A fifteen-year-old American teenager with a habit of disordered eating, sent to rural England to live with her cousins. Cynical and defensive at first, she finds unexpected comfort and freedom in her aunt's rustic farmhouse. When an unnamed war breaks out and strands the teenagers without adult supervision, her survival instincts and fierce new loyalties are tested.

Daisy's nine-year-old cousin, characterized by her innocent and angelic demeanor. Despite her youth, she is highly capable around the farm and skilled at cooking with meager rations. She acts as a comforting presence to Daisy, freely offering the physical affection and unconditional acceptance that Daisy desperately needs.

Daisy's fourteen-year-old cousin who possesses an unnerving ability to read minds and anticipate thoughts. Mature for his age and intensely observant, he quickly forms a deep romantic bond with Daisy. When the war eliminates adult supervision, he embraces their isolation and serves as Daisy's emotional anchor.

Edmond's twin brother, distinguished by his green eyes and profound silence. He rarely speaks, preferring the company of the farm's animals to human interaction. Highly observant and independent, he has a preternatural ability to understand animal needs and predict where his siblings will be.

The sixteen-year-old eldest cousin in the English household. Exhausted by the burden of being the eldest, he is the only sibling who attends a traditional school outside the home. When war breaks out, he takes charge of dealing with local authorities and eagerly seeks ways to assist the army.

Daisy's maternal aunt, a hardworking and compassionate woman involved in international peace efforts. She provides Daisy with maternal affection and answers questions about Daisy's late mother. Her departure for a peace conference in Oslo inadvertently leaves her children and niece alone when the borders close.

Daisy's father in New York, who refuses to speak about Daisy's late mother. Frustrated by Daisy's disordered eating and rebellious behavior, he sends her to England to live with her aunt. He maintains control over her living situation from afar.

Daisy's pregnant stepmother, whom Daisy intensely dislikes and nicknames "Davina the Diabolical." Daisy's paranoia about Davina attempting to poison her initially triggers her disordered eating habits.

Daisy's best friend from New York City. She corresponds with Daisy through letters, providing a tether to Daisy's old life.

An army major organizing a field hospital and distributing food during the occupation. He temporarily takes in Daisy and Piper after their farm is commandeered, helping them find work and sharing information about their separated family members.

Major Laurence's wife, who previously volunteered at the field hospital reading to patients. She cares for her young son and tries to maintain a sense of normalcy in her home despite the escalating conflict.

Jane and Laurence's four-year-old son, known as Alby. He provides moments of typical childhood distraction for Daisy and Piper while they stay at his home.

An aspiring doctor connected to the family's community. He shares Piper's interest in medicine and helps explain the broader situation in the area.

A local doctor seeking antibiotics and other drugs for the rural population, as the military has commandeered most hospital supplies. His visit is a grim reminder to the teenagers of the dire reality outside their isolated farm.

A kind soldier stationed at a barn where Daisy and Piper are temporarily housed. He watches over them, provides reading material, and gives them essential survival supplies and navigation advice.

A farmworker who picks crops with Daisy and Elena. He is sexually interested in Daisy, though she largely ignores his advances, viewing him as foolish.

A woman in her forties who befriends Daisy while working at Meadow Brook Farm. She laments the fact that the war has cut off her access to fertility treatments, bonding with Daisy over the hardships of their new reality.

One of the family's farm dogs. He is highly trainable and works closely with Piper to herd cattle and sheep, proving invaluable when the girls are put to work on a dairy farm.

Another of the family's dogs. Unlike Jet, Gin is kept at Gateshead Farm to work when the family is separated by the military occupation.

The family's pet goat, known for wearing a bell. He represents the peaceful, idyllic farm life the teenagers enjoy before the military takes over their land.