Charles “Big Chuck” Henderson - a man of freedom, flavor, and full-throttle living. A mid-forties American patriot with a deep love for highways, hot sauce, and high-fives, Chuck finds joy in grilling ribs at sunrise, saluting bald eagles, and explaining why everything is better when it's deep-fried. He wears his cowboy hat indoors, outdoors, and sometimes in the shower. Whether he's hauling cargo across state lines or declaring a random Tuesday “National Freedom Day,” Chuck is the living, laughing embodiment of American gusto – unfiltered, oversized, and oddly charming.

Penelope Worthington – or “Proper Penelope”, as her former students, baffled tourists, and long-suffering neighbours have come to know her. A thirty-something English teacher from London with aristocratic roots and an unshakable loyalty to Queen's English, Penelope is the embodiment of British decorum. Whether commenting dryly on the weather (“Ah yes, rain. Again. How original.”) or apologising profusely when you step on her foot, Penelope reminds us that understatement is an art form and sarcasm a national sport. She'll keep calm, carry on, and likely offer you a biscuit while doing so.

Raj Malhotra – or just "Bollywood Raj", if you're in his contacts. Raj is a man of code, curry, and chaar log kya kahenge. A twenty-something IT expert from Mumbai with dreams bigger than a Bollywood finale, he lives at the crossroads of high-tech and high drama. He rocks bright shirts, Bluetooth headsets, and spontaneous dance moves – all while dodging his mother’s samosa deliveries mid Zoom call. Whether solving bugs or breaking into a filmy pose, Raj brings laughter, love, and a whole lot of head-wobbling to every page.

Takeshi Tanaka – or, as he is respectfully known at the office and in the dojo of life, "Zen Master Takeshi". A 35-year-old architect in Tokyo, Takeshi lives by the unshakable laws of precision, harmony, and perfectly ironed trousers. He is a man of few words, fewer possessions, and absolutely zero clutter. His minimalist apartment could double as a museum of stillness. His sense of humor? Dry as matcha powder in the wind. Takeshi won’t laugh at your joke, but he might blink slightly slower than usual – and that’s high praise.

María Rodriguez – or as her amigos call her, "María La Fiesta" (because when she shows up, it’s instantly a party – and usually with tacos). María isn’t just your average señora. She’s a walking, talking, salsa dancing stereotype – and she loves every spicy minute of it. With a laugh as loud as her wardrobe and a tortilla press in each hand, María tackles life with a joke, a jalapeño, and a generous dash of guacamole. So grab your sombrero (or at least a snack), and get ready to meet the woman who proves that laughter, like tacos, is always better with a little extra salsa.

Hans-Dieter Huber – or just "Hans", if you're on his clipboard. Hans is a man of principle, passion, and precise alignment. A mid-forties German with a deep love for order and spreadsheets, Hans finds joy in pruning tomato plants, labeling storage boxes, and optimizing leisure time. He wears socks with sandals not ironically – but proudly. He rolls every “R” like it owes him money and approaches life with a blend of quiet rigor and accidental comedy. His idea of spontaneity? A scheduled surprise.

Isabella Bellini – or "Dolce Isabella", if you know her from the runway (or the café around the corner). Isabella is a woman of flair, fire, and five different scarves – all worn at once. A 30 year-old Milanese fashion designer with a love for bold colors, loud opinions, and perfectly timed drama, she lives life like it's opening night at La Scala. She ties her hair up in a bun that defies gravity, speaks with her hands (and elbows), and laughs like she’s rehearsing for a comedy special. Whether she’s sketching couture or ranting about risotto, Isabella brings passion, and just enough chaos to keep things fabulous.