... has been a globally successful pop star since his early 20s, with a string of international hit singles and albums. He has now grown tired of being famous and is desperate to live a normal life again, away from press intrusion and obsessed fans, where his every move is scrutinised. He is estranged from his siblings, Jake and Alice, when our story begins. When he isn't on tour or doing promotional trips, he lives on an impressive estate in Arundel. Like his brother and sister, he has been an ABBA fan since his childhood.

... lives a solitary life in the house she inherited from her parents in Rottingdean. She loves travelling, food and collecting memorabilia by her favourite artists, although her few remaining friends often wonder where she gets all the money from. When we first meet her, she has recently won a weekend trip to Paris, and as usual, is looking forward to fleecing her travelling companions. She hasn't seen her two brothers since she ousted them from her life several years previously.

... is in a very unhappy marriage with his wife, Sue, when we first meet him. They live in an impressive house in Hove and are supported by a team of house staff, including a Spanish gardener called Enrique. Jake has been out of work for so long now that he has almost given up hope of ever finding a job. At the beginning of the story, he is estranged from both his siblings, although he admires his brother from afar, and dreams of re-establishing contact with him one day.