Jack is an irascible old guy dwelling in a large assisted living facility. He enjoys poetry (some of which he has memorized), physics, philosophy, and annoying people.

George is a middle-aged man, apparently unemployed, who visits with Jack fairly often. He's interested in philosophy and physics and wondering what the heck he's doing with his life.

Esmeralda is George's teenage daughter. She sometimes reads to Jack. She's very bright and sarcastic.

Annie is Esme's mother and George's ex-wife. She supports the two of them but she doesn't enjoy it.

Bev volunteers at the local food pantry. She sometimes sees George there.

Ben lives in the same facility as Jack. He and Jack get into cranky old man discussions on occasion. His memory isn't so good.

Frank is a relatively recent arrival at the facility. He used to be a paleontologist. He's very, very tall.