Ralph is a 70-year-old retiree living in Derry, Maine, who begins suffering from severe insomnia shortly after his wife's passing. As his waking hours lengthen, he starts perceiving colorful auras around people and objects. He is observant, deeply loyal to his neighbors, and determined to understand the unusual phenomena altering his perception of the world.

Lois is a widowed elderly woman who lives near Ralph in Derry. Like Ralph, she develops a form of insomnia that allows her to perceive auras and access higher planes of reality. Though initially presenting as a skittish and socially active senior, she demonstrates quick thinking and courage as she explores the supernatural side of their town.

Ed is a research chemist whose personality abruptly shifts from quiet neighbor to aggressive extremist. He develops an intense fixation on the local women's center, WomanCare, and becomes a leading voice in protests against them. His sudden paranoia and claims about cosmic forces orchestrating human events set the town on edge.

The Crimson King is a mysterious, high-level entity of the Random that Ed Deepneau claims is orchestrating events concerning abortion and human survival. Described as a shapeshifting being, it uses the fears of individuals against them and seeks to disrupt the natural order of the universe.

Atropos is one of the little bald doctors visible only to those experiencing the specific insomnia that affects Ralph and Lois. Unlike his counterparts, Atropos serves a cosmic force known as the Random. He wears stolen personal items as trophies and uses his rusted scalpel to enact sudden, senseless tragedies in the human world.

Clotho and Lachesis are two small, bald beings wearing white smocks who carry long scissors. They serve a cosmic constant called the Purpose, facilitating natural and predetermined passings in the human world. They introduce themselves to Ralph and Lois to explain the supernatural events occurring in Derry.

Bill is Ralph's gay housemate, a retired teacher who occupies the downstairs unit of their duplex. He is a pragmatic, slightly cynical man who provides immediate assistance when Carolyn falls ill but reacts with skepticism when Ralph tries to explain his supernatural experiences.

Carolyn is Ralph's wife, whose life is ending due to a brain tumor. Her illness and physical decline cast a long shadow over Ralph, precipitating his extreme insomnia and pushing him into the supernatural events that follow.

Helen is Ed Deepneau's wife and the mother of Natalie. Once possessing a sunny demeanor, she faces severe physical abuse as her husband's behavior turns violent and erratic. She seeks refuge at High Ridge, an abuse survivors' house, and finds courage in her friendship with Ralph.

Natalie is the infant daughter of Ed and Helen Deepneau. Her physical safety becomes a primary concern for Helen and Ralph following Ed's descent into violent extremism.

Dorrance is an elderly resident of Derry who frequently speaks in riddles and poetry. He possesses an unexplained awareness of the supernatural forces at work in the town, occasionally providing Ralph with cryptic but essential warnings about the dangers surrounding him.

Joe is a pharmacist and sleep scholar who takes an interest in Ralph's condition. He introduces Ralph to the concept of hyper-reality, providing a scientific framework that helps Ralph process his strange new visual perceptions of the world.

Leydecker is a detective with the Derry police force. He investigates the violence connected to the local anti-abortion protests. While professional, his personal reservations about the pro-choice movement complicate his understanding of the threats facing the town.

Gretchen is a family-abuse counselor and representative from WomanCare. As a survivor of abuse herself, she provides Helen with a path to safety by moving her into the High Ridge shelter and helping organize the upcoming Susan Day rally.

Charlie is an extremist with a history of attacking the WomanCare clinic. Operating alongside Ed Deepneau, he targets individuals perceived to be supporting the clinic, utilizing violent methods to advance his faction's goals.

Rosalie is a limping stray dog who roams Ralph's neighborhood. She becomes an early focal point for Ralph's developing abilities and a specific target for the malicious supernatural entity Atropos.

Susan is a prominent pro-choice political activist scheduled to speak in Derry to support WomanCare. Her impending arrival acts as a catalyst for the escalating tensions and violence from the town's anti-abortion extremists.

Dan is a local shop owner and the public leader of the religious anti-abortion group, The Friends of Life. While he promotes non-violent rezoning efforts to shut down WomanCare, his organization serves as a front for the more radical actions taken by Ed Deepneau.