Landline characters

Appears from the start

A successful Los Angeles television comedy writer whose work is inseparable from her long friendship with Seth. She loves her husband and daughters, but years of letting deadlines outrank family plans have strained her marriage. When a career opportunity keeps her home at Christmas, she is forced to consider how much distance has opened between her and Neal.

Appears from the start

Georgie's husband, a reserved illustrator and the primary caregiver for their two daughters. He dislikes Los Angeles and has never shared Georgie's enthusiasm for the television business. At the start of the book, he takes the girls to his mother's home in Omaha for Christmas without Georgie after she cancels her part of the trip.

Appears from the start

Georgie's longtime best friend and writing partner. Funny, ambitious, and closely attuned to her, he has helped her build a career and now sees a chance for them to make the show they have wanted since college. His place in Georgie's life is also a longstanding source of tension in her marriage.

Appears from the start

Georgie and Neal's older daughter, observant and old enough to notice the tension between her parents. She travels to Omaha with Neal and her younger sister while Georgie remains in Los Angeles.

Appears from the start

Georgie and Neal's younger daughter. She joins Neal and Alice on the Christmas trip to Omaha and is heard by Georgie mainly through difficult, interrupted calls home.

First appears in chapter 4

Georgie's warm, dramatic mother, who assumes a crisis must have occurred when Georgie arrives alone during Christmas week. Her crowded house becomes Georgie's refuge while Georgie tries repeatedly to reach Neal.

First appears in chapter 4

Georgie's much younger sister, still living at their mother's house. She keeps Georgie company during the anxious Christmas week while privately trying to understand a new romantic attachment of her own.

First appears in chapter 4

Pamela's considerably younger husband and the father of Georgie's small half-brother. His presence is part of the busy family household Georgie returns to when she cannot bear staying alone at home.

First appears in chapter 5

Neal's mother in Omaha, practical and protective of her son. Georgie calls her house hoping to speak with Neal and the girls, but the conversations do little to settle whether her marriage is in immediate danger.

First appears in chapter 2

A writer working with Georgie and Seth on their current television show. He is part of the small team trying to turn their long-planned comedy into a network proposal during the holiday break.