The Narrator is an unnamed man in his thirties receiving treatment for alcohol addiction for the second time. He avoids thinking about his own difficult circumstances, including his strained romantic ties and his girlfriend's pending medical diagnosis, by listening to other people's stories. He observes his surroundings with dry humor and a sense of underlying fear regarding his physical health.

J.P. is a thirty-year-old chimney sweep seeking treatment for severe alcohol addiction. He was directionless in his youth after a traumatic childhood fall into a dry well, but a chance meeting led to a career and a marriage. His heavy drinking has recently jeopardized both his family life and his livelihood, prompting his relatives to force him into treatment.

The Narrator's current romantic partner, who took him in after his separation from his wife. She is dealing with a distressing medical diagnosis from a recent test, alongside a volatile relationship with her teenage son. These overwhelming pressures contribute to her decision to drink heavily alongside The Narrator.

The Narrator's estranged spouse. She asked The Narrator to leave their shared home when he failed to commit to sobriety during his initial treatment. The Narrator remembers her as a joyful, romantic person early in their marriage, a sharp contrast to the painful deterioration of their current dynamic.

J.P.'s wife and fellow chimney sweep. She is a confident, proactive woman working in a trade usually dominated by men. When J.P.'s drinking spiraled out of control, she responded directly to his behavior, refusing to be a passive victim and eventually finding a new boyfriend to escape the marital turmoil.

The owner and operator of the rehabilitation center. He shares blunt lessons with the residents about the lethal reality of their shared condition, commanding a respect that borders on intimidation among the patients.

An amiable patient at the facility who seemed to be recovering successfully and planning his trip home until he experienced a sudden seizure. His medical setback deeply frightens The Narrator, serving as a reminder of withdrawal's physical dangers.

The teenage son of The Narrator's girlfriend. He reacts with intense anger and obscenities when his mother abruptly leaves to drop The Narrator at the facility, furious that he is being left to fend for himself without a clear return date.

Roxy's father and the owner of the chimney sweeping business where J.P. and Roxy work. He and his son physically intervened to force J.P. into treatment when his behavior became intolerable.

Roxy's brother and a coworker in the family chimney sweeping business. He assisted his father in physically dragging J.P. to the rehabilitation center.

An unnamed friend who hired Roxy to clean his chimney. His casual interaction with Roxy—specifically receiving a good-luck kiss from her—prompted J.P. to ask for his own, sparking the central romance of J.P.'s life.

A man Roxy began dating in response to J.P.'s worsening alcohol addiction and the deterioration of their marriage.

A fellow resident who claims to travel internationally for business. He insists his drinking is firmly under control and blames his memory blackouts on trivial factors like the ice melting in his whiskey.