Poppy is the head of public relations for the Jacksonville Rays professional hockey team. She left her image-obsessed political family in Washington, DC, to build her career in Florida on her own terms. She works tirelessly to establish the new team's public reputation while dealing with rowdy players who often ignore her directives. Despite her professional success, she carries deep insecurities stemming from her mother's harsh criticisms and her former fiancé's past infidelity.

Lukas is a twenty-six-year-old defensive lineman for the Jacksonville Rays. He frequently pulls absurd pranks on his teammates. He drinks heavily and seeks out short-term sexual encounters, generating constant headaches for the team's public relations department. He intentionally uses humor and casual relationships to avoid emotional vulnerability, hiding a deep-seated fear of abandonment stemming from a traumatic childhood.

Colton is a reserved, steady defensive lineman for the Rays who previously played with Poppy's former team in Washington, DC. As a Black player in a predominantly white sport, he remains highly mindful of his professional image. He has a history of childhood heart issues and bears surgical scars that he views as symbols of victory. He lives next door to Poppy and harbors a long-standing romantic interest in her.

Violet is Poppy's younger sister who remains heavily entrenched in the Washington, DC social scene. She feels intense pressure to secure a wealthy, powerful husband to prove her value to their parents. She recently became engaged to the man who cheated on Poppy, causing a massive rift in the sisters' relationship.

Anderson is a wealthy, well-connected member of the Washington, DC political elite. He was previously engaged to Poppy but was repeatedly unfaithful, prompting her to leave him shortly before their wedding. He acts cruelly toward Poppy, actively belittling her career and taking pleasure in his new engagement to her younger sister.

Annmarie is Poppy's highly critical and controlling mother. She views her daughters primarily as assets to increase the family's social standing. She regularly threatens to withhold family trust funds to force her children into the marriages and behaviors she deems appropriate.

Hank is a powerful political player in Washington, DC, known socially as a "kingmaker." He prioritizes his career and status above all else. He generally ignores his wife's manipulative behavior toward their children, allowing the toxic family dynamics to continue unchecked in his household.

Rowan is Poppy's older brother. He completely buys into his parents' elitist attitudes and regularly insults Poppy's life choices. He previously locked Poppy in a chest during a childhood game of hide-and-seek, leaving her with lasting claustrophobia that affects her ability to fly on team planes.

Rachel is the team doctor for the Jacksonville Rays. Coming from a famous Los Angeles family due to her rock-star father, she understands the intense pressures of public scrutiny. She maintains a friendly relationship with Poppy while managing the health of the players.

Claribel works as Poppy's assistant in the team's public relations department. She maintains a steadfastly optimistic attitude about the players' behavior and helps Poppy manage the overwhelming task of building the team's new brand.

Jake is a defensive line player for the Rays. He hangs out frequently with Lukas and Colton off the ice. He has an obvious romantic crush on the team doctor, drawing constant teasing from his fellow players.

Caleb is a defensive player for the Rays who regularly joins his teammates for drinks and celebrations. He brings a relaxed, sociable energy to the group.

Ryan is a rookie player on the Jacksonville Rays. He becomes a frequent target of Lukas's locker room pranks—including being tricked into stripping for a fake physical exam—but generally bears the hazing with good spirits.

Mars is a goalie for the Rays who shares a tight bond with Rachel and the other defensive players. His interactions on the team plane draw the attention of the public relations staff.

Tina is Poppy's supportive friend who encourages her to prioritize her own happiness over her family's expectations. She urges Poppy to let loose and seek out casual relationships to break her three-year dry spell following the breakup with Anderson.

Olivia is a raucous friend of Violet who plans wild events. She frequently mocks Poppy's personal boundaries, loudly calling her a prude when she refuses to participate in explicit party games.

Mark is the owner of the Jacksonville Rays. He oversees the management of the new expansion team and controls the budgets for the front office staff. He initially provides Poppy with subpar working conditions until she firmly demands better.

Deirdre is Rowan's wife, fitting perfectly into the St. James family's mold of acceptable high-society behavior. Her traditional marriage and recent pregnancy are used by Annmarie as weapons to criticize Poppy's single status.