Travis is an investigator who possesses a unique sensory ability to perceive the final memories of people by touching objects they leave behind. He lives a solitary life, taking on missing persons cases as a last resort for desperate families. He carries immense guilt over the suicide of his sister, Ruth, hoping his work will offer him some form of redemption.

Maggie is the famous author of the dark children's book series Eloise and the Foxtail. She vanished five years before the current events of the story after leaving her car abandoned near a rural stretch of woods. Her disappearance is linked to the mysterious, off-grid community of Pastoral.

Theo is a resident of Pastoral, a secluded, off-grid community deep in the woods. Unlike many of his peers, he feels an intense curiosity about the world beyond their borders and quietly defies the rules by exploring the boundary lines. He loves his wife but keeps his excursions a secret to avoid frightening her.

Calla lives in Pastoral and actively fears the rot, a deadly disease the community believes originates in the trees. She values safety and the simple, predictable nature of her life in the commune. When she discovers her husband has been breaking the rules, she faces a difficult choice between preserving her safe reality and protecting him.

Bee is a blind woman who has lived in Pastoral since childhood. Relying heavily on her acute sense of hearing, she assists the local midwife by monitoring fetal heartbeats. She has an intimate relationship with the community leader and struggles between her loyalty to him and her growing desire for independence.

Levi is the 32-year-old leader of Pastoral, having taken over the role from his father. He dictates the rules, enforces isolation, and preaches about the dangers of the rot. He demands absolute loyalty from his followers and uses his charisma to maintain strict order within the commune.

Colette is a pregnant resident of Pastoral whose early labor triggers a crisis for the isolated group. The complications surrounding her delivery force the community to debate whether they should break their isolation to seek modern medical help.

Ash is Colette's partner and an expectant father in Pastoral. When his child is born prematurely, he directly challenges Levi's strict isolationist policies. His desperation drives him to take drastic action to cross the border.

Faye serves as the primary midwife in Pastoral. She relies on traditional methods and Bee's sharp hearing to monitor pregnancies, but recognizes when a medical situation exceeds her capabilities.

Turk is a member of Pastoral who allies with Ash. He injures his ankle while attempting to sneak past the boundaries, leading to severe consequences for breaking the rules.

Ruth is Travis's deceased sister. Her history of disappearing and eventual suicide heavily informs Travis's current career and his desperate need to save missing people.

Ben is a detective and Travis's former college roommate. He understands Travis's unique abilities and encourages him to apply them to cold cases.

Maggie's mother is reticent and guarded when discussing her daughter's case. She provides Travis with the single crucial clue that sets his investigation in motion.

Maggie's father is warm and visibly desperate for any news regarding his missing daughter, contrasting with his wife's more guarded demeanor.

Parker is a younger man who works as a guard at Pastoral's perimeter. He shares stories about his dog crossing the boundary but remains generally compliant with the community's strict rules.

Birdie is a friend of Calla's within the commune. She expresses deep anxiety after her young son accidentally touches the boundary line, fearing he will contract the rot.

Arwen is a young boy in Pastoral whose minor rule-breaking at the boundary causes significant panic for his mother.

Alice is a community member whom Levi selects to marry. She is viewed as a simple, appropriate choice for the leader's public wife.

Henry is a loyal follower of Levi who helps capture rule-breakers and enforce the community's harsh punishments.

Cooper is the original founder of Pastoral. He is remembered fondly by the community, setting a high standard that his successor struggles to meet.