Stephen Vance, A brilliant, hyper-ambitious corporate executive or tech entrepreneur who achieved elite status and immense wealth exceptionally early in life. Having Stephanie at age 22 drove him to work twice as hard as his peers. He is sharp, intensely analytical, and used to being the commanding force in any room, but his rapid rise to the top means his life back home was a non-stop blur of meetings and flights.

Lauren Vance, Elegant, stunning, and deeply cultured. Having Stephanie when she was just 19 means she grew up alongside her daughter in many ways, but it also meant she had to adapt quickly to the high-society lifestyle Stephen’s explosive career provided. While she navigates the world of country clubs and elite charity galas with total grace, she has always possessed a sharp, quiet resilience. Lauren takes charge in her country clubs yoga class, she’s very strong and fit.

Stephanie Vance, The sheltered, beloved only child of the Vance family. She is a recent high school graduate, fiercely intelligent, Lauren was captain of her cheerleaders during school but completely used to a world where every problem can be solved with her parents' resources. Because her parents are so young and successful, she feels an underlying pressure to prove her own maturity, which is part of why she is so intensely committed to her relationship with Aiden.

A sharp, independent kid from a working-class background who grew up roughing it—working summer construction jobs, fishing, and spending his youth outdoors. He won a scholarship to a prestigious school where he met Stephanie. He is highly aware that Stephen looks down on him as an outsider who "doesn't belong" in their world.