Florence is a 32-year-old American single mother living in London. A former pop star whose music career stalled after leaving her teen girl group, Girls' Night, she now works a side hustle creating custom balloon arches. Her working-class American background makes her an outsider among the wealthy, status-obsessed parents at her son's elite private school. When her son's classmate disappears, she launches her own desperate investigation to protect her child from suspicion.

Jenny is a high-powered American insurance lawyer who recently relocated to London. Driven and financially successful, she represents a stark contrast to Florence's disorganized life. Seeking community in a new city, she partners with Florence to investigate the school disappearance, bringing her sharp legal mind and blunt honesty to their amateur sleuthing.

Adam is a 36-year-old police officer who lives in the upper floor of Florence's duplex. He acts as a steady presence in Florence's chaotic life, often helping her with small favors like transportation. He is dealing with a recent breakup and appears tired as he goes about his daily routines.

Dylan is Florence's 10-year-old son who attends the exclusive St. Angeles prep school. He is a sensitive child with an unusual dedication to environmental causes and animal welfare. He struggles to fit in with his wealthy peers and views the world in rigid terms of right and wrong, a trait that sometimes leads to aggressive outbursts when he feels animals are threatened.

Alfie is a 10-year-old student at St. Angeles who vanishes during a class outing. The child of a prominent family, he has a reputation for tormenting other children, particularly Dylan. His sudden disappearance launches a massive police search and Florence's amateur investigation.

Will is Florence's ex-husband and the former manager of her teenage girl group. He comes from an affluent British family and currently manages a successful record label. His decision to leave Florence for another band member a decade ago remains a profound source of tension in their co-parenting dynamic.

Brooke is Florence's younger sister who moved from Florida to England with her as a teenager. Unlike Florence, she easily assimilated into upper-class British society and is busy preparing for her high-society wedding. She often criticizes Florence's life choices and urges her to be more responsible.

Rollo is Alfie's father and a highly influential businessman. He is currently going through an acrimonious divorce while dealing with his son's disappearance. He has a history of inappropriate behavior that has alienated certain members of the school community.

Cleo is Alfie's mother, originally an artist who married into a frozen food fortune. Following her son's disappearance, she becomes increasingly desperate and isolated. Her profound grief and erratic public behavior cause the other school mothers to distance themselves from her.

Helen is the vice principal of St. Angeles prep school. She attempts to manage the frightened parents and protect the school's reputation following Alfie's disappearance. She possesses deep historical knowledge of the local community and its wealthy families.

Ian is a DJ who performs at local warehouse parties under the name IanSquared. As the investigation into Alfie's disappearance unfolds, Florence and Jenny seek him out for questioning regarding his whereabouts during the school field trip.

Mr. Foster is an elderly neighbor of Florence and Dylan. He is an environmental zealot who shares Dylan's intense passion for conservation. He frequently provides specialized food for Dylan's pet turtle and serves as one of the boy's few trusted friends.

Mr. Sexton is a former teacher at St. Angeles who lost his position under clouded circumstances. He becomes a person of interest in Florence and Jenny's amateur investigation due to his past grievances with the Risby family.

Hope is the PTA president at St. Angeles. A social climber who married into wealth, she rigidly polices the social boundaries of the school mothers and frequently attempts to extract information or donation funds from Florence.

Marta is Adam's former girlfriend who previously worked at a local hair salon. According to the community, she abruptly quit her job and returned to her home country of Poland to care for an ailing relative months before the novel's events.

Zofia is Marta's sister who unexpectedly arrives at Florence's door seeking information. Concerned by a lack of communication, she begins asking questions about her sister's sudden departure from London.

Allegra is a mother at St. Angeles who represents the epitome of old-money wealth. She owns a 200-acre horse farm and dresses in understated, expensive country attire.

Elliot is a record label executive and former contact from Florence's time in the music industry. He reaches out to her to discuss a potential business move, prompting Florence to hope for a career revival.

Linh is Florence's local manicurist. She chats with Florence about local news and true crime while providing her services before important events in Florence's life.