Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses substance use disorder and self-harm.

Tully Hart is one of the two main characters. Her friendship with Kate Mularkey Ryan is at the center of the previous book, Firefly Lane. Tully comes from a difficult background, being raised partly by her grandmother until her mother, who had abandoned her, returns when Tully is a child. Her mother, however, is a negligent parent who struggles with a substance use disorder and Tully finds herself lost and disadvantaged, until her friendship with Kate develops. Tully is essentially taken in by the Mularkeys and cared for as if she is their daughter. This role as “one of the family” continues into their adulthood when Kate marries Johnny Ryan and the two have children.

In the novel’s flashback, Tully herself speaks of the determination she had to better her life, despite living in relative poverty and having no parental guidance. Her dream to become a television news anchor is sparked at a young age, and, though her rise to stardom is depicted in Firefly Lane, it is apparent that Tully’s tenacity and determination aided her in building a successful career as a beloved talk show personality. Her career comes to define her life, bringing her not only fame and wealth, but the respect and admiration of the public at large.