A Greek man in his sixties who shares his life story with Faye on a plane to Athens, characterized by his eccentric appearance and shifting narrative, which highlights his complex personal history and unreliable narration.

A playwright Faye meets in Athens, who shares many similarities with Faye, including being English and recently divorced; she struggles with writer's block after a traumatic mugging and navigates her identity post-divorce.

A fellow writer and workshop participant whom Faye finds irritating due to his habits and cavalier approach to relationships; he is considering a shift in his writing style to find new creative inspiration.

An old friend of Faye and a writer-publisher, who reflects on his life and relationships, offering insights into the nature of progress and acceptance that contrast with the characters' other personal struggles.

A famous feminist writer whose stylish appearance belies an anxious expression, she participates in conversations with Faye that reveal insights into themes of marriage, motherhood, and identity.

Participants in Faye's writing workshop, whose discussions about storytelling and the author's role explore the text's metafictional elements and themes of creativity.

A frustrated student in Faye's class, openly expressing her disappointment with the course, symbolizing a critical voice that challenges Faye's approach to teaching and storytelling.