Born in 1923, Walter Findlay is proud owner of Findlay's Friendly Appliances of Elm Street, Tuckahoe, New York, which he opened in 1943. He was married to Marta, his first wife from 1954 until they divorced in 1965. He married Maude in 1968 during the national debate between Nixon and Humphrey. He loves Maude very much and always tries to make her happy. Walter discovered he is an alcoholic in the fall of 1973. He has a nervous breakdown in the fall of 1976 because he had to file for bankruptcy. Walter's best friend, Dr. Arthur Harmon, the Findlay's next-door neighbor has been Walter's best friend since they bunked together, during World War II. Arthur helped Walter save Findlay's Friendly Appliances and get established again. The two men do lot of things together including playing golf on the weekends.

Born in 1945, Carol Traynor is Maude Findlay's only child from her first marriage with Barney. Carol is the mother of eight year-old, Phillip, who is from her first, and only marriage. After her divorce, she and Phillip move in with Maude and Walter. Carol like her mother is very bright and outspoken. She dates off and on with various men, and often goes on weekend "business trips." She later had a steady relationship for a while with Chris. Carol loves her son and mother very much although she does not always agree with her mother. Carol is transferred to Denver in April of 1978 and she and Phillip move away.

Arthur Harmon Sr., Maude and Walter's next-door neighbor, has been Walter's best friend since they bunked together, during World War II.
Arthur is a surgeon and his specialty is gallbladders and gallstones. Being a conservative Republican, Arthur often argues with Maude Findlay over political issues. Maude is always making jokes about Arthur being cheap which he never denies. Arthur's often speaks of his beloved first wife Agnes, who died sometime around 1970. Arthur grieved for many years over losing her. Arthur later marries Maude's best friend, Vivian Cavender on January 29, 1974. Arthur has an identical twin brother Arnold who competed with Arthur to become wealthy and Arthur once stated "Arnold is a bit unwrapped." Arthur's only son, Arthur Harmon Jr., ran to Canada to avoid the draft. In April of 1978, Arthur informs Vivian and the Findlay's that he is being transferred to Idaho and he and Vivian will be moving away.

Vivian has been Maude's best friend, since they meet in college. Vivian was captain of her high school soccer team for four years and class valedictorian. Vivian and Chuck Cavender meet and married about the same time Maude and her first husband Barney married. The Cavenders went on many vacations with Maude and her husbands through out the years. After sixteen years of marriage, the Cavenders divorced in 1973. Also in 1973, Vivian got a face-lift and started dating the Findlay's neighbor, Dr. Arthur Harmon. The two were married on January 29, 1974. Vivian's pride and joy was her little fox terrier "Chuck" whom died on October 25, 1975 while in Maude's care.

Phillip Traynor, born in 1964 is the son of Carol Traynor and the grandson of Maude Findlay. Phillip rarely sees his father, because after his parents divorce, his dad moved on with his life. Phillip often has problems with his mother's weekend "business trips" with other men. In later years, Phillip gets a girlfriend, Samantha.

Florida Evans was hired on September 26, 1972 to be the Findlay's maid. Like Maude, she is a strong woman with definite opinions of her own. Florida is married to Henry Evans, a firefighter who also drives a cab at night. Florida quits her job at the Findlay's on February 5, 1974 and she and her family move to Chicago.

Mrs. Naugatuck was hired on September 30, 1974 to be the Findlay's new maid after Florida's departure. She was a brassy, lying, and independent, British woman who loves her liquor. Mrs. Naugatuck takes an instant liking to the master of the house, Walter, but is reluctant to warm up to Maude, the lady of the house. Mrs. Naugatuck is very private about her room at the Findlay's residence and her most treasured item is the urn that contains her first husband Seral's ashes. Before arriving at the Findlay home, Mrs. Naugatuck ran a bordy house in England. In 1975, Mrs. Naugatuck meets Bert Beasley, an elderly gentleman whom she marries on November 22, 1976. The two move to Ireland in 1977 to care for Bert's mother.

Bert Beasley is an elderly gentleman who works as a nighttime security guard at a cemetery. Bert meets and falls in love with Mrs. Nell Naugatuck in 1975. In 1976, he is forced to retire, because of his age, causing him to have to move because of his small income. He and Mrs. Naugatuck move in together in the apartment above the Findlay's garage. Shortly thereafter, Bert and Mrs. Naugatuck marry on November 22, 1976. The two move to Ireland in 1977 to care for his mother.

Victoria Butterfield is hired on April 4, 1977, to be the Findlay's new maid, after Mrs. Naugatuck leaves. She is a native of the island, St. Norman in the West Indies. She first meets Maude on a subway train where Maude treats her kindly and accuses her of stealing her wallet. Victoria's father makes two visits to the Findlay home, both times demanding, Victoria return to St. Norman with him. Victoria stands up to him with Maude's help.