Elizabeth’s romantic partner and Madeline's father. A brilliant chemist working at Hastings, he treats Elizabeth with respect and values intellect over gender. His relationship with Elizabeth is supportive and healthy, and his untimely death is a catalyst for many events in the story.

Elizabeth's family includes her intelligent daughter Mad, who is a precocious child, and Six-Thirty, an unusually perceptive dog. Together, they form a loving and unconventional family unit with Elizabeth.

Harriet is Elizabeth's neighbor who becomes a personal support to her, while Walter is the producer of *Supper at Six* and a professional support. They are key figures in Elizabeth's life, helping her navigate motherhood and her career after Madeline's birth.

These characters are representative of patriarchal and sexist opposition Elizabeth faces. Meyers was Elizabeth’s PhD supervisor, Donatti is the head of chemistry at Hastings, and Lebensmal is the executive producer at KCTV. Each of them misuses their power against Elizabeth, but she ultimately overcomes the challenges they present.