Grace is a 27-year-old Korean American woman who lives with her parents in the San Fernando Valley. She works as a pharmacist at the family business, Woori Pharmacy, and relies on her mother to cook her meals and handle her laundry. She attends a Korean church and has little exposure to the broader social issues affecting Los Angeles. Her unquestioning loyalty to her parents faces a severe challenge when she learns a dark secret about her family's past.

Shawn is a 41-year-old Black man who works for a moving company based out of Northridge. Following a troubled youth involving gang activity and time in prison, he has successfully rehabilitated his life. He lives in Palmdale with his girlfriend, seeking peace while acting as a reliable father figure to his cousin's children. He carries lasting trauma from the murder of his teenage sister years prior.

Miriam is Grace's older sister who works as a writer and lives in Silver Lake. She distances herself from her parents' traditional expectations, preferring to engage actively in social justice movements. She refuses to speak to her mother and carries a heavy burden after uncovering a terrible family secret.

Ray is Shawn's 44-year-old cousin who has just been released from prison. He returns to Palmdale hoping to reconnect with his family, though he struggles with the transition to civilian life. He maintains a troubling nostalgia for his youthful days in the Baring Cross Crips, which creates friction with his new responsibilities.

Yvonne is a 54-year-old first-generation Korean American mother who runs Woori Pharmacy with her husband. She presents herself as a quiet, dedicated mother who takes meticulous care of her youngest daughter. She conceals a violent past from her days working at a convenience store, an event she refuses to show remorse for.

Ava is Shawn's older sister who died at age 16 during a confrontation at a liquor store. A talented piano player who won a prize for playing Chopin, she remains a powerful presence in her family's memories. Her tragic death serves as a public rallying cry for racial justice in Los Angeles.

Darryl is Ray's 16-year-old son who has grown up in Palmdale with a largely absent father. He begins skipping school and interacting with local gang members to cope with his feelings of isolation. He struggles to relate to his returning father while wrestling with deep anger over systemic injustice.

Sheila is Shawn and Ava's aunt who raised them after their parents passed away. She works as a public activist, speaking at rallies to keep Ava's memory alive in the media. She acts as the emotional anchor and primary caretaker for her extended family in Palmdale.

Paul is a 65-year-old Korean American man who manages the bookkeeping for his family's pharmacy in Northridge. He adheres to traditional patriarchal roles and expects his wife to handle all domestic duties. He fiercely protects his family's privacy and avoids discussing their difficult past at all costs.

Jasmine, known as Jazz, is Shawn's girlfriend, and Monique is her young daughter. They provide Shawn with a stable domestic life in Palmdale. Jazz previously worked as a nurse for Aunt Sheila, which led to her meeting Shawn.

Laneisha, or Nisha, is Ray's devoted wife who waited ten years for his release from prison. Dasha is their highly intelligent teenage daughter who participates actively in social justice protests. They form a core part of the Holloway household in Palmdale.

Jules is an older white journalist who wrote the definitive biography of Ava Matthews. He seeks to interview Miriam and Grace for a new book on anti-Black violence in Southern California. His presence stirs up old resentments for the Matthews family.

Detective Maxwell is a large, gruff LAPD homicide detective. He investigates a violent incident involving the Park family. He employs manipulative interview tactics, attempting to feign camaraderie to extract information from suspects and victims alike.

Duncan is Ray's childhood best friend who transitioned away from gang life to attend college. He currently owns a bar in the Antelope Valley. He remains fiercely loyal to Ray and provides him with part-time work upon his release.

Uncle Joseph is a devout member of the local Korean church and co-owner of Woori Pharmacy. Though not a blood relative, he supported the Park family during a past crisis and helped them establish their business in the Valley.

Blake is Miriam's older, wealthy white boyfriend who works as a screenwriter. He maintains a highly visible social media presence focused on activism. His loud, confrontational manner often makes Grace uncomfortable.

Manny is a 60-year-old moving company owner who previously worked as a mover himself. He provides Shawn with steady employment and demonstrates genuine concern for his personal well-being.

Alfonso is a young Black high school student from Bakersfield who was recently shot and killed by police. His highly publicized death fuels the Black Lives Matter movement and prompts protests across Los Angeles.

Quantavius, known as Quant, is a 35-year-old gang leader running a Baring Cross crew in Palmdale. He projects confidence and recruits vulnerable teenagers by framing gang life as a necessary brotherhood against a racist society.

Frank is a Korean American store owner operating a liquor store in South Los Angeles. He tries to make an honest living but faces intense hostility during the 1992 Los Angeles uprising.