John is an ambitious politician who recently lost his bid for the United States Senate after his possible involvement in Vietnam War crimes became public. Deeply affected by childhood trauma and his military service, he created an alter ego named Sorcerer to process his darker emotions. He is fiercely obsessed with his wife, craving love and acceptance to an unhealthy degree. He often attempts to control events and people around him to maintain a positive self-image.

Kathy is John's college sweetheart and wife of nearly two decades. Outwardly supportive and resilient, she secretly dislikes the political life her husband forced her into. She copes with her anxiety using medication like Valium. Despite knowing about her husband's intense and controlling behaviors, she stays by his side, keeping her own dissatisfactions closely guarded.

Patricia, commonly known as Pat, is Kathy's fiercely protective sister. She sharply dislikes John and resents the possessive way he treats Kathy. Serving as her sister's primary confidante, Pat sees past John's charming political facade. She actively questions his version of events during the search effort.

Tony is John's crass and brilliant political campaign manager. He is highly perceptive, seeing through John's various manipulations while still choosing to work with him. He harbors an unrequited crush on Kathy and occasionally attempts to warn her about John's darker nature.

Claude is a wealthy businessman and a political supporter of John's candidacy. He lives near Lake of the Woods and acts as a generous presence in John's life. He provides unwavering support and functions as the father figure John desperately needs during a crisis.

Richard is a former soldier who served alongside John in Charlie Company during the Vietnam War. Haunted by the horrors of the Thuan Yen massacre, he acts as the moral conscience among the troops. Despite carrying the psychological burden of the war, he refuses to lose his basic humanity.

Ruth is Claude's wife and a neighbor to the yellow cabin. She provides practical assistance and hospitality when the Wades experience an emergency in the isolated lake community.

Eleanor is John's mother. She provides historical insight into his difficult childhood, specifically the severe emotional fallout John suffered after her alcoholic husband took his own life.

Harmon is a local dentist who knows the Wade family. He represents a separate life for Kathy away from the intense pressures of her husband's political career.

Art is the county sheriff responsible for investigating the events at Lake of the Woods. He conducts the initial questioning and attempts to make sense of the confusing circumstances surrounding the rural property.

Vinnie is a local deputy who takes an aggressive stance during the investigation. He actively suspects John of foul play and does not hide his hostile opinions regarding the missing person's case.

Lt. Calley is the commanding officer of Charlie Company during the Vietnam War. He gives the direct orders that lead to the horrific massacre of civilians at Thuan Yen and intimidates his men into silence afterward.

Weatherby is a private first class in Charlie Company. His tragic encounter with John during the chaos of the village massacre deeply impacts John's psychological state for years to come.