Laura is a 35-year-old divorcee recovering from an abusive marriage and the trauma of a miscarriage. She works as a housekeeper and personal assistant for Anthony Peardew. She finds sanctuary in the quiet routine of managing his Victorian home, Padua. Though she once harbored dreams of becoming a writer, she currently struggles with low self-esteem and uses the secluded home to avoid reentering the outside world.

Anthony is a dapper, 68-year-old semi-retired writer living in a rambling London home named Padua. He carries heavy grief over the sudden death of his fiancé forty years earlier and the loss of her First Communion medallion. To cope with his heartache, he dedicates his life to collecting lost objects he finds in the streets and secretly cataloging them in his study.

Charles, who insists on being called Bomber, is an eccentric publisher working in 1970s London. He operates a small publishing house focused on obscure writers and unconventional manuscripts. He is highly charismatic, deeply interested in cinema, and harbors a strong disdain for his sister's derivative romance novels.

Eunice is a quiet, observant woman in her twenties who takes a job as a secretary for a charismatic publisher. She possesses a sharp sense of irony and a deep knowledge of pop culture. Working closely with her employer, she develops a strong respect for him while maintaining a pragmatic view of her own social standing.

Freddy is the capable gardener employed by Anthony Peardew. He left a lucrative career as a computer technician to work outdoors and tend to Padua's extensive grounds. Practical and grounded, he serves as a reliable presence around the Victorian home.

Sunshine is an energetic neighborhood teenager with Down syndrome. She has an unironic appreciation for the present moment and a remarkably positive disposition. She possesses a keen intuition that allows her to sense the emotional weight of objects and spaces.

Therese is Anthony's deceased fiancé, whose tragic death decades ago permanently altered the course of his life. She was a devout woman named after St. Therese of the Roses. Her memory lingers strongly over the Padua estate, where an untouched bedroom serves as a shrine to her.

Portia is Charles's sister, a wealthy woman who writes highly successful but derivative romance novels. She relies on an immense trust fund and constantly seeks her brother's professional approval, despite his low opinion of her writing.

Vince is a used car salesman and Laura's ex-husband. He is an aggressive, selfish man whose serial infidelity and escalating threats drove Laura to finally leave him. His lingering presence in Laura's thoughts fuels her deep self-doubt.

Sarah is Laura's long-time friend from childhood. She provides practical, no-nonsense advice and refuses to let Laura wallow in self-pity over past mistakes.

Godfrey is Charles's robust and flamboyant father. He lives a deeply engaged life but faces early signs of cognitive decline, which begins to worry his family as he wanders his neighborhood.

She is the devoted mother of Charles and Portia. She serves as the primary caretaker for her husband as his physical and mental health slowly begins to fail.

Felicity is Freddy's fetching but abrasive girlfriend. She is deeply concerned with appearances and status, frequently clashing with the more grounded reality of the Padua staff.