Lucy is a freshman at Baird College with a deep passion for literature and dreams of working as a travel journalist. She restricts her eating out of a fear of gaining weight, leading to severe body image issues. A painful family secret creates distance between her and her mother, leaving Lucy emotionally vulnerable and eager for male validation.

Stephen is a junior at Baird College majoring in political science. He aspires to become a wealthy corporate lawyer, viewing the legal system and human relationships as tools to be manipulated for his personal gain. Though he does not consider himself conventionally attractive, his striking green eyes and practiced charisma allow him to easily charm those around him.

CJ is Lucy and Georgia’s mother. Having grown up lower-middle-class before living with her wealthy aunt, she deeply appreciates the affluent Long Island lifestyle she shares with her husband. She presents herself as a devoted parent who is highly understanding of the college experience, though she harbors regrets over past mistakes.

Jackie is an athletic college student from Connecticut who joins the Baird tennis team. She forms a fast bond with Lucy over their shared love of Fleetwood Mac music. Highly observant and loyal, she serves as a protective force for her friends and is quick to notice when romantic interests are untrustworthy.

Bree is a shy, studious, and kind young woman who becomes one of Lucy's closest friends at Baird College. She values stability and commitment, entering college having never been romantically involved before meeting her future fiancé. Her grounded nature provides a steady anchor for her friends amid their chaotic college experiences.

Pippa is an extroverted, fun-loving, and friendly student who quickly integrates into Lucy's close friend group. She is highly social and often encourages her friends to attend parties and pursue romantic interests. While well-meaning, her casual comments sometimes inadvertently trigger Lucy's anxieties about her appearance.

Diana is a junior at Baird College and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She is caught in an exhausting, on-and-off relationship with Stephen DeMarco that leaves her anxious and insecure. Despite recognizing his flaws and unreliability, her long history with him makes it difficult for her to sever their connection completely.

Macy is Lucy's childhood best friend from Long Island. Her memory heavily influences Lucy and her social circle following a tragic car accident that ended her life. Before her passing, she was a supportive presence who took care of Lucy during vulnerable moments.

Gabe is Macy's older brother and a source of early romantic infatuation for a teenage Lucy. His actions during Lucy's high school years create deep emotional wounds that completely alter her perspective on her family and romantic relationships.

Ben is Lucy and Georgia’s father and a criminal defense lawyer. He is an affectionate, grounded parent who shares a solid bond with his daughters. He remains outwardly proud of his family and maintains a seemingly happy marriage with his wife, CJ.

Georgia is Lucy's older sister. She acts as a supportive and protective older sibling, encouraging Lucy to maintain high standards for herself and never settle for relationships that do not bring her strong, genuine feelings.

Mike, who goes almost exclusively by his last name, Wrigley, is a member of the underground Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He is deeply immersed in the college party scene, frequently providing drugs and alcohol for social events, and runs in the same social circles as Stephen.

Alice is a young woman who begins dating Stephen after he graduates. She comes from a sentimental family in Pittsburgh and is deeply affectionate, offering Stephen a stable and committed relationship. Her domestic habits and desire for constant closeness make her vulnerable to Stephen's manipulative tendencies.

Billy is a handsome and kind student at Baird College who provides Lucy with a glimpse of what a stable, supportive relationship looks like. He actively encourages her to participate in outdoor activities and school events, bringing out a healthier side of her personality.

Evan is a kind, steady presence who enters into a long-term relationship with Bree during college. Their stable and genuinely loving connection serves as a stark contrast to the turbulent, toxic dynamics surrounding their peers.

Lydia is Lucy's childhood friend and former next-door neighbor from Long Island. She remains a consistent presence in Lucy's life throughout her college years, offering advice and expressing genuine concern when she notices Lucy exhibiting self-destructive behaviors.

John is Stephen, Luke, and Sadie's father. He is a subdued man who harbors lingering hopes of reconciling with his estranged wife, Nora, despite her history of manic episodes. His passive nature and ongoing depression are frequently viewed with disdain by Stephen.

Nora is Stephen's mother, a woman who experiences severe bipolar disorder and refuses medication. Her past manic episodes caused significant disruption and danger for her family, ultimately leading to her divorce from John, though her presence continues to impact her children's lives.

Luke is Stephen's older brother. He works in bond trading and uses his professional connections to help Stephen secure employment. He represents a more traditional path of stability and success within the fractured DeMarco family.

Sadie is Stephen and Luke's younger sister. She is protective of her family and eventually considers attending Baird College herself. Her straightforward nature leads her to hold Stephen accountable for his mistreatment of romantic partners.

Stuart is a freshman student who dates Jackie early in their college experience. While initially devoted, he eventually struggles to handle Jackie's occasional mean streak when she drinks, leading to the dissolution of their relationship.