Katey is the narrator and main character of the story. Katey is in late middle age when the narrative opens with the prologue. The story then flashes back to New Year’s Eve in 1937, when Katey is in her mid-20s. She is smart, well-read, and apt at reading people. One of her favorite books is Walden, though she also comes to love Agatha Christie novels due to their predictability. As Katey navigates New York with friends that ebb and flow, she also navigates New York social classes as she moves up the ladder due to new friends, new jobs, and sheer good luck. At every step, Katey meets people along the way who color her life, while also trying her best to remain grounded. 

Eve is a gorgeous girl from the Midwest (Indiana). She is also Katey’s best friend and roommate. Eve’s father secured her a job at Pembroke Press, and though he’s well-off, Eve makes the decision to go it alone in New York and refuses money and aide from her family. Eve can be jealous and prone to anger, so Katey tries her best to let Eve deal with Tinker. Whenever it seems like Tinker might be more into Katey than her, Eve throws a tantrum.