Violet is a high school senior who recently relocated from California to the affluent town of Sunshine Hills, Minnesota. She lives with her uncle while her mother pursues a job in Europe. She holds a strict rule against dating athletes due to her family history, though she initially believes her boyfriend Jeremy is an exception. After a bitter breakup, she enters a mutually beneficial fake-dating arrangement with a notorious rival hockey captain.

Reed is the notorious captain of the Ransom Devils hockey team, hailing from a working-class neighboring town. Surrounded by rumors of delinquency and violence, he intentionally projects an intimidating public exterior to protect himself. He offers to help Violet after a roadside breakdown, setting aside his rivalry. He later agrees to a fake-dating arrangement with her to serve his own social purposes.

Jeremy is the charismatic captain of the Sunshine Hills Prep Saints hockey team. He projects the image of an ideal, sensitive hometown hero, heavily leveraging his popularity for social immunity. Behind his polished exterior, he is highly entitled and reacts with aggression when challenged or rejected.

Mia is Violet's cousin and a student who frequently attends local parties and follows community hockey gossip. As an enthusiastic fan of the sport, she frequently supplies Violet with local information and entrenched biases regarding the rival town of Ransom. She is highly outgoing, flirtatious, and acts as a sounding board for Violet's frustrations.

Grayson is Reed's twin brother and a formidable player for the Ransom Devils. He acts as the stoic and protective enforcer of the sibling group, offering a grounding presence against his brothers' more impulsive tendencies. He is highly protective of Reed and remains skeptical of any distractions during the hockey season.

Parker is the younger brother of Reed and Grayson. He is highly impulsive and charming, openly delighting in the chaotic reputation the Darling brothers hold in their community. He serves as a source of humor and frequently teases his older brothers, happily tagging along to enemy territory for the sake of adventure.

Luke is Violet's uncle and Mia's father. He serves as Violet's guardian while her mother works in Europe. As a teacher at Sunshine Hills Prep, he is highly aware of the local gossip and initially views the Darling brothers with deep suspicion.

Danny is the father of the Darling siblings and the owner of a professional auto garage in Ransom. Despite rumors in Sunshine Hills alleging he has criminal connections, he is a hardworking and humorous family man. He previously played hockey for a college team and supports his children's athletic pursuits.

Amy is the mother of the Darling siblings and Danny's high school sweetheart. She manages a loud, boisterous, and loving household. She shows immediate warmth and enthusiasm when she meets Violet for the first time.

Cammie is the only sister among the Darling siblings. She is a figure skater who actively participates in the chaotic banter of the Darling household. She readily teases her brothers about their dating lives and demands her fair share of space.

Matt is Reed's best friend and a teammate on the Ransom Devils hockey team. He frequently shares embarrassing childhood stories about Reed. He provides a supportive presence within the team dynamic and crashes his friend's pizza dates.

Paige is a close friend of the Darling family who frequently attends their Sunday dinners and events. She acts as a confident and observant presence. She easily sees through Reed's tough exterior to recognize his softer side.

Heather is a student at Sunshine Hills Prep who harbors obvious feelings for Jeremy Hoffman. She treats Violet with cruelty and disrespect. She ultimately participates in the betrayal that shatters Violet's relationship.

Nicole is a student at Sunshine Hills and a close friend to Violet and Mia. She provides emotional support to Violet after her breakup. She also shares the widespread community concerns regarding Reed Darling's dangerous reputation.