Macy is a 17-year-old former track star who quit running after witnessing her father's sudden death. Seeking safety from further emotional pain, she strives for total control in every aspect of her life. She relies heavily on her highly intellectual boyfriend for stability, but her rigid world begins to shift when she takes an unexpected job with a disorganized catering company.

Wes is an artistic teenager who works for his aunt's catering business. Having overcome a troubled past that included a stint in reform school, he now creates angel sculptures out of salvaged scrap metal. He embraces flaws and provides a sharp contrast to the rigid expectations in Macy's daily routine.

Jason is Macy's highly intelligent boyfriend who values academic success and emotional restraint. He expects those around him to meet his exacting standards. While his constant certainty initially provided Macy with stability following her father's death, his emotional distance eventually makes her feel isolated and inadequate.

Deborah is Macy's mother and the owner of Queen Homes. Following her husband's sudden death, she channels her energy into relentless work and a strict demand for visual perfection. She attempts to manage her daughter's life tightly, hoping to avoid any further emotional pain by keeping up appearances.

Caroline is Macy's older sister who earned a reputation as a wild child during her high school years. Unlike her mother and sister, she processes her grief openly. Her willingness to confront painful memories directly creates constant friction within the Queen household.

Delia is the highly capable owner of Wish Catering who is currently expecting her second child. She took over the business after the death of her sister. She thrives in unpredictable situations and firmly believes that metaphorical holes in life should be acknowledged rather than covered up.

Bert is Wes's energetic younger brother who works for the family catering business. He is intensely focused on end-of-the-world conspiracies and proudly drives a converted ambulance he calls the Bertmobile. His unapologetic enthusiasm adds a lively dynamic to the catering team.

Kristy is an outgoing server for Wish Catering. She bears visible scars on her face from a childhood car accident but carries herself with immense confidence. She consistently challenges Macy to step outside her rigid schedules and experience the world without fear.

Monica is Kristy's accident-prone sister who moves at her own measured pace. Known affectionately as Monotone due to her flat vocal delivery, she remains exceptionally calm despite her frequent physical blunders. She serves as a steady presence on the unpredictable catering team.

Amanda is one of Jason's coworkers at the library. She shares his sense of intellectual superiority and treats Macy with consistent condescension, making the library a hostile work environment.

Bethany is another coworker of Jason's at the local library. She aligns closely with Amanda to create a critical atmosphere that constantly reminds Macy of her perceived inadequacies in academic settings.

Becky is a teenager who met Wes while they were both attending Myers Reform School. She is currently staying at the Evergreen Care Center following trouble with marijuana, placing her relationship with Wes on an indefinite hold for the summer.

Melissa, affectionately known as Wish, is Delia's late sister and the mother of Wes and Bert. She founded the Wish Catering business before passing away from breast cancer. Her family honors her memory by acknowledging the permanent space she left behind in their lives.