Lindsey Howells

Impulsive and impatient, Lindsey is quite prepared to ruffle a few feathers in order to get what she wants. Her tactlessness can be hurtful to her friends, whom she often takes for granted, but underneath it all she has mostly good intentions. If people can't recognise that, it's their problem. A few daring men have tried to win her affections but she is in no mood to settle down and is easily bored. A graduate in graphic design, she returned to her home town to take a job at Wellingbone's, a local printing company. She lives alone on the outskirts of Fewbury.

Robin Fear

Poor old Robin has led a sheltered existence and lacks the life skills of his contemporaries. Quiet and nervous, he finds it hard to make an impression on people and bluffs his way through most situations. Found work at Wellingbone's where he became a colleague to Lindsey. Subsequently developed something of an obsession with her but doesn't have the confidence to act upon it. Formed a friendship at work with Claire Varney until she left to work for an estate agent, but they remain good friends. Has a sister called Amanda with whom he shares little in common.

Trixie Miller

Known by everyone as Trix, she is Lindsey's best friend and all round good egg. Her patience and understanding is often taken advantage of but she will stand up for herself if pushed. Her opinions tend to be taken with a pinch of salt as she changes her mind a lot. Works for an accountancy firm and is in danger of becoming sucked into a world of modest expectation. Loves nondescript music and shopping for clothes. Rents out the second room of her flat to Zoe. Doesn't like making waves but won't suffer fools either. Romantically attached to Bern.

Amanda Fear

Robin's younger sister. She is still in school but works at the local cinema on Saturdays. Although she can be affectionate to her friends, she is also tenacious and stubborn - if she sees an injustice, she will fight to correct it. Thinks her brother is a bit of a wet lettuce and wishes he'd stand up for himself and others a bit more. Amanda uses her innocent looks to her advantage, playing on people's perceptions of her to acquire things that she needs. Doesn't mind being underestimated - it gives her the edge over her doubters.

Zoe Ambrose

Aloof and mysterious, Zoe is Trix's flatmate and often has to play agony aunt to her trivial woes. Never one to toe the line, Zoe balances a love of death metal music with a fondness for literature and is open minded about most things. Raised by adoptive parents after being adandoned outside a snooker club as a baby, she has never been able to trace her real parents. Fairly tactful and easy to get on with, but calls things as she sees them if asked. Not too many men are on her wavelength, so her relationships tend to be short lived.

Claire Varney

Cynical and dry humoured, Claire likes to champion the underdog. Perhaps this is why she is friends with Robin. Creative and restless, she would like to get out of Fewbury and travel the world one day. She worries about getting stuck in a rut and therefore likes to change jobs quite frequently but is currently working for R Holmes, a local estate agency. Claire is independent and happy in her own company. Has a twin brother Craig but they aren't as close as everyone assumes they should be.

Phil Jolly

Widely regarded as the bleakest man in Fewbury, he acquired the nickname 'Necro Phil' from his fellow patrons at The Death House, a local club for goths and misfits among whom he has developed a cult following. His gloomy disposition could be attributed to having witnessed his parents die in a fire at a holiday camp when he was 13. Now lives with his gran. Irked by his surname, he tends to keep it a secret. As a loner, he has never had anyone to seriously challenge his beliefs.

Bernard Stubbs

Known as Bern, this cheeky fellow likes to charm the ladies. His interests don't extend too far beyond cars, football and meeting his mates down the pub. Doesn't lack confidence and isn't afraid to punch above his weight. Not very good with money. Works as an electrician for Voltz Limited. His current girlfriend Trix has been a calming influence on his excitable nature but she needs to keep an eye on him. Bern's world view has been largely shaped by a misogynistic father and two elder brothers whose influence is less than helpful.