppy, helping her confront emotional avoidance and process her complicated feelings about her past.

Flannery O'Connor is Alex's beloved black cat. Named after the famous Southern Gothic author, the small feline highlights Alex's nurturing disposition and his preference for quiet domesticity over wild adventures.