Elle is a 27-year-old screenwriter who writes highly successful scripts under an anonymous identity to avoid association with her wealthy father. Raised by her mother to be fiercely independent, she struggles with writer's block and returns reluctantly to New York City to housesit her sister's apartment. She holds a deep mistrust of wealth, believing it is used primarily as a tool for control, which heavily colors her interactions with the men around her.

Parker is the young, highly successful tech billionaire and CEO of Atomic who is in the process of negotiating a massive acquisition deal with Virion. He lives next door to the apartment Elle is housesitting and suggests a mutually beneficial fake-dating arrangement to distract the press from his business dealings. Despite his vast wealth, he grew up in a financially unstable home with an absent father and a mother who taught him how to cook.

Penelope is Elle's best friend and current roommate in Los Angeles, having previously roomed with her in college. She frequently pushes Elle to break out of her isolated routines and take risks in her personal life. She serves as a grounding force for Elle, regularly challenging her rigid assumptions about love, men, and money.

Cali is Elle's younger, pregnant sister who lives a life of leisure and luxury, traveling frequently with her husband, Pierre. Unlike Elle, Cali maintains a relationship with their wealthy father and openly embraces the financial support he provides. She believes Elle works as a movie critic, completely unaware of her sister's highly successful screenwriting career.

David is Elle and Cali's father, as well as the CEO of a massive pharmaceutical company. After moving to the United States from Colombia, he used his financial and linguistic advantages to control his wife, eventually trying to exert the same financial dominance over his daughters.

Emily is a woman in Parker's social circle who quickly befriends Elle during the summer. She demonstrates strong loyalty to her friends and refuses to tolerate bad behavior from the men in her life, taking a firm stance when conflicts arise.

Charles is a member of Parker's friend group who participates in their regular basketball games. His actions within the social circle cause tension and trust issues for Parker, affecting the group dynamics.

Taryn is one of the women in Parker's extended social circle who welcomes Elle into their group. She regularly invites Elle to dinners and social outings, helping to draw the screenwriter out of her isolated routine in the city.

Gwen is a member of the social circle attached to Parker's friends. Along with Emily and Taryn, she forms a fast friendship with Elle, inviting her out to Chinatown and karaoke bars.

Luke is the contractor hired to oversee the extensive renovations of Cali's lavish New York City apartment. He coordinates with Elle on paint colors and design choices throughout the summer while she housesits.

Pierre is Cali's husband who shares her wealthy, leisurely lifestyle. Elle holds a level of indifference toward him, associating him with Cali's decision to abandon her educational aspirations in favor of luxury.

Edith is a wealthy heiress who helped Parker secure funding for an early prototype he built in college. She insists he bring a date to her events, prompting his initial invitation to Elle.

Carissa is an unpleasant socialite who expresses clear romantic interest in Parker. She behaves condescendingly toward Elle due to her lack of fame and social media presence.

Walter is a wealthy party guest who learns Elle is a writer. He condescendingly pities her profession, assuming she relies on Parker for financial stability.

Sarah is Elle's literary agent who facilitates her highly lucrative, anonymous screenwriting deals. She manages the professional aspects of Elle's secretive career, shielding her from executives and the press.