Larissa is a hardworking young woman juggling multiple jobs, including waitressing at Donna's Diner and doing gig work, just to survive. Burdened by severe financial debt caused by her absent father's identity theft, she operates in a constant state of survival mode while sharing a dingy apartment with her mother. She dates the charming extrovert Mike but frequently finds herself drawn to his best friend Chris, who consistently anticipates her needs and carefully manages her severe nut allergy.

Chris is a dedicated retail pharmacist and Mike's lifelong best friend. Grieving the recent death of his mother, he often feels isolated despite his tight-knit friend group. He is deeply loyal and communicates his care through quiet, consistent acts of service, frequently stepping in to support Larissa when Mike is unavailable. His growing attachment to Larissa puts him in direct conflict with his allegiance to Mike.

Mike is Larissa's extroverted boyfriend who works as a personal trainer and part-time plumber. Having grown up with a financial safety net, he lives in a house on his parents' property and struggles to find direction after a high school sports injury derailed his plans. He masks his deep-seated anxiety and depression with excessive drinking, creating a dynamic where Chris constantly covers for his mistakes.

Nancy is Larissa's mother and roommate. Unable to work due to a hand injury, she relies heavily on Larissa for financial support and stability. She has a history of depending on unreliable men for financial security and models behaviors that Larissa actively tries to avoid repeating in her own life.

Lexi is Larissa's best friend and coworker at Donna's Diner. She offers blunt advice about relationships and finances, often joking that they should find wealthy men to solve their money problems. She is highly observant of Larissa's dynamic with Mike and remains skeptical of their compatibility from the start.

Woofarine, affectionately called Woofie, is a rambunctious stray grey Yorkie. Chris adopts him after taking him to the vet, and Larissa shares custody of him, giving the two a constant reason to interact.

Xavier is a veterinarian and a close friend of Chris and Mike. He recently moved to California with his wife Samantha but visits Minnesota, bringing the friend group together and quietly observing the shifting dynamics between Chris and Mike.

Jesse is a core member of Mike and Chris's tight-knit friend group. He often provides rides for Mike when Mike is too intoxicated to drive and regularly participates in the group's gym sessions and social outings. He is protective of the group's dynamic.

Donna is Mike's mother and the owner of Donna's Diner, where Larissa works. She is highly protective of her son and treats Larissa coldly as Larissa's relationship with Mike progresses, viewing the dynamic as a threat to Mike.

Phil is Nancy's unreliable boyfriend. He frequently borrows money from Nancy, drinks heavily, and creates an uncomfortable living environment for Larissa when he spends time at their shared apartment.

Samantha is Xavier's wife. She participates in the friend group's social events and group trips to the cabin, serving as a friendly presence in the broader social circle.

Becca is Jesse's girlfriend, often present at the friend group's various parties and weekend getaways. Larissa interacts with her but feels she cannot open up to her the way she does with Chris.

Heather is a woman Chris begins dating after a co-worker sets them up. Chris uses his relationship with her as a deliberate attempt to create boundaries and force distance between himself and Larissa.