Adam Sheppard serves as the deuteragonist, a dynamic and round character whose arc is one of atonement and self-acceptance. In the past, he is characterized by his fear and hesitancy to claim his true identity, prioritizing his public image as a celebrated NHL captain over his true feelings for Riley. He makes decisions based on societal expectations, such as marrying Maggie and building a heteronormative family, because it feels safer and more socially acceptable. This choice is the central driver of the narrative’s conflict, his and Riley’s forbidden romance in the past, and a direct exploration of the conflict between public persona and private identity. Adam’s reluctance to acknowledge his sexuality leads him to repeatedly hurt Riley, most notably when he laughs off Riley’s declaration of love, saying, “We’re not like that” (10). For years, Adam lives a bifurcated life, successful and admired in public but lonely and unfulfilled in private, haunted by the loss of his friendship with Riley after he cuts Adam out of his life. 

Adam’s return to Avery River for Harvey Tuck’s funeral at the novel’s start marks the beginning of his transformation. Motivated by a profound sense of regret and an unwavering love for Riley, Adam is no longer the fearful young man he once was. He is now a patient, determined, and deeply caring individual committed to making amends. His actions in Avery River, from helping in the store to hosting the minor hockey banquet, are quiet, consistent acts of service that demonstrate his changed character. He understands he must earn back Riley’s trust, a resolve he articulates when he stops their first kiss in the present, saying, “I want to do this right. I want to earn it, and I won’t take advantage of you” (158). His behavior contrasts sharply with their past encounters, which were often fueled by alcohol and almost always ended in Adam’s panicked retreat. 

Adam’s journey culminates in his ability to be honest with himself and with Riley. His confession, “I was in love with you too. Of course I was” (153), is a pivotal moment that reframes the lovers’ entire history and allows healing to begin. By coming to terms with his past choices and embracing his identity as a gay man, Adam is finally able to integrate the public and private parts of his life. He sheds the fear that governed him for decades and chooses authenticity, making it possible for him and Riley to build a new relationship based on the genuine connection symbolized by the bonfire on the beach.

Lindsay Tuck is a key supporting character who functions as Riley’s insightful and protective younger sister. As a round and static character, her motivations are clear and consistent throughout the narrative. She is fiercely loyal to Riley and possesses a keen understanding of his emotional fragility, often acting as a bridge between him and the rest of the world. 

Having witnessed Riley’s breakdown after he left the NHL, Lindsay is wary of Adam’s return and makes the stakes of his presence clear when she warns him, “[Riley] doesn’t need anyone adding extra pain to his life right now” (30). At the same time, she is perceptive enough to see the deep, unresolved connection between the two men and subtly encourages their reconciliation. Lindsay serves as an emotional anchor for Riley, offering him unconditional love while also pushing him to confront his feelings and take care of himself. Her presence provides a stable family dynamic that contrasts with the turmoil of Riley and Adam’s relationship.

Susan Tuck, Riley and Lindsay’s mother, is a supporting character who embodies quiet strength and maternal wisdom. In the wake of her husband Harvey’s sudden death, she models resilience and grace, focusing on holding her family together rather than succumbing to her own grief. She plays the subtle but crucial role of a facilitator in Riley and Adam’s reunion. Susan is observant, and though she is unaware of the full history between the two men, she recognizes their profound bond from their youth. She creates opportunities for them to reconnect, such as sending Adam to the store with lunch and inviting him to stay at Riley’s house. Her gentle encouragement, encapsulated in her simple observation that “[y]ou boys were such good friends” (40), helps lower Riley’s defenses and allows their reconciliation to begin. She represents the nurturing and steadfast love of family.

Maggie, Adam’s ex-wife, is a supporting character whose portrayal subverts the trope of the bitter or scorned spouse. She is characterized by her kindness, understanding, and unwavering support for Adam, even after their divorce. Her role is primarily to provide context for Adam’s past and to act as a catalyst for his journey toward reconciliation with Riley. 

With the exception of sporadic phone interactions with Adam in the narrative present, Maggie’s character primarily features in the flashback chapters. Such scenes convey how Maggie created conflict in Adam and Riley’s relationship in the past. When Riley learned Adam had married Maggie, he was heartbroken that Adam would choose to be with a woman over him. Maggie had no ill will for Riley (unaware of his and Adam’s romance and affair) but circumstantially stood in the way of a possible future for Adam and Riley. Maggie also acted as a barrier to Adam’s ability to claim his true identity, fearing that if he came out, he would hurt Maggie. Unaware of her husband’s sexuality, Maggie never rejected or ridiculed Adam for being gay but did have expectations of him as her husband, which Adam felt responsible for fulfilling. When Adam comes out to her, Maggie is gracious and understanding—relieved that the distance in their marriage has a justifiable cause. Because she loves Adam, she pursues a stable friendship and parenting partnership with him.

In the narrative present, Maggie acts as a quiet agent for change—both in Adam’s independent storyline and in Adam and Riley’s relationship arc. It is Maggie who informs Adam of Harvey Tuck’s death and encourages him to go to the funeral, telling him, “Riley needs you” (14), an act that sets the entire plot in motion. Her amicable relationship with Adam after he comes out highlights his essential goodness despite his past mistakes and reinforces the idea that his marriage to her was not a malicious deception but a misguided attempt to live the life he was expected to live. She represents a past built on affection but not authenticity, and her grace allows Adam to pursue a future with Riley without being burdened by guilt.