Elaine
Elaine is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. She is from Toronto, and during her childhood she experiences bullying, which impacts her for the rest of her life. Later, she returns to Toronto to showcase her art.
Cordelia
Cordelia was Elaine's friend, but becomes her enemy after bullying her in childhood. She is presented as a cruel child who is very manipulative. The two women's lives are compared as they grow up. Ultimately, Cordelia is admitted to a mental hospital by her parents, and Elaine refuses to help her. This is something that haunts Elaine for the rest of her life.
Stephen Risley
Stephen is Elaine's brother. Although close with Elaine in childhood, he becomes distant as they grow older. Elaine and Stephen meet up in Toronto, however the pair don't have much in common, and he seems to have forgotten a lot of details about their childhood.
Jon
Jon is Elaine's first husband. Their relationship is unhealthy, and Jon has many affairs, but Elaine marries him because they have a daughter together.
Ben
Elaine later marries Ben, who is a much better husband than Jon. He is presented as kind and simple.
