Holly’s meddlesome, demanding, hypochondriac mother, nicknamed the Queen Bee, whose care occupies much of Holly’s time.

Holly’s flamboyant, outspoken sister, who disliked island life, married and moved away, then returns after her relationship falls apart.

Holly’s widowed next-door neighbor and father of two young sons, whose new romantic relationship concerns both Holly and Leslie.

The woman Archie is considering marrying, viewed by Holly and Leslie as an unpleasant, emotionally cold presence in his household.

Leslie’s spouse, whose troubled marriage with her helps precipitate her return to her mother’s Sullivan’s Island home.