* Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane): A middle-aged woman who is divorced and living in Boston. She decides to take a weekend getaway to Rodanthe, North Carolina, to escape her troubles.
* Paul Flanner (Richard Gere): A middle-aged man who is a doctor and lives in Greenville, South Carolina. He is also divorced and has two children. He decides to go to Rodanthe for a fishing trip.
Supporting characters
* Mark Flanner (Scoot McNairy): Paul's son, who is in his early 20s.
* Amanda Flanner (Mae Whitman): Paul's daughter, who is in her late teens.
* Jean (Viola Davis): Adrienne's best friend.
* Charlie (Christopher Meloni): A contractor who is working on Adrienne's house.
* Kathy (Alix Beasley): A guest at the inn where Adrienne is staying.
* Jim (Will Patton): A guest at the inn where Adrienne is staying.