Nick is 38 years old and the first-person narrator of the story. He is married to Laura, his second wife, and they have been together for nearly a year and a half. As an observer of the afternoon's events, he remains a quiet presence who reveals almost nothing about his own physical appearance or internal thoughts. He prefers instead to note the shifting light in the room, the amount of gin consumed, and the conversational dynamics around him.

Mel is a 45-year-old cardiologist who spent five years in a seminary before entering medicine. He is tall and athletic, with curly soft hair and arms tanned from playing tennis. He hosts his friends in his Albuquerque kitchen, driving the afternoon's conversation with his strong views on the meaning of love. As he drinks more gin, his professional demeanor slips, revealing a man who harbors intense anger and struggles to articulate his own definitions.

Terri is a "bone-thin" yet pretty woman with dark eyes, long dark hair, turquoise necklaces, and long earrings. She has been married to Mel for four years, having left a highly abusive relationship. She frequently seeks external validation for her experiences and defends the traumatic events of her past. She interprets obsessive, dangerous behavior as evidence of genuine passion, placing her at odds with her husband's theories.

Laura is 35 years old and works as a legal secretary. She is well-groomed with broad wrists and manicured nails, presenting a neat contrast to the chaotic energy of her hosts. She offers a naive, optimistic perspective during the conversation, often relying on polite clichés. She uses physical reassurance from her husband to manage the rising tension in the room, striving to remain pleasant as the afternoon turns dark.

Ed is Terri's former partner who violently resisted their separation. He exhibits severe jealousy and volatility, stalking Terri and Mel after the relationship ended and threatening them. His extreme actions serve as the primary debate topic for the couples regarding the boundaries between love, violence, and obsession.

Marjorie is Mel's ex-wife and the mother of his two children. She is severely allergic to bees. Though she does not appear physically in the kitchen, she occupies a significant space in Mel's mind. She serves as the target for his intense hatred, as he feels she is financially ruining him.