Bea is a twelve-year-old girl reflecting on the years following her parents' divorce, which occurred when she was eight. She struggles with anxiety and a tendency to lash out physically when overwhelmed, though she possesses a deep capacity for empathy. Her life is split between her mother's apartment and her father's new home, requiring her to adjust to two different sets of rules and expectations. She relies on a therapist to manage her eczema flare-ups, her emotional reactions, and her adjustment to her father's upcoming wedding, while harboring intense, secret guilt over a past incident.

Daniel is Bea's devoted father who owns and operates a restaurant named Beatrice. Following a near-death choking incident, he makes the choice to come out as gay, leading to his divorce from Bea's mother. He strives to maintain a stable, loving environment for Bea while building a life with his new partner. He often leaves food boxes from his restaurant in the fridge for Bea and her mother.

Jesse is Daniel's partner who moves into the new apartment, helping it feel more like a home for Bea. He works at Daniel's restaurant and genuinely cares for both Daniel and Bea, bonding with Bea over shared meals, including double-sided toast, and wedding planning. Jesse faces prejudice from his own family regarding his sexuality but remains a steady, comforting presence in his new household.

Sonia is Jesse's daughter from his previous marriage, living primarily in California with her mother. She is exactly Bea's age but proves difficult for Bea to read, often communicating through brief postcards rather than long letters. She experiences the stress of the geographical distance from her father and the anxiety of adjusting to a newly blended family structure.

Mom is a math teacher who shares custody of Bea following her divorce from Daniel. She encourages Bea to believe in herself and attempts to maintain a facade of strength, preferring to hide her sadness. She adjusts to living independently in the city, establishing her own routines while attempting to manage her persistent anxiety over unpredictable dangers, like a bat flying into the apartment.

Miriam is a child therapist who helps Bea process her emotions following the divorce. She provides a safe, judgment-free space for Bea to discuss her anxieties and behavioral struggles, initially using gummy bears to encourage Bea's attendance. She teaches Bea strategies to manage her worrying and encourages her to consider the complex feelings of others.

Sheila is Jesse's sister who initially works as Bea's babysitter before transitioning into a frequent family visitor. She is honest and emotionally expressive, offering Bea candid advice about life and family dynamics. She remains fiercely supportive of Jesse, planning the sunshine-themed details of his upcoming wedding with enthusiasm.

Mission is Jesse and Sheila's brother who harbors deep prejudice against Jesse's sexuality. He estranged himself from his brother following Jesse's decision to come out for the second time. His absence from the wedding preparations casts a shadow over the family, prompting Bea to wonder about how family members can choose to abandon one another.

Uncle Frank is Daniel's brother and shares an exceptionally close bond with him dating back to their youth. He and his family spend their summers at a lake cabin, a tradition that continues after Daniel's divorce. He represents a model of unconditional sibling love that Bea deeply admires.

Aunt Ess is Uncle Frank's wife. She attends the annual family summer gatherings at the lake cabin alongside her children and extended family, establishing a sense of continuity for the children.

James is one of Bea's cousins who frequently mocks her during their summer visits to the lake cabin. He targets Bea's changing family dynamic, specifically making fun of her father's sexuality and calling her "Ping Pong."

Jojo is one of Bea's cousins. Along with his siblings, he stays at the sleeping loft in the family's lake cabin during their annual summer vacations, following his older siblings' social cues.

Angelica is Bea's cousin who spends summers at the family's lake cabin. She frequently excludes Bea from activities with other girls, leading to tension between them. She later develops symptoms of a neurological condition causing her face to droop, prompting Bea to carry immense, secret guilt regarding a past altercation.

Angus is one of Bea's best friends who accepts her despite her past mistakes and occasional outbursts. He serves as a reliable source of support, stepping up to defend Bea's family by bravely trying the oysters Jesse brings to their class breakfast.

Lizette is one of Bea's best friends who helps her maintain perspective on her parents' divorce. She frequently comes over for dinner and provides Bea with a grounded, optimistic view of her dual-household living situation. She helps Bea make heavy cream butter for a school project.