An English major at Brown University whose senior thesis explores the marriage plot in Victorian literature. Coming from a privileged family, she attempts to carve an independent path by taking up the trendy study of semiotics. She handles complex romantic feelings as she prepares to graduate without a clear plan for her future.

A religious studies student at Brown University who harbors a long-standing, unrequited affection for Madeleine. Introverted and intellectual, Mitchell prepares for a year of international travel following graduation. He hopes the trip will bring him spiritual enlightenment and help him move past his heartbreak.

A brilliant biology student at Brown University who captivates Madeleine with his brooding, unconventional presence. Having grown up in a fractured home, he experiences deep depressive episodes and relies on his intellect to succeed academically. His mental health severely impacts his personal relationships and his ability to function consistently.

Mitchell's college roommate and travel companion. A Francophile who joins Mitchell on the first leg of their post-graduation trip to Europe, he provides a more worldly, relaxed contrast to Mitchell's intense spiritual seeking.

Madeleine's older sister. Having established her own path to adulthood ahead of Madeleine, she occasionally offers advice and serves as another point of comparison for Madeleine's life choices.

A stabilizing, traditional presence in Madeleine's life. She frequently checks in on her daughter and voices concerns over Madeleine's more unconventional relationship choices, representing the lifestyle Madeleine attempts to avoid.

A college president who provides a privileged and cultured upbringing for his daughters. He holds high expectations for Madeleine's future and highly values traditional, reliable partners.

Larry's girlfriend who is studying abroad in Paris. Immersed in critical theory and feminist thought, she views most traditional subjects critically and heavily clashes with Mitchell during his visit.

A verbose student in Madeleine's semiotics class. His pompous behavior inadvertently prompts Madeleine's first real conversation with Leonard after class.

One of Madeleine's college roommates at Brown University. She tries to support Madeleine through her senior year funk and relationship troubles.

Madeleine's other college roommate. Alongside Abby, she pushes Madeleine to socialize during the tense days leading up to commencement.

Leonard's mother, who lives in Oregon. Struggling with addiction and her own personal issues, she provides little emotional or practical support for her son during his health crises.

Leonard's father who relocated to Belgium following his divorce. He is largely absent from Leonard's daily life, offering only vague encouragement over the phone.

Leonard's best friend from his teenage years. He provides a connection to Leonard's past and early struggles before college.

A researcher at the Pilgrim Lake lab where Leonard accepts a postgraduate fellowship. He runs an operation breeding yeast cells and treats his assistants with little personal regard.

A professor at Brown University who teaches theology. He recognizes Mitchell's academic potential and encourages him to pursue deeper theological studies.

An American traveler Mitchell encounters in India. Fleeing a failed sales job, he engages in hedonistic behavior that severely tests Mitchell's patience and moral boundaries.

A woman Mitchell meets while managing his finances abroad. She evangelizes to him, prompting him to briefly consider adopting her specific religious practices.

A friend of Leonard's from college. He steps in to assist when Leonard experiences a mental health crisis, making sure Leonard gets hospitalized and notifying Madeleine.

An acquaintance from Brown University who lives in New York. He offers Mitchell a place to stay upon his return to the United States and hosts social gatherings for former classmates.