Garrett, the narrative’s second protagonist, is a dynamic and round character whose quiet strength and unwavering patience are central to both his own and Jennie’s development. As a professional hockey player and one of Carter’s best friends, Garrett is initially characterized by his awkward shyness, particularly around Jennie. This timidness, however, is a performance born from fear—of Carter’s wrath and of his own powerful feelings for Jennie. His inability to “form sentences whenever she’s around” is a manifestation of this anxiety (490). Beneath this nervous exterior is a kind, thoughtful, and genuine man. His considerate actions, such as bringing Jennie coffee on a difficult day, helping her decorate a Christmas tree, and respecting her physical boundaries without question, establish him as a safe and trustworthy figure. This gentle nature is what allows him to slowly dismantle the walls Jennie has built around herself.

Garrett’s primary motivation is to protect and support the people he loves, a trait that directly fuels his character arc. His relationship with his father, who is recovering from an alcohol addiction, provides insight into his psychology; growing up, Garrett learned to be quiet to avoid conflict, a habit that contributed to his initial inability to speak his mind. His journey with Jennie forces him to break this pattern. His love for her empowers him to become more assertive, both in their relationship and in standing up to Carter and confronting antagonists like Simon and Kevin. This evolution is key to his emotional growth, as Garrett learns that true support sometimes requires communication rather than silence. His nickname for Jennie, “sunshine,” evolves alongside him, shifting from a sarcastic jab at her grumpiness to a term of genuine endearment that reflects his ability to see the warmth she hides from the world.

Garrett’s most defining trait is his respect for Jennie’s autonomy, which becomes the foundation of their relationship. He never pushes her boundaries, and his support for her dreams is unconditional. This is most evident when he secretly purchases a local dance studio for her, an act that demonstrates his desire for her to succeed on her own terms, whether she stays in Vancouver or moves to Toronto. His love is not possessive; it is empowering. By providing Jennie with a “safe place to land” (428), he facilitates her healing and helps her achieve the Reconciling Independence and Romantic Love that she seeks. In doing so, Garrett also finds his own voice, growing to become a confident partner who is not afraid to fight for the people and the future he wants.

Carter, Jennie’s older brother and Garrett’s team captain, functions as both a primary antagonist to the central romance. His personality is defined by a boisterous, “ostentatious-as-fuck” confidence that masks deep-seated anxieties and guilt (46). Following the death of his father, Carter assumed the role of protector for Jennie and their mother, a responsibility that has evolved into an overbearing need to control Jennie’s life. His actions are driven by a fear of failing to keep her safe, a manifestation of his unresolved guilt. This intense overprotectiveness becomes the main obstacle Garrett and Jennie must overcome, forcing them into a secret relationship and creating significant external conflict. His attempts to “babysit” Jennie highlight his inability to initially see her as an autonomous adult.

Despite his role as an obstacle to the protagonists’ love, Carter is also characterized by his immense love for his family and his childlike enthusiasm for life. He is fiercely loyal and, beneath his childish antics like singing Disney karaoke and fighting over cookies, deeply sensitive. His terror at the prospect of having a daughter and his emotional reaction to his wife’s pregnancy reveal a vulnerability that contrasts with his public persona as a confident athlete. Carter is a dynamic side character whose journey is one of learning to let go. He must confront the fact that his method of protection has become a form of control that stifles Jennie’s growth. His eventual acceptance of Jennie and Garrett’s relationship is a significant shift, as he is forced to trust both his sister and his best friend. This evolution allows him to step back from his role as her guardian and relate to her as an equal, finally respecting her independence.

Adam is a key minor character who serves as the moral compass and a grounding force within the friend group. As one of Garrett and Carter’s best friends and teammates, he is consistently portrayed as kind, level-headed, and deeply loyal. Hurt by a past betrayal, he is cautious about romance, providing a thoughtful contrast to the more impulsive actions of his friends. He is the first to express concern over Garrett’s involvement with Jennie out of a genuine desire to prevent his friends from getting hurt. His role as the “Dad” of the group is further solidified by his volunteer work with children in a foster home, a background he shares. Adam represents stability and integrity, and his eventual, albeit reluctant, acceptance of Garrett and Jennie’s relationship acts as an important stamp of approval.

Simon, Jennie’s longtime dance partner, is a direct antagonist in the narrative. He is a flat and static character, characterized by his arrogance, entitlement, and persistent refusal to respect Jennie’s boundaries, and this characteristic makes him a foil to Garrett and his respectful behavior. He misinterprets their professional intimacy as romantic interest and repeatedly ignores her rejections, believing he can wear her down. His actions, from the unwanted on-stage kiss to his condescending remarks, serve as a physical manifestation of the lack of consent that mirrors Jennie’s past trauma with Kevin. Simon’s behavior acts as a catalyst, forcing Jennie to vocalize her boundaries with a newfound firmness and clarity. His inability to change or understand his wrongdoing reinforces the novel’s exploration of consent and highlights Jennie’s growth as she decisively removes him from her life.

Cara and Olivia are key minor characters who collectively form Jennie’s primary female support system, illustrating the power of chosen family. Cara, Emmett’s wife, is fiery, outspoken, and fiercely protective. Her humor provides much of the story’s comedic relief, but her loyalty is unwavering. She encourages Jennie to explore her feelings for Garrett and becomes a keeper of their secret, prioritizing Jennie’s happiness above all else.

Olivia, Carter’s wife, is more perceptive and gentle, offering a calming counterpoint to Carter’s boisterous energy. As Jennie’s sister-in-law, she is uniquely positioned to understand the Beckett family dynamics and helps Jennie navigate Carter’s overprotectiveness. She provides empathetic advice and emotional validation, particularly after the confrontation with Carter. Together, Cara and Olivia offer Jennie the healthy, supportive female friendships she has long craved, playing an important role in her journey toward emotional openness and trust.