Noelle is the oldest daughter of Lacey May and Robbie Ventura. From a young age, she is highly opinionated and fiercely independent, frequently clashing with her mother's desperate choices and prejudiced worldview. As a high school student, she becomes involved in theater and actively resists her mother's protests against school integration. She seeks independence from her family's turbulent dynamics, trying to carve out an identity separate from her upbringing.

Jade's son is introduced as a sweet, sensitive child who witnesses a terrible tragedy at a young age. Known as Gee in his youth, he later uses his given birth name, Nelson, as he grows older. He struggles to express his emotions and frequently buries his grief and anxiety under a calm exterior. As a transfer student at Central High School, he feels undue pressure from adults to represent his race, preferring instead to find quiet refuge working on a theater production.

The mother of Noelle, Diane, and Margarita. Left without an income when her husband Robbie is incarcerated, she makes the difficult choice to move her family in with Hank Gibbs to secure their basic needs. She believes her actions are always in her children's best interests, even as she leads a racially prejudiced protest against school integration that severely damages her relationship with Noelle.

A nursing student who became a mother as a teenager. Following a sudden tragedy, she radically alters her lifestyle and dedicates herself entirely to providing a successful future for her son, Gee. She is a fierce, outspoken advocate for him, though her method of pushing her own grief away ultimately prevents her from helping him process his emotions.

A kind and ambitious baker who serves as a devoted father figure to Gee and a supportive partner to Jade. He dreams of a successful future for his makeshift family and works hard to revitalize his neighborhood. His sudden death in a violent altercation creates a devastating ripple effect across the lives of everyone who knew him.

A mechanic and Lacey May's husband who harbors big dreams of buying a home in a good neighborhood for his daughters. His optimism is derailed by a severe substance use disorder that leads him to steal a police car. His resulting incarceration and long-term unreliability cast a heavy shadow over his family's stability and resources.

An old high school acquaintance of Lacey May who offers her shelter when she runs out of money, under the explicit condition that she share his bed. He acts as a stern but consistent financial provider for the Ventura girls, though his possessiveness creates ongoing friction within the household.

The middle Ventura sister, traditionally serving as the peacemaker of the family. As an adult, she channels a childhood trauma involving an animal attack into a career running a doggie day camp. She keeps her romantic relationship hidden from her family due to her mother's long history of prejudice.

The youngest Ventura sister, who grows up to be an aspiring actress in Los Angeles. She closely resembles her father, Robbie, and struggles with similar impulsive behaviors and financial instability while seeking fame. She often feels alienated from her sisters because of these similarities.

Diane's romantic partner and business associate. She grows increasingly frustrated with Diane's refusal to disclose their relationship to the Ventura family, feeling marginalized and hurt by the continued secrecy.

A neighbor to the Venturas who initially refuses to help the family but later becomes a highly supportive figure. She provides Noelle with crucial medical assistance and offers a safe haven when Noelle moves out of Lacey May's house.

Ruth Green's son. He shares a quiet presence in Noelle's life during her teenage years and reconnects with her meaningfully when they are adults, providing comfort during a transitional period.

Ray's business partner at Superfine. Though initially skeptical of Jade, she eventually shares her home with Jade and helps raise Gee, providing stability, transportation, and practical advice to the grieving family.

Noelle's college friend who frequently challenges Noelle's complacency. She questions Noelle's lifestyle choices and pushes her to recognize how her affluent environment conflicts with the feminist ideals they once shared.

Noelle's goth high school boyfriend. His parents support Lacey May's protests against school integration, putting him on the opposite side of Noelle's shifting political and social views.

A transfer student alongside Gee who faces severe bullying and discrimination at Central High School. She channels her anger into organizing a student justice group to push back against the hostility in her new environment.

An attending physician and Jade's boyfriend. He cares deeply for Jade but feels sidelined by her strict refusal to introduce him to her son or fully integrate him into her daily life.

A Black English teacher who places intense pressure on Gee to succeed. He views Gee as a representative for students of color, a stance that alienates Gee and deeply angers Jade.

The Ventura family dog. His involvement in a frightening attack at the beach provides Hank an opportunity to prove his protectiveness to Lacey May, and his later disappearance deeply affects the family dynamics.