The brooding protagonist from Chino who is taken in by the Cohen family(Sandy, Kristen, and Seth), navigating life in Newport while staying loyal to his roots.

Seth Cohen, Ryan's best friend and the quirky comic-book-loving heart of the show, known for his sarcasm.

The popular and spirited "It girl" who evolves from a materialistic teen to a more grounded person, sharing a turbulent relationship with Seth.

She's a privileged Newport beach socialite, whose outwardly perfect life masks deep seated emotional struggles.

The idealistic and supportive father figure to Ryan and Seth, balancing his career as a public defender with his family life.

The matriarch of the Cohen family, who grows from being initially wary of Ryan to becoming a loving, protective mother figure.