Fallon O'Neil
Fallon is a strong young woman who adores performing. She is determined to pursue her goal of acting despite the tragedy of the fire that left her wounded. She is eager to relocate to New York, despite her father's opposition. She also demonstrates tenacity in her connection with Ben, renewing their five-year experiment despite feeling misled and hurt by him.
Fallon is compassionate toward Ben and his family, bringing him comfort and support throughout his difficult time. She also exhibits empathy and understanding for Donovan, realizing that while he discouraged her from pursuing acting, he was merely trying to protect her.
Fallon is also devoted and trustworthy as indicated by her readiness to meet Ben at the same restaurant every year for the past five years, even though they never spoke in between those encounters. Finally, Fallon is selfless as seen by her decision to terminate the experiment and release Ben when she believes he has found someone else.
Donovan O'Neil
Donovan O'Neil is a multifaceted figure with numerous facets. He is a protective and loving father who only wants the best for Fallon. He is also knowledgeable, giving her advice based on his own experience in the performing industry. Donovan is also estranged from his daughter emotionally. His statements to Fallon demonstrate a lack of comprehension of her dreams and he refuses to show her sympathy or understanding.
Donovan is a flawed character as well. He is to blame for the fire that disfigured Fallon and for failing to communicate with his daughter. He is also prone to hiding secrets as proven by his failure to disclose the death of his mother. Furthermore, he is willing to make amends with his daughter as he gives her homework to reconnect with him. Finally, Donovan is forgiving as seen when he listens to Ben’s explanation of his actions.
Benton "Ben" James Kessler
Benton "Ben" James Kessler has a wide range of characteristics. He is devoted and faithful as indicated by his willingness to pose as Fallon's lover to shield her from her father's criticism. He is compassionate and understanding as he is moved by Fallon's scars and her narrative. As he confronts Donovan O'Neil, he is also brave and willing to stand up for what he believes in. Furthermore, Ben is protective; he intervenes to rescue Fallon from her date and takes her to get a tattoo of him.
Ben has both positive and negative characteristics. He is manipulative and cunning as he conceals his mother's death from Fallon. He is extremely impetuous as evidenced by his sleeping with Jordyn, which nearly destroys his relationship with Fallon. Finally, Ben is motivated and ambitious as seen when he works hard to write a novel based on their relationship and is desperate to reunite with Fallon despite the hurdles that stand in their way.
Amber
Amber is Fallon's dearest friend and a wonderful source of support for her. Amber is a devoted friend who not only supports Fallon's relationship with Ben but also helps her pack for New York and introduces her to Glenn. Amber is also an excellent listener, and she was patient as Fallon discussed her plans to pursue acting. Amber is also caring and sensitive; when she realized how sad Fallon was following Ben's confession, she became concerned for her.
Amber is also intelligent and insightful; she gives Fallon advice from her mother about not getting involved with someone until she is 23. She is also highly protective of her friend and will defend her when necessary. For example, when Fallon's father suggests that she pursue another job rather than acting, Amber is the one who speaks up and informs him that there are many actresses with physical limitations who have found success in Hollywood.
Glenn
Glenn is loyal and supportive. He is committed to Amber and their relationship. He feels protective of Fallon and Ben because he witnessed Fallon's father's cruelty and stepped in to defend her. Glenn is likewise supportive of Fallon and her ambitions, urging her to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. He also takes the initiative to speak with Ben and ensure that he is taking care of Fallon throughout their time apart.
Glenn demonstrates his support for Ben by assisting him in planning his brother's and fiancée's wedding and he is a continuous presence in Fallon's life. He is also a caring and understanding partner as evidenced when he comforts Amber in her grief over Kyle’s death.
Ian
Ian is a responsible, loyal, and caring character in the story. He is Ben and Kyle's brother. He is continuously concerned for his younger siblings as indicated by his presence during Jordyn's funeral and his counsel to Ben over his relationship with Fallon. He also encourages Ben's ambitions and lets him borrow his car to get to the airport. He is devoted to his family as seen when he does not get angry even after Kyle lashes out in rage at him.
Ian is also very kind; he is willing to care for Kyle and Jordyn's newborn, Oliver, and he is always present for Ben and Fallon when they need him. When Kyle dies, he consoles Ben and Jordyn and he assists Jordyn with her unborn child. Ian is likewise devoted to Ben and will support him even if his relationship with Fallon is strained. He is also compassionate and supportive of Fallon when she is dealing with her scars.
Kyle
He is devoted to his family, especially his two older brothers, Ben and Ian, whom he adores. He believes in them and encourages them when they need it. Kyle is also incredibly protective of his family, particularly his fiancée Jordyn. When Fallon meets Kyle and Jordyn before their wedding, he expresses concern for her safety and advises her to avoid his brother.
He also looks out for his brother, Ben, and is quick to defend him when Fallon's father insults him in the restaurant. Kyle's dedication and protectiveness are also visible in his connection with Jordyn; he is committed to her, and even after learning that she is pregnant with another man's child, he remains by her side and is eager to raise the child as his own. Overall, Kyle is a loyal, dependable, and kind individual who prioritizes the needs of his family.
Fallon's mother
Fallon's mother is always looking out for her daughter's best interests, even when she isn't aware of it. For example, after Fallon meets Ben and decides to embark on a 5-year experiment with him, her mother warns her not to commit to anyone until she is 23 years old. This demonstrates that her mother is concerned not only with her daughter's mental well-being but also with her daughter's relationship decisions. When Fallon returns from New York following the revelation of Ben and Jordyn's relationship, her mother is understanding and supportive. She pays attention to Fallon's emotions and lets her grieve in her way.
When Fallon is fighting to accept the reality of the fire, her mother finds a way to help her daughter view things differently. She insists on Fallon reading Ben's manuscript, which helps her understand what happened that night in a non-malicious way. This shows her mother's sensitivity and readiness to set aside her sentiments to aid her daughter.
Jordyn
Jordyn is a selfless and loyal character. She is engaged to Kyle and is willing to give up her happiness for his sake. Despite her personal feelings, she supports Ben and Fallon's love and is willing to give up her own goals to help raise Kyle's newborn son. Jordyn is a strong and resilient woman. Despite her fiancé's death, she is determined to go on and make the best of a bad situation. She is also compassionate and empathetic as evidenced by her readiness to counsel Fallon on how to reconcile with her father.
