Athletic, watchful. An aspiring coach and phys. ed. teacher, Joe is a sports maniac — something he got from his dad. He’s a natural leader, but not a tyrant: his friends gravitate to his focus and fun-loving nature. 

Athletic, future college athlete, man of few words. The team’s quarterback, Donnelly has been Joe’s best friend since pre-school. He has seen the toll that Marvin’s illness has taken on Joe, and keeps a watchful eye out for his friend.

Class clown, party avatar, friends with everyone. Words-per-minute are high even for native New Yorkers. Here for a good time, not a long time. 

Determined, hair always up, doesn’t take shit. Becc has known these boys since they had snot noses, so she’s not intimidated at all. When she came out as gay in 9th grade, that helped the boys finally relax and stop being weird. 

Like if ‘90s Al Pacino was a sophomore in high school — so instead of chipping cocaine he is overprescribed for Adderrall. 

High school football varsity captain. Knee injury kept him off the field in college. Finally married his high school sweetheart after about 15 years of on-again-off-again. Works in the accounting department of a mid-size construction firm. 

Female, 30s, Eritrean. Performer must be partially fluent in Tigrinya. Selam is the eldest daughter of Eritrean refugees, the firstborn in a new country, raised between worlds. From an early age, she was tasked with adult responsibilities like translating for her parents, managing family logistics, parenting her younger siblings, and becoming the family’s symbol of success. She is the first to go to university, the first to achieve “stability,” and the one on whom the family’s hopes quietly rest but that responsibility came at a price. As the stoic, high-achiever, Selam learned to suppress her needs, compartmentalize her pain, and perform composure. And now, after the sudden death of her youngest sister, Betty, those lifelong repressed emotions have nowhere left to hide. Her grief, unprocessed and long-denied, is beginning to rupture her carefully curated self-image and threaten her fragile mental state. What appears as a haunting may actually be the emotional aftermath of a life spent surviving rather than feeling. Selam represents the emotional cost of being the “model” daughter, the immigrant child who carries generational survival on her back. Her journey is one of internal collapse and a reckoning with identity, grief, and the trauma of never being allowed to feel. Performer must be partially fluent in Tigrinya.

Brilliant genetic researcher who gave up her career to marry Jerry. Selfless and deeply in love, she suffers betrayal, miscarriage, and late-stage cancer. Her hidden identity as Dr. X becomes key to her eventual rebirth and empowerment.

Chairman of Wilson Medical Group. Megan’s cold and neglectful husband, emotionally entangled with Rachel. Over time, he faces the consequences of his choices and becomes haunted by regret after Megan’s decline and disappearance.

Jerry’s mistress and secretary, later revealed to be pregnant. Manipulative and ruthless, she schemes to destroy Megan and secure her position as Mrs. Wilson.

Compassionate surgeon who saves Megan multiple times. He admires her brilliance as Dr. X and becomes her supporter, confidant, and possible love interest when Jerry fails her.

Jerry’s mother, the Wilson family matriarch. Warm and kind to Megan, she pressures them to stay married and have an heir, unknowingly forcing Megan to endure more suffering.

The tragic heroine who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up her health and reputation to save Nolan. She returns five years later as a food delivery driver, desperate to earn money to save her daughter, Mia. 20-30 years old, White/Caucasian, strong emotional range, neutral accent.

The powerful, vengeful CEO who was betrayed by the woman he loved at his lowest point. He is unaware that the life he is living - and the heart beating in his chest - was a gift from the woman he now hates. 25-35 years old, White/Caucasian, imposing presence, neutral accent.

Nolan's beautiful, ambitious fiancée who has leveraged her family's power to secure her position. She is fiercely possessive and manipulative, viewing Elena as a threat to be eradicated at all costs. 20-30 years old, Any Ethnicity, elegant and polished look, neutral accent.

Nolan's fiercely loyal best friend and trusted right-hand man who acts as the moral compass of the story. He suspects the depth of Elena's past sacrifice and helps shield her and Mia when necessary. 25-35 years old, Any Ethnicity, trustworthy and grounded appearance, neutral accent.

Elena and Nolan's sweet, innocent five-year-old daughter who is frequently ill due to a congenital heart condition. She is the secret Elena protects and the reason for the heroine's desperate choices. 5-10 years old, White/Caucasian, small frame, bright and expressive eyes.

BIPOC A busy and brusque Crown Prosecutor whose no-nonsense attitude masks a heavy caseload and limited patience. He meets with Cal about Ben’s charges but offers little sympathy, emphasizing the legal system’s rigidity over personal context. Though not malicious, he’s sharp, overworked, and focused on efficiency rather than empathy.

A no-frills butcher delivery worker who drops off boxes at The Lodge kitchen.

A friendly and reliable server at The Lodge, who steps up when another staff member calls in sick. Calm under pressure and quick to help, Donovan is a team player with an easygoing rapport.