Lily
Lily is a recent college graduate looking for closure following the death of her father. She is looking for a boyfriend and is drawn to Ryle Kincaid, a resident surgeon. She finds herself revisiting her past and yearning for closure after the death of her father, who was abusive to her mother, as well as Atlas Corrigan, an 18-year-old homeless boy whom she had helped when he was without a home and family.
Despite her growing feelings for Ryle, Lily realizes she can't stay with him after he abuses her and decides to divorce him to break the cycle of domestic violence. Atlas eventually brings her closure, and she decides to pursue a relationship with him.
Ryle
Ryle is a resident surgeon with a troubled past. He is attractive, witty, and self-assured, but he struggles with controlling his temper. He is devoted to his family, especially his younger sister, Allysa, whom he adores. He has difficulty expressing his emotions, which causes him to struggle in relationships. Ryle, too, is looking for a casual fling and is wary of commitment. His previous experiences with his brother's death, his father's abuse, and his temper issues have left him feeling vulnerable and insecure about himself and his relationships.
Despite Ryle's flaws, he is devoted and determined to see things through. He is willing to fight for the relationship and attempt to save it. He is willing to fight for the relationship and try to be a better person for Lily.
Atlas Corrigan
Atlas is an 18-year-old homeless boy whom Lily meets when she is 15 years old. He is streetwise and self-sufficient, but he is also compassionate and loyal. He is a romantic who believes in justice and morality. When Lily is going through a difficult time, he is kind to her and offers her support and friendship. He is willing to forego his comfort to assist her and protect her from her father's abuse. When he confronts Ryle and protects Lily, he is courageous.
Atlas strives to improve his life and secure a better future for himself despite the challenges. He is honest with Lily and keeps his promises, which is shown when he keeps his promise to come back for her sixteenth birthday, despite the danger it puts him in. His love for Lily is strong and he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her and make sure she's happy.
Ryle's parents
Ryle's parents are mentioned for the first time when Lily meets them over dinner with Ryle and his sister. Ryle's father is a retired accountant, and his mother is a retired nurse, and they are described as a quiet couple. They appear to be a supportive family, and while they appear to be estranged from Ryle, it is clear that they adore him and Allysa and are proud of their achievements.
They are also described as being generous and kind to Lily. They appear to understand Lily's career and relationship with Ryle, and they appear to be supportive of her. Unfortunately, they are unaware of Ryle's abuse of Lily and will remain so until the novel's conclusion, when Lily finally divorces Ryle.
Lily's mother
Lily's mother is a strong and resilient woman who has been abused by her husband. She is a caring and loving mother who prioritizes her daughter's happiness over her own. She is a caring and understanding woman who listens to Lily and offers sound advice.
She is wise and experienced, and she is not afraid to share her story with her daughter to assist her in making the best decisions. Despite her abuse, she is not judgmental or cynical and is willing to accept Lily's relationship with Atlas. She is a caring and supportive mother who is always available to Lily when she requires it.
Marshall
Marshall is Ryle Kincaid's best friend. He is a kind and supportive friend who listens to Ryle's feelings and concerns and offers him advice and guidance. He is understanding and patient, and he frequently acts as a mediator between Ryle and Lily. He is also loyal; when Lily accuses Ryle of pushing her down the stairs, Marshall immediately defends him, even though Lily and Allysa both doubt Ryle's innocence.
Marshall has a sarcastic sense of humor and is always on the lookout for Ryle, making sure he is doing the right thing. He is a dependable friend who is always willing to assist.
Allysa
Allysa is Ryle's supportive and loving sister, but she is also fiercely loyal to her friends, including Lily. She is understanding, patient, and loyal, and she will go to any length to ensure Lily and her child's safety. Even though it hurts her, she is unafraid to confront her brother.
Allysa is aware of the dynamics of abuse and has a strong sense of what is right and wrong. She loves her brother, but she is not afraid to tell him he is wrong and must accept responsibility for his actions. Allysa is also sensitive, kind, and always willing to help.
Ryle's brother
Ryle's brother is never named and is only briefly mentioned in one chapter. He is mentioned as the cause of Ryle's rages and violent outbursts because he allegedly died as a result of an accidental gunshot fired by Ryle when he was six years old. This incident appears to have harmed Ryle, leaving him with feelings of guilt and a proclivity to become violent and aggressive.
Ryle's brother is only mentioned in passing and no other information is provided about him, but it is through him that the readers learn why Ryle is disturbed.
