Katie is a mid-level video producer recovering from a painful, highly public breakup with her newly famous former fiancé. Struggling with severe body-image insecurities resulting from her stepmother's early criticism and intense media scrutiny, she avoids swimsuits and hides her figure in plain black clothing. She works a corporate job to support her passion project of making mini-documentaries about everyday heroes. When faced with impending layoffs, she accepts an assignment in Key West that forces her to confront her deepest fears.

Tom, who universally goes by the nickname Hutch, is a dedicated Aviation Survival Technician for the Coast Guard in Key West. He recently went viral for a high-profile open-water rescue involving a celebrity's dog, but he actively avoids the resulting public attention. Raised by his honorary aunt Rue following a tragic family accident, he displays quiet selflessness and constantly prioritizes the well-being of others over his own comfort.

Cole is Katie's supervisor at the Dallas video production company. Ambitious and impulsive, he frequently fabricates stories or manipulates situations to achieve his professional and personal goals. He harbors deep-seated jealousy toward his older brother, stemming from a shared family tragedy and a complicated romantic history involving his former wife.

Rue is the cheerful owner of the Starlight Cottages and a boutique called Vitamin Sea. After losing her husband in the same car crash that killed the Hutcheson brothers' parents, she adopted the boys and raised them in Key West. She consistently encourages Katie to wear bright colors and face her fears, offering warm hospitality while privately managing a serious health condition.

Beanie is Katie's lifelong best friend and cousin. An avid reader of self-help books, she acts as Katie's primary emotional support system from afar. She challenges Katie to appreciate her own body through exercises like creating a beauty list, providing both reassurance and strict accountability during difficult moments.

Karen Sullivan is the executive boss at the video production company where Katie and Cole work. Recently divorced, she initiates the company-wide layoffs that prompt Katie's Florida assignment. She visits Key West to evaluate the promotional video project and quickly develops a strong romantic interest in the Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

Lucas is Katie's former fiancé, a musician who achieved sudden viral fame immediately following their engagement. His rapid rise to stardom brought unwanted public scrutiny to Katie, and his subsequent infidelity ultimately ended their relationship, leaving her deeply insecure about her appearance.

Angela is Katie's stepmother who entered her life after Katie's biological mother left the family. By constantly commenting on Katie's appearance and enforcing childhood diets, she instilled early feelings of physical shame that Katie continues to battle into adulthood.

George Bailey is a massive Great Dane rescued from an abusive animal breeder. Highly energetic and poorly socialized in his early life, he has a habit of affectionately knocking Katie over. He relies heavily on his owner for comfort, especially when frightened by thunderstorms.

Carlos is a friendly Lieutenant in the Coast Guard stationed in Key West. He helps ease Katie's anxieties about the serious military environment and assists with the logistics of the air station, maintaining a welcoming presence during her project.

Scarlett is Cole's former wife. Her drunken proposal to Cole's older brother the night before their wedding catalyzed a deep, lasting rift between the siblings, even though her marriage to Cole briefly proceeded anyway.

Mira is a Coast Guard helicopter pilot stationed in Key West. She shows sensitivity to Katie's physical insecurities by conducting the required pre-flight passenger weigh-in discreetly, earning Katie's quiet gratitude.

Vanessa is a mechanic on the Coast Guard helicopter crew. She helps guide Katie through mandatory safety procedures when a routine training flight shifts unexpectedly into an active, dangerous rescue mission.

Robert is Rue's late husband. He died in a tragic car accident caused by the Hutcheson brothers' intoxicated father, leaving behind a carefully restored houseboat that remains in the family's possession.