Charlie is a 20-year-old college student majoring in film who relies heavily on movies to cope with severe stress and trauma. Following the tragic deaths of her parents and the recent murder of her best friend, she experiences cinematic hallucinations that blur the line between reality and her imagination. Overwhelmed by grief, she abruptly leaves campus by accepting a ride from a stranger.

Josh is a young man who agrees to drive Charlie to Ohio, splitting the cost of gas. He presents himself as an easygoing traveler, sharing conversations about movies and personal backstories during the dark drive. However, as the journey progresses, Charlie notices inconsistencies in his stories, prompting her anxiety about his true identity and background.

Robbie is Charlie's boyfriend, a graduate student studying mathematics at Olyphant University. He acts supportive and protective, checking in on her as she prepares to leave school and expressing a desire to maintain their relationship despite her sudden departure. He frequently assures Charlie that she is special and unique.

Maddy was a theater major at Olyphant University and Charlie's outgoing, vivacious roommate. Her recent murder by the Campus Killer serves as the catalyst for Charlie's departure from school. Before her death, Maddy frequently encouraged Charlie to be more social.

Marge is a waitress working the night shift at The Skyline Grille. When Charlie stops at the diner, Marge steps in to help her clean a spill on her coat. She presents a grandmotherly, caring demeanor and speaks to Charlie about the importance of women looking out for one another in difficult situations.

Nana Norma is Charlie's grandmother, with whom she lives in Youngstown, Ohio. She is an aspiring Hollywood actress who instilled a deep love and encyclopedic knowledge of cinema in her granddaughter.

Officer Tom is a local police officer who responds to the diner while Charlie and Josh are eating. He conducts a brief interrogation of the patrons before leaving.

Charlie's late father is a loving figure from her past. His death in a car accident deeply traumatized Charlie, causing her to stop driving entirely.

Charlie's late mother passed away when Charlie was younger. Her sudden death left a profound impact on Charlie's psychological well-being and triggered her reliance on movies as a coping mechanism.

Howard is the deceased husband of Marge, the waitress at the diner. His passing is one of the tragedies that shapes Marge's current perspective on life.

Josh's father is a man living in Toledo who has recently suffered poor health. Josh claims to be traveling to assist him, though their past relationship involves significant familial conflict.

Josh's mother left the family when he was eight years old. Her abandonment caused a lasting rift and feelings of guilt within the family dynamic.

Angela Dunleavy is a young woman who was murdered by the serial killer operating around Olyphant University. Her death contributes to the atmosphere of fear on campus.

Taylor is another young student whose life was taken by the Campus Killer. Her murder escalated the university's implementation of safety protocols.

Katya is a teenager who was murdered years prior, representing an early tragedy in a long line of killings. Her death predates the university murders but fits the same pattern.