The Duchess declares Grant Park as her duchy. James, a journalist making a documentary, has chosen the Atlanta character of The Duchess although he knows nothing about her. Through the course of the story, James learns more about the Duchess, her history, and her connection to the neighborhood.

A self-proclaimed pageant queen as she vies for the crown of the local pageant. Through a series of surreal visions, she reflects on the sacrifices she's made for the sake of her onstage persona.

A rent-a-princess gets the chance of a lifetime to be an actual princess, but her ingrained colorism and insecurities hold her back from her crown.