Lila is a 42-year-old author and recently divorced single mother living in an old north London home. Following her ex-husband's affair and her mother's sudden death, she feels unmoored and uncertain about her future. She attempts to balance her writing career with her demanding family life, though the unexpected arrival of her estranged father throws her household into further chaos. She seeks authenticity and stability while fielding pressure to monetize her recent heartbreak through a new memoir.

Jensen is a practical landscaper hired by Bill to renovate the front garden of the Kennedy home. He presents a casual confidence and straightforward demeanor that contrasts with the constant chaos of Lila's household. Having experienced his own mental health challenges following a bad breakup, he offers a grounding presence for the family. He handles conflicts calmly and initiates honest conversations.

Bill is Lila's orderly stepfather, who has been a steady parental figure since she was seven years old. Grieving the recent loss of his wife, Francesca, he gradually moves his belongings into Lila's home. He shows love through cooking and cleaning but often clashes with the unpredictable elements in the household, particularly the sudden arrival of Francesca's ex-husband. He prefers rigid routines and healthy food.

Gene is Lila's estranged biological father and a former television actor who left the family decades ago to pursue a career in the United States. He arrives needing a place to stay after his acting prospects dry up. He brings an unpredictable, charismatic energy to the house, frequently frustrating the adults while entertaining his granddaughters. He actively works to secure a place in their lives despite his past failures.

Celie is Lila and Dan's sixteen-year-old daughter. She faces the typical challenges of adolescence alongside the sudden upheaval of her parents' divorce. Following a sudden ostracization from her friend group at school, she withdraws into herself and struggles to communicate her feelings to her overwhelmed family. She spends time observing the adults and seeking comfort in animation club.

Dan is Lila's ex-husband and the father of Celie and Violet. He recently dismantled his marriage by having an affair with another school parent. He lives nearby and shares custody of the girls, but his requests regarding child support and accommodations for his new family repeatedly strain his relationship with Lila. He attempts to balance his responsibilities between his two households.

Gabriel is an attractive single father and widower whom Lila meets during school pickup. He presents an alluring prospect for Lila's re-entry into dating, offering compliments and understanding about single parenthood. He runs on a busy schedule, making him difficult to pin down and causing Lila to question her own expectations for a relationship.

Eleanor is Lila's best friend and regular walking companion. She provides a sharp contrast to Lila's domestic struggles, openly sharing stories of her own sexual adventures. She serves as a sounding board, consistently challenging Lila to break out of her comfort zone and prioritize her own desires.

Anoushka is Lila's literary agent who previously helped publish her successful marriage-advice book. She pushes Lila to capitalize on her divorce by writing a new memoir about the single life, encouraging her to include sexier stories to secure a lucrative publishing deal.

Francesca is Lila's late mother, Bill's late wife, and Gene's ex-wife. Her sudden death shortly after Lila's divorce casts a long shadow over the family. Her past choices and remaining possessions continue to influence the household dynamics long after her passing.

Marja is Dan's new partner and the catalyst for Lila's divorce. She is pregnant with Dan's child and lives a few doors down from Lila, creating an uncomfortable proximity that forces the two families to interact regularly.

Violet is Lila and Dan's younger daughter. She requires constant care and attention despite the household chaos, participating in school plays and adjusting to the sudden changes in her parents' living situations.

Penelope is a neighbor who begins making regular visits to see Bill after Francesca's death. She provides a steady, gentle presence that encourages Bill to look toward the future.

Martin is a classmate of Celie's who provides a safe haven after her previous friends abandon her. He shares drawing tips and relates to her family struggles through his own experiences with a divorced parent.

Jessie is another single mother at the school who connects with Lila over the struggles of solo parenting and modern dating.

Jane is Gene's ex-partner who arrives to return his belongings. She provides perspective on Gene's history and encourages Lila to reconsider her harsh judgment of him.

Hugo is Marja's son from a previous relationship. He lives with Marja and Dan, preparing to be a big brother to their new baby while participating in the local school play.

Irina is Jensen's ex-partner. Their difficult past relationship contributed to Jensen's mental health crisis, shaping his current approach to honest communication.

Lennie is Gabriel and Victoria's daughter. She has a hard time adjusting to her new school following her mother's death, prompting Gabriel to be highly protective of her.