65 pages • 2-hour read
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Richard is a twenty-something English traveler looking for unique experiences to add to his mental collection. Fascinated by video games and the Vietnam War, he frequently views his surroundings through the lens of pop culture and combat tactics. He is highly observant and easily influenced by his desire for isolation from mainstream society.
Etienne is a loyal, brave French traveler seeking genuine excitement. He is highly principled and quick to recognize the moral implications of situations on the island. As a skilled spear-fisher, he fully immerses himself in the daily routines of the secret community.
Françoise is a bold French woman traveling with her boyfriend. She embraces the physical challenges of reaching the island, including a grueling open-water swim. Once on the beach, she proves adaptable and integrates easily into the community's fishing team.
Jed is a quiet, observant beach resident who often works alone in the jungle. Having reached the island without an invitation, he occupies a slightly marginalized position within the community. He enjoys reconnaissance and takes his duties on the island's perimeter very seriously.
Keaty is a humorous, somewhat anxious member of the beach community. Originally assigned to the gardening detail, which he dislikes, he frequently lobbies to switch to fishing. His love of video games provides an immediate point of connection with newcomers.
Daffy is a Scottish traveler and one of the original founders of the secret beach community. Highly erratic and deeply cynical, he leaves a hand-drawn map for Richard. His legacy casts a long shadow over the island and heavily influences Richard's psychological state.
Sal is the unofficial leader and co-founder of the beach settlement. She maintains a calm, friendly exterior while operating with calculation and strict principles to protect the camp's secrecy. She handles the community's logistics, work assignments, and internal disputes with a firm hand.
Bugs is a skilled carpenter who built the camp's longhouse and devised ways to hide the settlement from overhead planes. As Sal's boyfriend and a co-founder, he holds significant influence. He is competitive, arrogant, and highly protective of his status within the community.
Karl is a Swedish camper who dedicates his days to catching large fish in the deep waters around the island. He is a quiet, reliable provider for the camp who spends almost all his time with his two closest companions.
Christo is a quiet Swedish traveler focused entirely on spearfishing to feed the beach community. He rarely interacts with those outside his specific trio, preferring the routine of deep-water hunting.
Sten is the third member of the Swedish fishing team. Like his friends, he is highly dedicated to his demanding daily tasks and contributes significantly to the camp's food supply while remaining socially detached from the larger group.
Friend and Teammate of Karl
Friend and Teammate of Christo
Sammy is an American traveler who uses an exaggerated surfer persona to mock stereotypes about tourists. Educated and charming, he spends his time traveling through Thailand seeking a good time and eventually learns of the secret beach.
Friend and Travel Partner of Zeph
Acquaintance of Richard
Zeph is a college-educated American tourist putting on a relaxed, stereotypical surfer attitude. He is well-informed about local rumors, including the existence of an exclusive, untouched lagoon hidden in a protected marine park.
Friend and Travel Partner of Sammy
Acquaintance of Richard