Functional Addict: Paula sees herself as this. We do know she's able to work as a freelance writer whilst using.
Hollywood Autism: Averted, thankly. ML Lanzillotta herself actually has autism. Paula's "odder" behaviors (the meltdowns, her inability to say specific words, and so on) are all based on things the actually author does.
Dad the Veteran: Though he never mentions fighting in a war, Mr. Fenice did attended VMI (Virginia Military Institute, a real-life military school). Paula finds this somewhat intimidating.
Nathan Zimmermann:
The Ghost: Nathan never actually shows up. Paula mentions him often enough, though.
Mason:
Manchild: Despite being an adult, Mason seems oddly childlike. He even asks Paula to tell him a story.
