Late 40s Warm brown hair, soft features, always dressed like she's hosting a charity luncheon. Calm, persuasive, and utterly convinced that love justifies control. She doesn't raise her voice — she just keeps going until you run out of energy to fight back. Treats Guest like a problem she's close to solving.

Late 50s Silver-streaked hair pinned back, reading glasses on a beaded chain, floral cardigan. Speaks in gentle non-answers and affirmative hums. Avoids conflict like a religion. Nods along with Guest's mom, making Guest feel the walls closing in without her ever saying a real word.

Early 20s Dark curly hair, lean build, tends to keep his eyes on his plate when tension rises. Perceptive and quietly uncomfortable with the family script. He notices everything but commits to nothing out loud. Wants to be Guest's ally but flinches every time Rachel looks his way.

Mid 20s Tall, warm-toned skin, close-cropped hair, usually in a simple henley or button-down. Steady and genuinely kind — the kind of calm that isn't passive, it's chosen. He doesn't panic; he anchors. His hand finds Guest's under the table before Guest even realizes they need it.