Mike is a 36-year-old novelist from Derry, Maine. Following the sudden death of his wife, he suffers from a severe, psychosomatic case of writer's block. Seeking a fresh start and drawn by recurring dreams, he returns to his summer home, Sara Laughs, only to find himself involved in a local custody battle and supernatural mysteries. He is generous and protective, utilizing his wealth to help those in need while trying to overcome his intense grief.

Mattie is a young, working-class widow living in a trailer in the town of TR-90. Following the accidental death of her husband, Lance, she faces intense social isolation and a fierce legal battle for custody of her daughter against her wealthy father-in-law. Despite her difficult financial and social circumstances, she is resilient, loving, and determined to provide a good life for her child.

Max is an eccentric, wealthy computer software tycoon originally from TR-90 who now lives in California. Elderly and reliant on a motorized wheelchair and respirator, he is a ruthless bully who uses his vast financial resources to manipulate others. He is singularly focused on gaining custody of his granddaughter, Kyra, and destroying Mattie's reputation in the process.

Kyra is the three-year-old daughter of Mattie and Lance Devore. She is a bright, perceptive young girl who becomes the center of a bitter custody dispute between her mother and her grandfather. She displays a unique sensitivity to the spiritual forces around Dark Score Lake, often communicating with unseen entities using refrigerator magnets.

Jo is Mike's beloved late wife, who died suddenly while pregnant. Prior to her passing, she served as Mike's first reader and greatest creative inspiration. Her memory looms large over Mike's life, and her spirit maintains a strong, protective presence at their summer home, Sara Laughs, where she conducted secret research before her death.

Sara is a historically significant Black blues singer whose musical group, the Red-Top Boys, once lived near Dark Score Lake. Her music heavily influenced the genre, but her sudden disappearance left a dark legacy. Her malevolent spirit now haunts the area, harboring a deep-seated vengeance against the town's residents.

Rogette is Max Devore's personal assistant and frequent companion. She is physically intimidating and fiercely loyal to her employer, carrying out his malicious orders without hesitation. She poses a significant physical threat to anyone who crosses Max.

Bill is the local caretaker Mike hires to maintain his summer home. A long-time resident of TR-90, he is deeply knowledgeable about the town's history and its residents. He attempts to warn Mike away from local conflicts, though his advice is colored by his own prejudices and loyalty to the town's established hierarchy.

John is a young, capable lawyer from New York hired by Mike to represent Mattie in her custody battle. He is professional, highly organized, and quickly becomes personally invested in Mattie's well-being, organizing a dedicated legal team to counter Max Devore's influence.

Frank is Jo Noonan's eldest brother. He is a supportive brother-in-law to Mike and holds hidden knowledge regarding Jo's activities prior to her death. He acts as a sounding board for Mike when Mike begins making discoveries about his late wife's secret life.

Lance is Mattie's late husband and Max's son. A kind-hearted young man who defied his wealthy father to marry a local waitress, he died tragically in an accident shortly after his daughter was born, setting the bitter custody battle in motion.

Harold is Mike Noonan's literary agent. He handles Mike's publishing contracts and remains completely unaware of the severe writer's block his client suffers from, accepting old manuscripts as new work.

Brenda is the regular house cleaner for Sara Laughs, organized by Bill Dean. She is deeply superstitious about the lake's history and shares local ghost stories with Mike before becoming too frightened to continue her work.

George is a Deputy Sheriff in the area who leverages his authority to act as an enforcer for Max Devore. He attempts to intimidate Mike into complying with Max's legal demands regarding Kyra's custody.

Elmer is Kyra Devore's court-appointed guardian in the custody case. He appears to be heavily biased in favor of Max Devore, attempting to entrap Mike during legal proceedings to frame Mattie as an unfit mother.

Romeo is a local lawyer brought onto Mattie's legal team. He provides crucial support and sharp objections during Mike's legal questioning, protecting him from Elmer Durgin's unfair entrapments.

George is a private investigator hired by John Storrow to assist with Mattie's custody case. He uncovers vital evidence against Max Devore's legal maneuvers and provides physical protection for the legal team.

Royce is an elderly resident of TR-90 and a local spy for Max Devore. He spreads malicious gossip about Mattie and attempts to unnerve Mike with insulting insinuations about his motives.

Richard is a local real-estate broker in TR-90 who acts as an errand boy and spy for Max Devore. He personally delivers threatening messages to Mike at Sara Laughs.

Lindy is the town librarian and Mattie Devore's employer. She finds herself pressured by the Devore family's wealth and influence regarding her staffing decisions, temporarily firing Mattie to protect the library's budget.

Kito is the young son of Sara Tidwell. His historical death at the lake is a key component of the dark, lingering curse affecting the residents of the area.

Reginald, also known as "Son," is a guitarist for the Red-Top Boys and brother to Sara Tidwell. He was part of the historically marginalized Black community that once lived near the lake in Tidwell's Meadow.

Siddy is Mike Noonan's brother. He provides Mike with information regarding their family's ancestral roots in southern Maine, aiding in Mike's investigation of the town's history.