Tiffy is an editor who works on DIY and craft books at a London publishing company. She is tall, favors brightly colored eccentric clothing, and has a warm personality. Reeling from a recent breakup, she agrees to a highly unusual flat-share arrangement out of financial necessity. She brings a chaotic energy to the space, covering it in colorful items and baked goods.

Leon is an introverted, deeply caring hospice nurse who works nights and needs extra money to help his imprisoned brother. He proposes sharing his one-bedroom flat with a stranger who works typical day hours so they never cross paths. He is practical, quiet, and prefers avoiding conflict in his personal life, rarely standing up for his own needs.

Justin is Tiffy's wealthy ex-boyfriend who used to take her on luxurious vacations. Though they have broken up, he continues to assert a presence in her life. He acts charming on the surface, but his behavior displays controlling patterns that Tiffy's friends recognize as emotionally abusive.

Richie is Leon's younger brother, currently serving a sentence for an armed robbery he insists he did not commit. He has an outgoing, charming personality that contrasts with Leon's quiet nature. He relies heavily on his brother's support and funds to manage his legal appeal.

Gerty is a confident, no-nonsense lawyer and one of Tiffy's best friends from university. She is highly protective of Tiffy and deeply suspicious of both Justin's motives and Leon's unusual flat-share arrangement. She approaches problems with blunt practicality and legal precision.

Mo is a gentle, patient counselor and one of Tiffy's closest friends. He provides a calm, analytical perspective on Tiffy's life and gently tries to help her recognize the unhealthy patterns established during her time with Justin.

Kay is Leon's girlfriend at the start of the novel. She strongly disapproves of Leon's decision to share his flat with a female stranger. She prefers structure and control, insisting that all communication regarding the living arrangement goes through her rather than directly to Leon.

Rachel is Tiffy's coworker at the publishing company. She is enthusiastic, loves playing wingwoman, and frequently encourages Tiffy to move on from her breakup by dating other men.

Martin is Tiffy's irritating coworker at the publishing house. He is pushy about work events and constantly tries to maneuver Tiffy into taking on tasks she dislikes.

Katherin is an eccentric and demanding author writing a book about crochet patterns. She relies heavily on Tiffy, frequently roping her into modeling crocheted clothing at various promotional events.

Holly is an eight-year-old leukemia patient under Leon's care. She is exceptionally observant, blunt, and mature for her age, frequently interrogating Leon about his personal life and offering unsolicited advice.

Mr. Prior is an elderly World War II veteran in palliative care at the hospice. He is a prolific knitter who shares memories of his wartime youth with Leon, inspiring Leon to look into his past.

Leon and Richie's mother, affectionately called "Mam." She raised her sons mostly on her own, though her history of dating difficult men caused tension in her relationship with Leon during his childhood.

Johnny White is the name of Mr. Prior's lost love from World War II. Leon begins systematically contacting men with this name in an attempt to find the right one for his patient.

Lucie is a professional counselor whom Tiffy begins seeing. She provides a safe space for Tiffy to process her past relationship and recognize unhealthy dynamics.

Sal is Richie's initial defense lawyer. He is slow with paperwork, frustrating both Leon and Richie with his lack of progress on the appeal.

Tasha Chai-Latte is a viral social media influencer and YouTuber whose attention brings sudden, massive publicity to Katherin's crochet projects.

Ken is a Norwegian hermit and author of a book on woodworking. He meets Tiffy at his launch party, though their interaction triggers a traumatic memory for her.

Babs is the generous owner of the Bunny Hop Inn. She offers assistance and a free room when an accident forces a change of plans for Leon and Tiffy in Brighton.