AVIS

Meet Avis. Struggled with body dysmorphia in her youth but now mostly at peace with herself. Change maker, risk taker.

Dislikes: black-headed grosbeak, cold, asking for directions.

NIS

Meet Nis. Likes: "We Will Rock you," solitude, sunrises.

Dislikes: erosion, his anxious attachment style, tourists.

Burt Dow

Meet Burt Dow, so named after the eponymous hero of his favorite book. This backswimmer is a fearless explorer of the deep, undeterred by pool algae or bathing children. Resilient and agile, hates chlorine and amphibians.

Matryoshka

Meet Matryoshka. Always cheerful, but don't be deceived: she contains multitudes.

Anti-Putin, pro-Borscht. Colorful, surprising.

Frank

Meet Frank. Lightning fast, vigilant, the ideal waiter.

Unfortunately, he tends to eat the food on the way to the table.

Ernesta

Meet Ernesta. Tired of the bad press, she loves the new Little Mermaid and dreams of starring in an insect remake of Disney's classic tale.