Francis is the primary antagonist in Guess Again. Although he is in prison for much of the novel, he orchestrates the events that take place, using both Lindsay and Harriett to lead Ethan through the investigation. Francis’s intelligence and forethought become clear as the events of the novel unfold. He manages to manipulate both Lindsay and Ethan, slowly uncovering facts about the case to ensure his own transfer and eventual escape. His instructions to Harriett to take Eugenia’s identity and send the letter from the Mexico border emphasize his intelligence, as he has the foresight to create an escape plan for both himself and Harriett.

In many ways, Francis is a one-dimensional villain and a stereotypical mastermind that is common in mystery novels. He has an almost inhuman ability to manipulate others, as he gains the unquestioning trust of both Harriett and Lindsay while understanding the broader events of the novel, even while in prison. Francis is motivated only by his desire to kill people. There is no reason given for the Lake Michigan murders other than the joy that both he and Henry get out of it. After he is released, he brutally exacts revenge on the prison guards and Lindsay and then tries to do the same to Maddie and Ethan. Although he is momentarily stopped, he begins killing women again simply for the enjoyment of goading Ethan into chasing him, highlighting the static nature of his character.

Maddie is a secondary character who supports Ethan in his investigation throughout the novel. When Maddie was 17 years old, Francis and Henry took her. They intended to kill her as another victim in the Lake Michigan murders, but she managed to escape. Although she survived, she was left with lasting emotional and physical scars that emphasize the theme of the lasting impact of trauma.

Although Maddie is a flat character, with little known about her other than what Ethan’s narration reveals, she is an invaluable resource to Ethan throughout the novel. She serves as both physical and emotional support for Ethan, bonding with him over their shared trauma because of what Francis did. At the same time, she helps Ethan with the investigation, serving as a sounding board and giving him direction when he struggles with what to do next. When Ethan is on the verge of being killed by Harriett, Maddie ultimately saves his life, emphasizing the value she holds in Ethan’s life. In addition, their developing relationship offers hope for both characters, who struggle to find connection with others, highlighting their growth and ability to move beyond their trauma.

Harriett is a secondary antagonist who drives many events of the novel. For much of the guide, she is referred to as “Eugenia,” as she takes Eugenia’s identity early in the novel and holds her captive in her basement. Like Francis, Harriett is a flat, stereotypical villain. Her tireless work for Francis is explained only by her love for and obsession with him, as she is motivated simply by the desire to make him happy. Paralleling Maddie’s role in Ethan’s life, Harriett becomes an invaluable resource to Francis in the novel. She carries out his plan for escape and incapacitates Ethan long enough for Francis to escape at the novel’s end.