Pip is a high school senior in Fairview, Connecticut, preparing for college applications. She is known as a high-achieving student with a strong dedication to her academic work. Driven by a lingering belief in Sal Singh's innocence, she decides to use her capstone project to re-examine the five-year-old case.

Ravi is a 20-year-old local resident dealing with the heavy stigma of his brother's alleged crime. He experiences severe social isolation and racism from the Fairview community. Cautious but hopeful, he agrees to partner with Pip to clear his family's name.

Andie is a popular, blonde high school student who disappeared five years ago. The community views her as a tragic victim, though Pip's interviews uncover a darker side to her personality. She commands attention but uses people's insecurities to maintain control over her social circle.

Sal is a deceased Fairview High School student remembered by most as a killer, but by Pip as a hero. Before the tragedy, he was a straight-A student and a protective friend who stood up to bullies. His abrupt confession text and death closed the police investigation into Andie's disappearance.

Cara is Pip's closest friend, having known her since they were six years old. She provides a sense of normalcy for Pip amid the intense investigation. She is deeply protective of her family, especially following the death of her mother two years prior.

Mr. Ward is a high school history teacher in Fairview who serves as a father figure to Pip. He is a single father raising two daughters after his wife's passing. He offers a welcoming home environment for his daughters' friends and is well-respected in the community.

Naomi is Cara's older sister and a former friend of Sal Singh. She struggles with her mental health and suffers from panic attacks, leading her to move back home after college. She was present at Max Hastings's house on the night Andie disappeared.

Stanley is a reporter for the Fairview Mail who heavily covered Andie's disappearance. His articles shaped the town's harsh perception of Sal Singh, often using biased language. He stands by his reporting and dismisses Pip's alternative theories.

Jason is a local businessman and the father of Andie and Becca. He is known for his harsh, critical parenting style, frequently picking at his family's insecurities. Following his daughter's disappearance, he divorced his wife and quickly remarried.

Max is a 25-year-old Fairview local who frequently hosts "calamity parties" for younger residents. He projects a pretentious, confident attitude but becomes highly evasive when questioned about his exact relationship with Andie.

Nat is a former classmate of Andie Bell who dropped out of school following severe bullying. She has a tough exterior, heavy eyeliner, and recently served time for assault. Despite her rough circumstances, she harbors a surprising softness when speaking about Sal.

Becca is Andie's younger sister, currently working as an intern at the Fairview Mail. She grew up in her sister's shadow and internalized her father's severe criticism. She is defensive about her family's past and quick to shut down Pip's inquiries.

Howie is a local drug dealer operating in Fairview. He lives in a run-down bungalow on the street where Andie's car was found. He conducts business cautiously and reacts with hostility when his operations are threatened by snooping teenagers.

Daniel is a young police officer in the Fairview Police Department. He was one of the first responding officers to the Bell house when Andie was reported missing. He maintains close ties with the Bell family and expresses strong certainty regarding Sal's guilt.

Chloe is one of Andie Bell's former best friends. She is hesitant to discuss the details of Andie's private life, particularly regarding Andie's secretive behavior and sudden influxes of cash.

Emma was close friends with Andie Bell but speaks openly about the difficulties of their relationship. She provides Pip with insight into Andie's manipulative tendencies and the tense arguments between Andie and Sal in the days before the disappearance.

Jess is a friend of Becca Bell who provides Pip with crucial background information about the Bell family dynamic. She frequently attended calamity parties with Becca.

Leanne is Pip's mother. She works in real estate and maintains a warm, bustling household. She supports Pip's academic ambitions but worries about the toll the intense capstone project takes on her daughter's well-being.

Victor is Pip's Nigerian stepfather. He acts as a steady, paternal presence in her life since her biological father passed away when she was an infant. He frequently helps search for the family dog when he goes missing.

Josh is Pip's younger half-brother. He brings a lighthearted, noisy energy to the Fitz-Amobi household, often running around with the family dog, Barney.

Barney is the Fitz-Amobi family's beloved golden retriever. He frequently accompanies Pip on walks through the local woods, providing her with comfort during stressful moments of her investigation.