Alan Flaherty
Allan is Suzanne's ex-husband and Noah's father. He is portrayed as a complex character who was sentenced to prison after being convicted of fraud. At the start of the novel, Allan is portrayed as a selfish character who was willing to go to any length to get what he wanted. He made no apologies and seemed unconcerned about the consequences of his actions. Allan is also depicted as a liar who was willing to deceive others to make money. He is also shown to be manipulative and controlling in his relationships, attempting to exert control over Suzanne and his son, Noah, even though both have made it clear that they do not want anything to do with him.
Allan is revealed to be more complex and nuanced as the novel progresses. He begins to express regret for his actions and is willing to make amends with those he has wronged. He is still selfish and manipulative, but he shows signs of change and growth. Allan becomes a more sympathetic and understanding character by the end of the novel.
Suzanne Flaherty
Suzanne is Noah's mother and Allan's wife. She is a strong-willed woman determined to forge a life for herself following her husband's incarceration. She is not afraid to take risks and venture into the unknown, as she does when she decides to relocate to a small town in Massachusetts and open a massage therapy business. She is also extremely naive and places far too much trust in others.
Despite her husband's betrayal, she remains confident in his ability to change and make things right. Suzanne also feels guilty and responsible for the victims of her husband's crimes, which motivates her to try to make amends by donating money to those in need. She also has a strong moral compass, as evidenced by her decision to donate the proceeds of her ex-illegal husband's gains to a group dedicated to preserving the whale's skeleton in a local museum.
Lydia
Lydia is Alan's second wife and a pivotal figure in the novel. She is a wealthy businesswoman who has had some setbacks and is looking for a new beginning. Despite his past, she is drawn to the stability Alan provides. Lydia is a wealthy woman who has worked hard to make a good life for herself. Her ambition frequently leads her to make difficult decisions, and she frequently fails to recognize the consequences of her actions.
Lydia is also extremely protective of her family and loved ones, going to great lengths to ensure their safety and security. Lydia, despite her strong personality, is also quite vulnerable and easily manipulated. She often puts her trust in the wrong people and has a hard time recognizing when someone is taking advantage of her.
Noah Flaherty
Noah is Suzanne and Alan's son. He is a college student who initially feels abandoned by his mother after she divorces his father. Despite his father's illegal activities, he continues to support him and refuses to speak to his mother. He is described as a bright, kind, and caring young man with a strong sense of loyalty and conviction, which leads him to support his father.
Noah is also described as being extremely stubborn, which is why he refuses to accept his mother's new life. He is a sincere young man who is determined to protect his father regardless of the consequences. He is a complex and nuanced character who, like the other characters, is struggling to make sense of his father's crimes' moral and ethical implications.
Sylvia
Sylvia is Alan's estranged mother and Noah's grandmother, who has been absent from his life for many years. She is portrayed as a self-centered woman who refused to take responsibility for her role in Alan's life. She is a complex character with ambiguous motivations. She is motivated by a desire for control and power, and she is willing to manipulate and exploit others to achieve her goals.
Sylvia is frequently portrayed as a villain who makes no apologies for her actions. She can be cruel and calculating at times, but she is also capable of empathy and understanding. Sylvia is often driven by her guilt and regret, and her decisions are often driven by her sense of responsibility.
