Nineteen-year-old Lisa is a member of the Haisla nation living in Kitamaat, British Columbia. She possesses an unusual ability to communicate with spirits and the dead. Rebellious and independent, she often prefers the company of her supportive family over classmates. Her journey is driven by a deep concern for her missing younger brother.

Lisa's younger brother is a star swimmer with aspirations of joining the Olympic team. He is popular, focused, and ambitious, contrasting sharply with his sister's outcast status. He has a unique affinity for feeding and caring for local crows.

Lisa's grandmother serves as a primary link to Haisla culture, teaching her granddaughter about traditional foods, medicinal plants, and folklore. She accepts Lisa's spiritual abilities and provides a safe, judgment-free environment. Her steady presence provides comfort within the extended family.

Lisa's uncle is an activist with a passion for Indigenous rights and a history of participating in the American Indian Movement. He shares a rebellious streak with Lisa, frequently opposing authority and traditional expectations. He works at a logging camp and is deeply devoted to his family despite his unpredictable nature.

Tab is Lisa's cousin and a grounding force during their teenage years. She deals with an unstable home life due to her mother's alcoholism but maintains a bold independence. She acts as a voice of reason for Lisa, offering wisdom beyond her years.

Lisa's father provides a conservative contrast to the wilder members of the family. He previously studied accounting before taking work at a cannery. He cares deeply for his children but sometimes struggles to understand Lisa's unconventional behavior.

Lisa's mother is a practical woman who sometimes clashes with her daughter's spiritual experiences. She attempts to keep the family steady amidst various crises. She holds knowledge of regional folklore that she occasionally shares with her children.

Trudy is Al and Mick's sister, known for her struggles with alcoholism and a difficult temper. She carries trauma from her past, leading to a strained relationship with her own mother. She provides an unpredictable home environment for her daughter Tab.

Initially a neighborhood bully, Frank eventually becomes part of Lisa's friend group. He respects Lisa after she stands up to him in a physical fight, welcoming her into his circle of friends when she feels alienated by other girls at school.

A local boy who runs with Frank and Pooch. He is part of the crew that accepts Lisa into their ranks. He possesses a darker edge that creates significant tension within their social dynamic.

One of the boys in Frank's social circle who befriends Lisa. He shares her curiosity about the supernatural, exploring magic books and testing spells. He casually hangs out with the group on the edges of town.

Known to most by her nickname, Karaoke is Jimmy's primary romantic interest. She is an attractive local girl with a somewhat unpredictable personality. Her presence occasionally creates friction within Jimmy's focused life.

Josh is Trudy's on-again, off-again boyfriend and a frequent drinking companion of Uncle Mick. He works on fishing boats. He remains a peripheral but constant presence in the extended family's orbit.

Lisa's deceased grandfather and Ma-ma-oo's late husband. A World War II veteran who lost an arm in combat. He left behind a complicated legacy of family trauma stemming from his violent temper.

A red-haired spirit who visits Lisa in dreams and visions. He serves as an omen in Lisa's life. His presence often signals approaching disturbances and reminds her of her connection to the supernatural world.

Lisa's aunt who accompanies the family on trips to Monkey Beach. She helps care for the household during stressful times, offering practical support when crises arise.

Lisa's uncle who travels with the extended family. He often bears the brunt of Mick's frustrations during family arguments regarding their shared history.

Lisa's cousin who prefers talking about conventional teenage topics like clothes. She occasionally clashes with Lisa's rougher demeanor, leading to physical altercations before they reconcile.

A local woman considered by some in town to be a witch. She provides unsettling commentary when Lisa speaks to her, connecting Lisa's supernatural visions to local folklore.