*Notable Families*

The Hartleys (Includes Vale)

Once the most powerful family in the valley, the Hartleys now live with dignity and shadow. They are one of the founding families of Resin Grove.

Thomas Hartley

Father of Claire and Blake

Stoic and broad-shouldered, with silver-threaded dark blond hair and steel-gray eyes like his son’s. Thomas speaks rarely but decisively, carrying the weight of unspoken history. Once a respected civic figure, years of family tension and quiet disappointments have left him introspective, watching the town he helped shape change in ways beyond his control. There’s dignity in his silences—and a deep, aching pride in both his children, even when unspoken.

Elise Hartley (née Vale) - 39

Mother of Claire and Blake

Elegant and perceptive, Elise has long golden-blonde hair, carefully styled, and sharp gray-blue eyes that miss nothing. Raised in the town of Honey Hollow, she brings quiet but steely resolve to the Hartley legacy. Fiercely intelligent with a dry wit and high standards, she can cut through a lie with one raised eyebrow. She understands power and pressure but wants more for her children than just names on a family tree.

Blake & Claire Hartley

See main characters.

Edward Vale

Father of Nadia and Nick; Elise Hartley’s older brother

Tall and composed, with blond hair and dark eyes, Edward Vale moved to Resin Grove in the early 2000s following Elise. Quieter than his sister but equally sharp and dutiful, he is a man of measured words and steady routines. He once taught literature at the local college before shifting to legal consulting. Edward believes in legacy but knows its weight. Close with Elise, they sometimes clash over sharper edges. Nadia inherits her authority from him; Nick his wry humor.

Marisol Vale (née Duarte) - 37

Mother of Nadia and Nick

Born and raised in Resin Grove, Marisol is warm, witty, and observant — a woman who knows everyone and remembers everything. With rich brown hair, warm hazel eyes, and a magnetic laugh, she softens Edward’s formality with creativity and emotional intelligence. A former local journalist, now managing communications for the school district, she is the go-to for the real story—or a favor. Marisol raised her children to think critically and love loudly.

Nick & Nadia Vale

Cousins of the Hartleys. See main characters.

Emma Vale - 29

Youngest of the Vale siblings

Still living in Honey Hollow, Emma is Elise and Edward’s younger sister—a woman that loves to have fun and partying. A writer on science, philosophy, and psychology, she also channels her imagination into fiction writing in her spare time. With curly gold hair and freckled skin, Emma is the wild Vale. She’s close to her nieces and nephews, often calling to check up on them.

The Ashbournes

De facto rulers of Ridgewood Heights and one of Resin Grove’s founding families. Image-obsessed, impeccably dressed, and unshakably elite.

Veronica Ashbourne (née Escofier)

Matriarch of the Ashbourne family, Veronica is regal and poised, with sharp French-Canadian features—high cheekbones, striking dark eyes, and raven-black hair usually worn in a perfect chignon. Raised with old-world manners and an iron will, she demands perfection and absolute loyalty from her children, molding them into extensions of the family’s prestige. Though icy and exacting on the surface, Veronica cares deeply for her children—her protectiveness often hidden beneath a veneer of control. She shares a rare and enduring friendship with Alexandra Rousseau, forged in their school days in Quebec. This bond between the two women—both fiercely intelligent and fiercely loyal—has shaped family ties across state lines and generations.

Marcus Ashbourne

Patriarch and CEO of Ashbourne Holdings, Marcus embodies quiet power. Tall and broad-shouldered, with closely cropped salt-and-pepper hair and steely gray eyes, he commands respect without raising his voice. Ambitious and unyielding, Marcus is a master strategist who runs the family empire with an iron grip wrapped in velvet gloves. While demanding and expectant of unwavering commitment to the Ashbourne legacy, he cares for his children in a reserved, measured way—supportive but less openly emotional than Veronica. Together, they form a formidable parental front: demanding, protective, and fiercely loyal.

Julian, Vivienne (Vivi), and Camille Ashbourne

See main characters.

The Hathaways

A distant branch of the Ashbournes who’ve built their own quieter legacy in Michigan. Ambitious and polished, they carry the Ashbourne charisma with a softer edge.

