Lenny is a 39-year-old employee at the Post-Human Services division of the Staatling-Wapachung corporation. In a society heavily dependent on digital devices known as äppäräti, he stands out by reading physical books and maintaining a handwritten journal. He falls deeply in love with Eunice while traveling in Italy and returns to an increasingly unstable New York City. He balances his corporate obligations with his desire to build a traditional life.

Eunice is a young Korean-American college graduate who focuses intensely on fashion and social media status. She meets Lenny in Italy and returns to the United States to live with him, bringing her extensive collection of online purchases and a complicated family history. Through her digital messages, she reveals a deep concern for her abusive household in New Jersey. As political unrest grows in the city, she uncovers an instinct to assist those less fortunate than herself.

Joshie is the powerful head of Post-Human Services and Lenny's employer. Though chronologically older than Lenny, he utilizes expensive dechronification procedures to maintain the appearance and energy of a young man. He views aging as a curable disease and treats human connection primarily as a tool for physical longevity.

Sally is Eunice's younger sister, currently studying at Barnard College. She demonstrates a growing interest in political activism, which alarms her family given the increasingly authoritarian government. She stays closer to their volatile home environment than Eunice does.

Noah is one of Lenny's closest friends from college who now works as a media personality. He streams his life events continuously to an online audience, shaping his behavior to maximize his viewer ratings. He represents the caustic, hyper-connected culture that Lenny struggles to accept.

Vishnu is another member of Lenny's core group of college friends. He possesses a comprehensive understanding of the city's rating and tracking systems, easily pulling up data on the people around them. He acts as a slightly more grounded presence compared to Noah.

Grace is Vishnu's partner and a stabilizing force within Lenny's friend group. Raised with traditional religious values, she dresses conservatively and views the youth-obsessed culture with quiet detachment. Lenny respects her deeply and seeks her approval.

Howard is a rising employee at Post-Human Services. He adapts seamlessly to the corporate demands of the Staatling-Wapachung conglomerate, using his access to data to secure his own position. He serves as a sharp contrast to Lenny's inefficiency.

Kelly is one of the few remaining older employees at Post-Human Services. She rejects the mandatory pursuit of youth and perfection, maintaining a comforting, maternal presence in the office. She actively defends Lenny against corporate bullies.

Jenny is Eunice's closest companion, communicating with her primarily through the GlobalTeens network. She provides a sounding board for Eunice's relationship doubts and daily frustrations. Her family operates a factory that becomes a target of the growing political resistance.

David is a veteran of the Venezuela conflict and a key figure among the Low Net Worth Individuals organizing in the park. He challenges Eunice's privileged worldview and encourages her to recognize the systemic injustices occurring around her.

Nettie is an old friend of Lenny's parents who functions as a maternal figure for him. She provides him with crucial updates regarding his governmental status and acts as a voice of reason when he faces existential dread.

Amy is Noah's girlfriend, heavily invested in broadcasting her life to an online audience. She obsesses over her physical appearance and utilizes every social interaction as an opportunity to generate media content.

Lenny's parents are Russian Jewish immigrants who live a secluded life on Long Island. They consume conservative news continuously and hold strict, old-world opinions about their son's career. Despite their frequent criticisms, they rely heavily on Lenny's affection and financial support.

Eunice's mother is a devout Christian who remains in an abusive marriage. She relies heavily on her church for guidance and expects her daughters to maintain traditional family loyalty, even from afar.

Eunice's father is a podiatrist whose financial struggles and alcoholism fuel his domestic abuse. His unpredictable violence severely damages his family, yet he occasionally demonstrates unexpected moments of spiritual conviction and generosity toward strangers.