Bo is an elderly man in his eighties residing in the rural home he has known for most of his life. Facing physical decline, he relies on a rotating schedule of home care workers but fiercely resists any perceived loss of his independence. He spends his days tending the woodstove, walking his beloved elkhound, and recounting memories to himself. His stubbornness often masks a deep well of vulnerability and a lingering desire for control over his surroundings.

Fredrika is Bo's wife of over sixty years, currently residing at the Brunkullagården care home due to advancing dementia. Though physically absent from the house, her memory permeates Bo's existence, anchored by a sealed jar containing her scarf. In her youth, she was socially adept, enjoyed picking wildflowers, and successfully managed the household dynamics with a warmth that Bo greatly admired.

Hans is Bo and Fredrika's adult son, working a demanding white-collar job and driving an electric car. He worries deeply about his father's physical safety in the rural house, often pushing for practical interventions like removing the dog or installing medical equipment. He shares his father's stubborn nature, leading to a tense dynamic where both struggle to communicate their genuine affection.

Ture is Bo's closest friend of many decades, originally meeting him at the Hissmofors mill. Living in a nearby apartment, he maintains a steady routine of phone calls with Bo, offering a sympathetic ear and practical advice about dealing with the medical system. He is an observant man who keeps certain aspects of his past intensely private.

Sixten is an elkhound and the seventh dog Bo has owned. Adopted shortly before Fredrika's health declined, he represents Bo's ongoing capability to care for another living being. The dog requires regular walks in the surrounding woods, providing Bo with a reason to maintain his daily routines despite his physical limitations.

Ingrid is one of the primary home care workers assigned to Bo's house. She balances professional obligations with a genuine, compassionate understanding of Bo's emotional needs. She frequently helps him open the jar containing Fredrika's scarf and manages the tensions between Bo and his son with quiet diplomacy.

Johanna is a regular home care worker who handles Bo's meals and hygiene routines. She uses gentle humor and lighthearted challenges, like doing the newspaper crossword, to coax Bo into accepting necessary care such as showering.

Eva-Lena is a home care worker whom Bo intensely dislikes. She approaches her duties with a brisk, no-nonsense efficiency that clashes with Bo's desire for autonomy and slow-paced routine. Her visits often leave Bo feeling stripped of his dignity.

Kalle is a male home care worker in Bo's rotation. Though Bo was initially hesitant about receiving care from a man, Kalle's calm, practical approach to difficult situations quickly earns Bo's quiet respect. He brings a comforting, unbothered energy to the household.

Ellinor is Hans's adult daughter, currently studying at university and working a summer placement at a care home. She shares an easy, affectionate relationship with her grandfather, free from the historical baggage that complicates his dynamic with Hans. She represents a bridge between the generations in the family.

Olof is the caseworker responsible for managing Bo's home help arrangements. He meets with Hans and the care team to assess the safety of Bo's living situation and the logistics of keeping a pet in the home.

Marita is a local community member who previously worked with Bo in the residents' association. She serves as a connection to the outside village, bringing news, utilizing local social media to help when needed, and checking in on her elderly neighbor.

Eskil is an acquaintance of Ture's from his time spent in Gothenburg. He appears as a polite, dignified visitor whose presence introduces Bo to previously unknown aspects of Ture's private life.

Bo's late father was a strict, emotionally distant man who worked at the local sawmill. He rarely offered praise and used silence or harsh criticism to maintain authority in his household, leaving a lasting impact on how Bo approaches his own role as a parent.

Bo's late mother is remembered as a steady presence who sometimes intervened during conflicts with his father. She expressed quiet pride in Bo's accomplishments, such as his first day at the sawmill, offering the warmth that her husband lacked.

Marie is a temporary home care worker who fills in on the rotation. She is cautious about stepping outside her specific duties, avoiding lighting the woodstove out of safety concerns.

Aanta is Marita and Nejla's young grandson. He visits Bo to offer comfort and treats, bringing a youthful, earnest energy to the quiet house.

Laara is the grandson of Bo's neighbors. He accompanies his brother during a visit, observing the household and bringing their family dog along.

Buster was the family dog during Bo's childhood. The dog's fate at the hands of Bo's father left a lasting traumatic impression on Bo regarding powerlessness and the loss of a pet.

Sonja is Hans's former wife and Ellinor's mother. She is remembered by Bo in the context of her modern approach to parenting, such as alternating parental leave with Hans.

Lena is an assistant nurse at the Brunkullagården care home where Fredrika lives. She helps manage the environment for the residents and their visiting family members.

Sofia is a temporary home care worker who assists Ingrid. She helps maintain Bo's comfort and dignity during his care routines.

Tjonne is the dog belonging to Aanta and Laara's family. The dog's physical presence highlights the painful absence of Sixten in Bo's home.

Nejla is part of Marita's family and a neighbor to Bo, helping to form the small rural community network that occasionally checks in on him.

The local priest visits Bo to offer company and discuss matters of aging and time. She provides a quiet, non-judgmental space for Bo to reflect on his long marriage.