Connie is the devoted daughter and full-time carer for her mother, Gwen, who lives with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Struggling with her own financial precarity, Connie works hard to manage Gwen's unpredictable moods and maintain their quiet life in the village of Avringstone. She is intensely protective of her mother and immediately wary when a charming stranger arrives to do odd jobs around the house.

Paul is a handsome and charming handyman sent by a local charity, Help for Homes, to assist with odd jobs at Gwen's house. He quickly ingratiates himself with Gwen, showing remarkable patience and skill in soothing her during confused episodes. While he presents himself as a selfless volunteer and wins over the local neighborhood, his growing influence over Gwen and dismissive attitude toward Connie spark a tense power struggle.

Gwen is an elderly widow living in the village of Avringstone who has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Her condition causes severe memory lapses, mood swings, and confusion, making her highly vulnerable and dependent on care. Despite her illness, she is delighted by the arrival of the charming handyman Paul, whose presence brings her joy and a renewed sense of independence, much to her daughter's alarm.

Meredith is Gwen's estranged cousin. Though they have not been in contact for many years, Gwen frequently brings up Meredith's name when her memory falters, hinting at a complex family history. She remains a distant but lingering figure from Gwen's past.

Walter is an elderly neighbor of Gwen and Connie in Avringstone. Kind and observant, he often hires Connie to walk his dog, Oscar, for extra money. Walter serves as a gentle sounding board for Connie's frustrations, though he initially suggests that her intense suspicions about Paul might stem from jealousy over the handyman's bond with Gwen.

Zainab is one of Gwen's neighbors in the village of Avringstone. Friendly and helpful, she expresses sympathy for the heavy burden Connie carries as a full-time caregiver, noting how isolating the responsibility can be.

Joe is a resident of Avringstone and the local Neighborhood Watch coordinator. Focused on his campaign for parish council chairman, he views community emergencies primarily through the lens of how they might bolster his public image. He is married to Mary.

Mary is a local neighbor and the wife of Joe Lawson. Like many in the village, she is easily charmed by Paul's helpful demeanor. She often finds herself caught in the middle of the escalating tension between Connie and the new handyman, susceptible to the village gossip.

Reverend Eddie is the local vicar in Avringstone who helps coordinate volunteer services for the community. He arranges for Paul to assist at Gwen's house through the Help for Homes charity. Though he assures Connie that all volunteers are fully vetted, he privately senses her deep unease.

Detective Sergeant Krisha Ahuja is a police officer who becomes involved with Connie and Gwen when there is a scare regarding Gwen's whereabouts. Professional and objective, she must rely on concrete evidence and statements, which often frustrates Connie's attempts to raise the alarm about Paul's motives.

Sarah is a local social worker tasked with investigating Gwen's living situation. Bound by legal protocols and professional guidelines, Sarah assesses whether Gwen is happy and well-cared for, demonstrating the limitations of the social care system when evaluating complex family dynamics.