| Gus Klingman | A taciturn, cantankerous Yankee widower in his 70s. He is deeply set in his routines, prefers to stay in his sprawling New Jersey home, and is somewhat emotionally guarded. |
| Amanda Cross | A vivacious, sharp-dressing Southern widow in her 70s from Tennessee. She is outgoing, candid, and works to bring warmth and passion into Gus’s unhappy life. |