Arthur Hathaway

Amelia’s father, Arthur is a handsome man with the Ashbourne trademark red hair, now streaked with hints of coppery gray. Tall and lean with a ready smile, he exudes ambition and charm, having carved a respected place in Michigan’s business world. His calm demeanor masks a relentless drive to prove his branch of the family is just as vital as the Heights. Arthur balances old family pride with modern savvy, encouraging Amelia’s independence while expecting excellence.

Alexandra Hathaway (née Rousseau)

Arthur’s wife and Amelia’s mother, Alexandra is warm and perceptive with soft auburn hair and kind hazel eyes. She was Arthur’s high school sweetheart, known for her quick wit and steady grace. Alexandra manages the household and social calendar with effortless poise, a quiet pillar in the family’s ambitions. She has a keen sense of people and often serves as Amelia’s confidante and adviser, encouraging her to navigate the family legacy with a blend of strategy and empathy. A lifelong friend of Veronica Ashbourne from their shared early school years.

Amelia Hathaway

See main characters.

The Woodsens

A respected middle-class family originally from Sunset Haven. Principled, steady, and nurturing, they embody quiet strength and a strong sense of community.

Rick Woodsen

Originally from Sunset Haven and a second cousin to Damon Woodsen, Rick has sandy blond hair flecked with gray and steady blue eyes. Tall and lean, he moved to Resin Grove in the ’90s for college and settled there. A calm and principled man, Rick works in education administration and provides a steady, supportive presence for his family.

Eleonor Woodsen (née Hugh)

Born and raised in Resin Grove, Eleonor shares the family’s light blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Petite yet confident, she works as a high school counselor, balancing empathy with clear guidance. Meeting Rick at college forged a partnership grounded in mutual respect and steady values.

Ethan and Lena Woodsen

See main characters.

The Luis

Once a prominent name in Ridgewood Heights, the Luis family now maintains a polished facade as their influence quietly fades. Their wealth, built on a real estate empire, is crumbling, but pride and appearances remain fiercely guarded.

Erik Lui

Cautious and proud, Erik clings to the image of success even as the family legacy wavers. He is measured and deliberate, always calculating the next move to protect what’s left.

Lisa Lui (née White)

Warm yet sharp, Lisa navigates social circles with practiced charm. She balances loyalty to her family with a keen understanding of shifting power dynamics, making her both approachable and formidable.

Max Lui

See main characters.

The Bellamys

Grounded and resilient, with roots in the valley’s blue-collar legacy. Their name, once linked to industry, now speaks to survival and strength.

Nadine Bellamy

Zeke and Malik’s mother, Nadine is a doctor at the county hospital. She has a dry wit and unwavering strength, serving as the backbone of her household. Her calm, steady presence holds the family together through challenges.

Elijah Bellamy

Grandfather to Zeke and Malik, Elijah is a jazz enthusiast and local storyteller. Living just three blocks away, he’s a well of wisdom and neighborhood history, sharing tales that root the family in the community.

Andre Smith

Father of Zeke and Malik. Andre moved out of state when Zeke was thirteen, drifting from the family but never demonized—more a distant figure than an enemy.

Isaiah “Zeke” Bellamy

See main characters.

Malik Bellamy (12)

Bright and observant, Malik is Zeke’s younger brother and biggest fan. He’s sharp-minded and curious, often trying to keep up with his older brother’s intensity. Malik admires Zeke deeply and is beginning to find his own voice in the family, balancing youthful energy with a thoughtful streak.

The Carringtons

Known for their family-owned restaurant and down-to-earth warmth, the Carringtons are woven into the town’s daily life.

Luke Carrington

Co-owner of Basil & Crumb, Luke is a steady, approachable man with blond hair starting to gray at the temples and clear blue eyes that reflect his friendly nature. He’s broad-shouldered and comfortable in a well-worn apron, the kind of guy who knows everyone’s name and story. Luke’s easy smile and patient demeanor make him a pillar of the community and a grounding presence for his family.

Haily Carrington (née Jones)

Co-owner of Basil & Crumb, Haily keeps the business and family running with quiet grace and grit. She has soft blonde hair often pulled back in a practical bun and sharp blue eyes that miss little. Warm but no-nonsense, Haily balances the chaos of the café with a steady hand and a ready laugh. She’s the heart of the Carrington household, blending warmth with efficiency.

Alyssa Carrington (18)

See main characters.

Sophia "Sophie" Carrington (16)

See younger teen characters