Alice is a fifty-year-old cognitive psychology professor at Harvard University. She travels frequently to deliver guest lectures and takes immense pride in her intellect and academic accomplishments. Recently, she experiences troubling memory lapses, such as forgetting words during a presentation and losing her bearings during a run in Harvard Square. These incidents prompt her to seek medical advice regarding her cognitive health.

John works as a cancer cell biology professor at Harvard. He shares a profound academic drive with Alice, though their intense schedules cause occasional distance in their marriage. He approaches life through a strict scientific lens and initially dismisses Alice's concerns about her memory as symptoms of stress or menopause.

Anna is the eldest Howland child and works as a corporate lawyer. She is married to Charlie and actively trying to conceive a child through careful planning. She possesses a cautious, highly organized personality that closely mirrors her parents' logical approaches to life.

Lydia is the youngest Howland child and currently resides in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She chose to skip college in favor of taking acting classes, a decision that creates significant friction with her academically focused mother. She is passionate and expressive, standing out from the rest of her highly structured family.

Tom is a medical student in his twenties. He frequently engages in dense scientific discussions with his father, bonding over their shared interest in biology and research. He approaches family challenges with an analytical mindset.

Dan is a graduate student at Harvard who relies on Alice as his academic advisor. He deeply respects her intellect and is frequently impressed by her memory for specific research references. He works diligently to complete his lengthy dissertation.

Eric serves as the department chair of psychology at Harvard. He is Alice's supervisor and colleague, representing the professional academic world she values so highly. He closely monitors the performance of the faculty members in his department.

Dr. Moyer is Alice's primary care physician. She initially suspects Alice's memory issues stem from menopause or stress but refers her for an MRI and further neurological testing after hearing about her disorientation in Harvard Square.

Dr. Davis is a neurologist who specializes in memory disorders. He conducts a series of cognitive tests on Alice, questioning her habits and family history to accurately diagnose her condition.

Charlie works as a corporate lawyer alongside his wife, Anna. He supports her through their demanding careers and their planned efforts to start a family.

Anne was Alice's younger sister. She died in a tragic car accident alongside their mother decades ago, an event that deeply affected Alice's family history and personal fears.

Sarah works as a neuropsychologist in Dr. Davis's office. She guides Alice through various cognitive and memory assessments to track her mental acuity.

Beth is newly married to Dan, Alice's graduate student. An interaction with her at a department holiday party highlights Alice's growing memory difficulties when Alice repeatedly forgets her identity.