Signa is a 19-year-old orphaned heiress who possesses the unusual ability to see spirits and sense the presence of the afterlife. Raised by a succession of greedy guardians who continuously meet untimely ends, she is socially sheltered and strictly adheres to etiquette guidebooks. She eagerly anticipates her twentieth birthday to gain control of her inheritance and finally establish a home of her own. Her natural curiosity pushes her to investigate the dark secrets surrounding her family.

Death is a supernatural entity who maintains the balance between life and mortality. He casts a long shadow over Signa's life, regularly appearing when her guardians meet their ends. Remaining mostly invisible to the living, he communicates through a shadowy form and holds a specific fascination with Signa's unique resistance to his power.

Sylas is a young man working in the stables at Thorn Grove. He demonstrates a cold and indifferent demeanor initially but holds extensive knowledge about the estate and its secret passages. He agrees to help Signa investigate the mysterious occurrences at the manor in exchange for future financial compensation.

Blythe is Elijah's daughter and Signa's distant cousin. Despite being bedridden with an illness that closely mirrors her mother's fatal condition, she retains a sharp mind and a strong sense of independence. As a wealthy young woman, she harbors little desire to marry and encourages Signa to value herself beyond society's expectations.

Percy is the eldest son of the Hawthorne family and heir to the estate. He bears intense pressure to maintain his family's respectable reputation and resents his father's neglect of the Grey's gentleman's club. He exhibits a volatile temper regarding his family's honor but shows concern for his sister's failing health.

Elijah is the patriarch of the Hawthorne family and owner of a prominent gentleman's club named Grey's. Deeply grieving the sudden loss of his wife, he relies on alcohol and constant social gatherings to drown out the sorrow. His erratic behavior creates friction with his son and leaves the family business vulnerable to collapse.

Lillian is Elijah's recently deceased wife. Her illness robbed her of her ability to speak before her death, leaving her voiceless both physically and metaphorically. Bound to the estate grounds, she desperately attempts to communicate with Signa to protect her remaining family from suffering the same fate.

Marjorie serves as the governess at Thorn Grove. She provides Signa with strict instruction on proper societal behavior to prepare her for an upcoming debut. She maintains a carefully controlled demeanor but holds strong opinions about the Hawthorne family dynamics and the operation of the estate.

Byron is Elijah's brother and works alongside him at Grey's gentleman's club. Frustrated by Elijah's neglect of the business following Lillian's death, Byron aggressively attempts to seize control of the club's operations. He frequently clashes with other household members regarding the family's financial future.

Charlotte is a childhood friend of Signa who reconnects with her in society. She carries the weight of a past family scandal, forcing her to focus heavily on securing a wealthy marriage to support her parents. Her presence reminds Signa of the rigid expectations placed upon young women without independent fortunes.

Everett is a handsome and highly eligible lord in local high society. He immediately demonstrates an active interest in Signa upon their meeting, representing the ideal aristocratic match she has been instructed to desire. He frequently attempts to secure her attention at social gatherings.

Magda is Signa's harsh and fearful aunt. Believing her niece to be cursed or practicing witchcraft, she provides a hostile environment for Signa until her sudden demise forces Signa to relocate to Thorn Grove.

Eliza is a young society woman focused on gossip and proper etiquette. She frequently shares rumors about the Hawthorne family and judges those who step outside accepted social boundaries.

Diana is a peer of Signa in local high society. She enforces strict behavioral rules among her acquaintances, demonstrating the rigid expectations placed upon young women of their class.

Elaine is a servant at Thorn Grove tasked with caring for the sick Blythe. She administers Blythe's daily medicine and assists Signa with dressing for the day.

Thaddeus is the ghost of a scholar who haunts the Thorn Grove library. He generally maintains a quiet and helpful presence among the books unless his sanctuary is threatened by destruction.