Larry is a 41-year-old mechanic living a solitary life in his childhood home in rural Mississippi. Since his teenage years, he has been ostracized by the town of Chabot due to suspicions surrounding the disappearance of a local girl. He maintains a gentle demeanor, finding solace in reading books and caring for his chickens.

Silas is a constable in Chabot, Mississippi, known around town by his old high school baseball number, 32. He grew up locally in a poor household on the Ott family's land but left town for several years, only returning recently. He handles his official duties while keeping most of his peers at an arm's length.

Wallace is a local young man who lives on the fringes of Chabot society. Having grown up hearing dark rumors about Larry, he develops an intense, unsettling interest in the older man and frequently visits his property. He lacks strong family ties and attempts to forge bonds with those he views as fellow outcasts.

Cindy is a former neighbor of the Ott family who disappeared twenty-five years ago. During her teenage years, she was an attractive, charming girl who suffered under the abusive behavior of her stepfather. Her unsolved disappearance hangs heavily over the town of Chabot.

Carl is Larry's father, a mechanic and commanding figure in his household. He runs an automotive shop and favors toughness and athleticism, traits he fails to see in his bookish son. He acts as a harsh disciplinarian and creates tension between the boys living on his property.

Alice is Silas's hardworking, single mother. She lives with her son in an old hunting cabin on the Otts' property without electricity. She demands her son behave well to secure better opportunities in a racially divided town.

Ina is Larry's mother, currently residing in a nursing home and struggling with Alzheimer's disease. In the past, she struggled with her husband's harsh behavior and harbored quiet resentments regarding the people living on their property. She relies on Larry to bring her photo albums to aid her memory.

Angie is an EMT working in Chabot. She is practical and perceptive, often calling people out when they evade the truth. She provides a grounding presence for Silas as he handles his constabulary duties.

Roy French is the chief investigator in Chabot. He takes a pragmatic approach to his law enforcement duties, keeping a close, suspicious eye on known outcasts in the community. He works alongside Silas while maintaining his own theories about the town's unsolved cases.

Tina is a young girl whose recent disappearance in Chabot initiates a widespread police search. Her family's ownership of the local mill makes her case a high priority for law enforcement.

M&M is a childhood friend of Silas who grew up to become a known local drug dealer. His unexpected death complicates the ongoing investigations in Chabot.

Cecil is Cindy Walker's stepfather. He is an aggressive man who mistreats Cindy and frequently threatens the teenage boys who attempt to speak with her.

Voncille is the town clerk in Chabot. She manages the administrative duties at the Town Hall, taking calls and relaying messages for the constables and the part-time mayor.

John Wayne Gacy is Wallace Stringfellow's ferocious dog, named after a notorious serial killer. The animal reflects Wallace's dark fixations and aggressive tendencies.

Marla is the owner of a local diner called The Hub. She is one of the few townspeople who expresses doubt about the horrific rumors surrounding Larry, remembering him as a polite boy.