Ansel is a death row inmate known as the Girly Killer, awaiting lethal injection. He passes his time working on a written theory about morality and planning a potential escape during his transfer. He reflects frequently on his difficult childhood and his interactions with various women throughout his life.

Lavender is a teenage mother who becomes isolated on a rural farmhouse outside Essex, New York. She endures severe physical and psychological abuse from her older partner. She harbors dreams of leaving for California to see the ocean and escape her current conditions.

Saffron is an investigator for the New York State Police who originally crossed paths with Ansel while living in a foster home as a child. She carries trauma from her early life and channels her energy into pursuing violent men. She maintains a quiet but intense surveillance of Ansel's adult life.

Hazel is a former ballet dancer whose career is stalled by a physical injury. She shares an unusually close connection with her twin sister and experiences strange physical sensations related to her twin's feelings. She observes Ansel warily when he first visits their family for Christmas.

Jenny is a college student at Northern Vermont University studying to become a labor and delivery nurse. She is outgoing and energetic, often standing in contrast to her sister. She takes a strong interest in Ansel and believes she can help him.

Blue is a young woman who corresponds with Ansel while he is incarcerated. She lives in upstate New York and spends time at a local diner called the Blue House. She maintains a polite and trusting disposition.

Johnny is an older man who isolates his teenage partner on a remote, wild property. He frequently leaves for long hours in town while keeping the farm's resources locked away. He exhibits highly volatile and physically aggressive behavior toward his household.

Shawna is a recently widowed correctional officer working at Polunsky prison. She interacts regularly with Ansel on death row. She struggles with her sense of identity following her husband's death and becomes entangled in Ansel's plans for his transfer.

Baby Packer is the unnamed infant son of Lavender and Johnny. He spends his early life trapped on the rural New York property, entirely dependent on his young mother and older brother.

Lila is a preteen girl in the foster care system who wears a distinctive amethyst ring with a gold band. She frequently spends time with her close friends at the group home and eventually falls into a cycle of substance use as a teenager.

Izzy is a young woman who encounters Ansel on a drive. She is one of the local girls whose sudden disappearance triggers long-term police investigations in the area.

Angela is a sixteen-year-old waitress who frequently interacts with Ansel during his late-night diner visits. She is outgoing and wears a pearl bracelet on her wrist.

Emilia is an experienced police sergeant who takes on Saffron as an intern. She provides guidance but remains skeptical of theories that lack hard evidence. She advises her subordinates to separate their personal feelings from police work.

Tina is a defense lawyer representing Ansel. She files final appeals on his behalf as his scheduled execution date approaches. She handles the legal formalities of his case efficiently.

Rachel is the co-owner of the Blue House diner. She operates the establishment alongside her family and extends hospitality to visitors.

Kristen is a resident of the foster care system who forms a tight social circle with the other girls. She eventually secures steady employment and graduates from high school.

Olympia is a teenager employed at a local ice cream shop. She has a brief, uncomfortable encounter with her coworker that results in significant workplace tension.

Corinne is a dedicated police detective working under Saffron's supervision. She eagerly pursues older case files and gathers background information on suspects.