Ernie is an author who writes how-to guides for aspiring mystery writers. He is highly self-aware, frequently addressing the reader directly to point out narrative tropes and acknowledge his own potential unreliability as a narrator. Three years ago, he turned his brother in to the police, an act that fractured his relationship with the rest of the fiercely loyal Cunningham family. He attends the mountain resort reunion hoping to repair these familial bonds while maintaining his personal moral code.

Michael is Ernie's brother, recently released from a three-year prison sentence. His actions three years ago set the family conflict in motion, though he appears confident and unbothered by his criminal record. When he arrives at the ski resort, he is surprisingly warm toward Ernie, harboring no apparent resentment for Ernie's damaging courtroom testimony.

Audrey is the matriarch of the Cunningham family. She is fiercely protective of her sons, particularly Michael, and holds a deep grudge against Ernie for betraying the family's strict code of loyalty. She carries heavy grief from her past, having raised her children alone following her first husband's criminal death and the subsequent loss of her youngest son.

Marcelo is a successful, wealthy attorney who married Audrey Cunningham shortly after her first husband's death. He previously represented Robert Cunningham and successfully defended Michael, securing him a relatively short prison sentence. He projects an image of elite status, frequently drawing attention to his expensive Rolex watch.

Sofia is a surgeon and Marcelo's daughter. Sarcastic and observant, she creates a joke bingo card featuring the family's worst habits to share with Ernie. She acts as a confidant to Ernie during the trip, though she faces professional trouble due to the death of a patient during surgery.

Lucy is Michael's wife. She frequently involves herself in multi-level marketing schemes in a desperate attempt to appear successful and financially independent. She is highly anxious about the reunion, secretly smokes to manage her stress, and worries about money.

Erin is Ernie's estranged wife. Despite still being legally married to Ernie, she began a romantic relationship with Michael while he was in prison. She arrives at the family reunion alongside Michael, adding an extra layer of awkwardness to the gathering, though she remains friendly with Ernie.

Katherine is Robert's sister and the organizer of the ski resort weekend, which she stubbornly insists on calling a "reunion." She is rigid, controlling, and highly particular about details, operating with a no-nonsense attitude. Her strict demeanor stems from her commitment to sobriety following a tragic accident in her past.

Ernie's deceased father. Robert was a criminal who killed a police officer during a robbery, forever staining the Cunningham family name. His mysterious connections to both criminal kidnapping rings and the police continue to haunt the family long after his death.

Ernie and Michael's younger brother. According to early family history, Jeremy tragically died in childhood after being left in a hot car during a bank robbery. His loss remains a source of profound grief and guilt for the family.

Katherine's husband. Andy is an in-law to the Cunningham family and often tries to act as a peacemaker. He frequently attempts to lighten the mood during tense family interactions and supports his wife's strict scheduling.

A former police officer turned petty criminal. Alan Holton was involved in the incident that sent Michael to prison. He dealt in secondhand jewels and possessed information regarding the criminal activities of Robert Cunningham.

The owner and operator of the ski resort where the Cunninghams are staying. She is protective of her family's property, resisting offers to buy and demolish the lodge, and she assists Ernie by providing security footage and guest information.

The driver of the snow transport vehicle at the resort. Gavin also acts as a real estate investor who has made several offers to purchase and demolish Juliette's resort.

An elderly guest stranded at the neighboring resort. He and his wife are tied to the criminal kidnapping ring that Robert Cunningham was involved with years ago.

The wealthy wife of Edgar McAuley. She waits at the ski lodge expecting a transaction to finally bring her closure regarding a historical family tragedy.

The deceased daughter of Edgar and Siobhan McAuley. Her kidnapping was orchestrated by the criminal ring Robert Cunningham was involved in, and her unsolved case drives much of the historical conflict.