Florence is a 26-year-old aspiring novelist working as an editorial assistant at Forrester Books. She feels intensely insecure about her background but harbors a fierce ambition to achieve greatness, a destiny her mother has promised her since childhood. Frustrated by the nepotism in the publishing industry, she desperately seeks an opportunity to reinvent herself and prove her talent.

Helen is a 32-year-old author who writes under the highly successful, secret pseudonym Maud Dixon. Reclusive and eccentric, she lives in a remote carriage house and operates with a cold, highly individualistic philosophy. She fiercely guards her privacy and refuses to bow to public pressure for a sequel to her debut novel.

Greta is a 60-year-old literary agent representing the mysterious Maud Dixon. Ambitious and career-focused, she serves as one of the very few people who knows Helen Wilcox's true identity. She acts as the primary bridge between Helen's secluded country life and the bustling New York publishing world.

Vera is Florence's mother, living in Gainesville, Florida. She raised Florence as a single mother and harbors a strong religious conviction that her daughter is destined for extraordinary success. Her constant pressure often leaves Florence feeling inadequate.

Simon is the editorial director at Forrester Books in New York City. As an older, married man, he uses his position of authority to charm younger assistants. His interactions with Florence initially provide her with a sense of validation but quickly complicate her professional aspirations.

Ingrid is a successful actor and Simon Reed's wife. She possesses a glamorous confidence and is working on producing her own manuscript for a film. Her seemingly perfect life makes her an object of intense fascination for Florence.

Amanda is a junior editor at Forrester Books who embodies the privilege and insider knowledge of the New York publishing scene. She easily socializes in circles that Florence finds intimidating and represents the easy success Florence craves.

Hamid is a Moroccan police officer stationed near Semat. He handles the investigation of the car accident off the Rue Badr. He questions the surviving tourist regarding the events leading up to the vehicle plunging off the cliff.

Dan is an American embassy agent working in Morocco. He assists the local police with cases involving American citizens. He handles diplomatic protocols and passport issues for tourists in distress.

Nick is an attractive kiteboarder and expatriate living in Morocco. He holds a laid-back, egalitarian view of the world. His relaxed lifestyle provides a sharp contrast to the intense ambition found in the New York publishing industry.

Meg is a friendly young expatriate living in Morocco. She is deeply connected to the local social scene and quickly invites newcomers to gatherings with her friends.

Whitney is Florence's former high school friend who happens to be vacationing in Morocco. Her unexpected appearance threatens to connect Florence back to her past life in Florida.

Jeanette is Helen's childhood friend from Mississippi. Having served time in a correctional facility, she is the real-life inspiration for the character Ruby in the hit novel Mississippi Foxtrot.

Amira is the caretaker of the run-down Moroccan villa where the women stay. She quietly observes the guests while managing the property and tending to their basic needs.

Chloe is the daughter of Simon Reed and Ingrid Thorne. She attends school in the city and becomes an object of Florence's observation from afar.

Tabitha is the daughter of Simon Reed and Ingrid Thorne. Like her sister, she goes about her daily routine unaware of Florence watching her family.