Nick is a 34-year-old former magazine writer who relocated from New York City back to his hometown of Carthage, Missouri, after losing his job. He co-owns a local tavern called The Bar with his twin sister. Following his wife's sudden disappearance on their anniversary, Nick's unusual behavior quickly draws suspicion from the police and the public. He struggles to project the image of a grieving husband while concealing private frustrations about his marriage.

Amy is a 38-year-old former quiz writer who grew up in New York City as the wealthy, privileged daughter of successful psychologists. She is the real-life inspiration for the popular "Amazing Amy" children's book series authored by her parents. She struggles to adapt to life in Carthage, Missouri, before vanishing on her fifth wedding anniversary under highly suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a diary and an anniversary treasure hunt.

Nick's twin sister and co-owner of their shared business, The Bar. Smart, funny, and fiercely loyal, Go operates as Nick's primary confidante. She is skeptical of her sister-in-law and provides a grounding, practical presence for her brother as the media circus and police investigation escalate around his home.

Amy's father and a psychologist who co-authored the immensely successful "Amazing Amy" children's book series. He enjoys a deeply close, nearly symbiotic relationship with his wife. He presents a united front with his son-in-law early in the investigation, determined to utilize his resources to find his missing daughter.

Amy's mother and co-creator of the "Amazing Amy" books. She is fiercely protective of her daughter's legacy and heavily involved in Amy's life. Like her husband, she relies on her wealth and influence to organize search efforts, establish tip lines, and manage the public narrative regarding the disappearance.

The lead female detective assigned to Amy's disappearance. She is a sharp, observant investigator who carefully analyzes the shattered living room and Nick's oddly calm behavior. Though she follows standard procedures, she relies on her instincts to read the complicated, unspoken dynamics of the Dunne marriage.

A local police detective working alongside Rhonda Boney. He assists in questioning Nick, securing the house, and following up on the strange anniversary clues discovered during the early days of the search.

A twenty-three-year-old college student who previously took a journalism class taught by Nick. She is young, demanding of attention, and maintains a complicated, private connection with him that becomes a massive liability during the intense media scrutiny of the police investigation.

Amy's wealthy, handsome high school boyfriend. He lives in a grand lake house and maintains a surprisingly pristine, polished demeanor. He holds onto lingering, proprietary feelings for Amy years after their relationship ended, keeping old photographs of her on display.

A neighbor of the Dunnes in Carthage who publicly claims to be Amy's best friend and confidante. She eagerly inserts herself into the spotlight of the investigation, offering the police damaging information about the Dunne marriage that contradicts Nick's version of events.

A high-profile, media-savvy defense attorney famous for representing spouses accused of murder. He coaches his clients on public relations and strategies for surviving the intense media circus surrounding high-profile domestic cases.

Nick and Go's late mother. A gentle, forgiving woman who endured a difficult marriage before eventually divorcing her husband. Her terminal cancer diagnosis brought her son back to Carthage before the events of the novel begin.

Nick and Go's father, currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease and living in a care facility. He has a history of bitter, misogynistic behavior that heavily scarred his children, leaving Nick with a deep fear of becoming like him.

A woman from Amy's high school days. Initially befriended by Amy when she was the new girl at their private school, their dynamic shifted dramatically over time, resulting in a dark, complicated history that makes her wary of anyone connected to the Elliott family.

A man from Amy's past who previously dated her in 2005. Their relationship ended under severe accusations, leaving him with a lasting wariness of her and a desire to warn Nick.

A sensationalist television talk show host who aggressively covers Amy's disappearance. She uses her platform to heavily scrutinize Nick's behavior, acting as a powerful catalyst for public opinion turning against him.

A flirty volunteer at the search center for Amy. Her casual interaction with Nick results in a highly damaging photograph that the media uses to portray him as a callous, unbothered husband.

A serious, respected television journalist. She conducts a high-stakes, exclusive interview with Nick designed by his legal team to help him reclaim the public narrative surrounding his marriage.

Desi's wealthy mother. She shares her son's polished aesthetic and intervenes quickly when Nick attempts to interrogate Desi about his past with Amy.

A drifter spending time at an inexpensive motel. He fishes at a local pond and attempts to make friends with other guests staying at the facility.

A young woman staying at an inexpensive cabin complex. She pairs up with Jeff and keeps a close eye on the cash and belongings of others around her.

The manager of a low-budget cabin complex. She tends to a small garden and enforces basic payment rules for the transient guests.