Bergen is an anthropology professor at the University of New Mexico who specializes in studying Navajo witchcraft. Following a sudden divorce, he struggles with a profound loss of enthusiasm for his academic career and feels emotionally adrift. He approaches Indigenous beliefs through a strictly logical, Western academic perspective, viewing local rumors purely as social phenomena rather than genuine supernatural events.

Joe is a seasoned officer with the Navajo Tribal Police. He possesses extensive knowledge of his people's traditions and a highly logical mind, combining modern police techniques with traditional patience. He frequently experiences frustration when attempting to reconcile strict laws with community beliefs, often relying on his understanding of human behavior to piece together disjointed facts.

A tall, jovial man seen around the region who briefly catches Joe Leaphorn's attention during a routine inquiry. He wears his hair in short braids and converses easily with locals and visitors alike, though he firmly claims ignorance regarding fugitives and local gossip. He maintains an intensely calm and collected exterior while moving purposefully through the desert.

Ellen is a determined and compassionate young woman searching for her fiancé, Dr. Jimmy Hall. She travels to the vast and unfamiliar terrain to deliver a personal message about their relationship and his ambitions. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with the desert environment, she proves to be highly observant and quick-thinking when facing unexpected challenges.

Luis is a 22-year-old Navajo man on the run after stabbing a man during a drunken fight in Gallup. Caught between traditional culture and city life, he struggles to remember the survival skills and spiritual songs his uncle taught him. He hides out near the desolate Many Ruins Canyon, fearful of both law enforcement and local superstitions.

Jeremy is a professor in the University of New Mexico anthropology department. He studies Anasazi ruins and eagerly joins Bergen on a summer research trip, hoping the change of scenery will help his friend regain his academic enthusiasm. He plays the guitar and frequently uses humor to lighten heavy moods.

An 81-year-old professional Singer who conducts traditional Navajo ceremonies. He takes immense pride in the old ways and expresses deep sorrow over the younger generation's apparent lack of respect for traditional rituals and practices.

A young white man from the East Coast with blond hair and blue eyes. He wears a straw hat and carries himself with dangerous confidence, operating quietly in the remote canyons of the reservation.

A determined 16-year-old boy who lives with his uncle and possesses excellent tracking skills. He seeks to be taken seriously as a man by the older generation and feels fiercely protective of his family, leading him to investigate disturbances near his home.

An ambitious electrical engineer who grew up on a ranch in New Mexico. He wears cowboy attire and tells adventurous stories that attract Ellen. He harbors an intense desire to secure lucrative patents and escape the traditional academic career path.

A traditional Navajo man who adheres closely to community principles, finding joy in simple pleasures like the smell of rain and the beauty of the morning. He meticulously built his home following traditional practices to ensure his family's spiritual safety.

A knowledgeable Navajo elder who provides Bergen with information regarding recent strange occurrences in the region. She serves as a vital source of community news and traditional perspectives on witchcraft.

The son-in-law of Old Woman Gray Rocks. He is a local herdsman who experiences a frightening encounter with a strange figure attacking his rams, prompting local fears of witchcraft.

A Navajo herdsman whose prime property near an ancient cliff is suddenly abandoned. He leaves his homestead after an unnerving experience with an unknown entity tampering with his sheep pens.

A Navajo man afflicted by supposed witchcraft who hires Sandoval to perform a healing ceremony. He requires guidance through the traditional rites as he seeks to rid his family of a dark external influence.

The operator of a local trading post that serves as a central hub for community gossip and news. He provides a place for locals to gather and for Joe to subtly gather intelligence.

Joe Leaphorn's wife, who provides him with a strong connection to his family and community amidst the stress of his police work.

Bergen McKee's ex-wife who unceremoniously abandoned their marriage with only a short note, leaving him for another man. Her sudden departure severely impacted Bergen's outlook on life and women.

The secretary for the anthropology department at the University of New Mexico. She harbors a motherly concern for Bergen and frequently attempts to encourage him out of his post-divorce slump.

A local policeman who assists Joe Leaphorn during field investigations, securing scenes and collecting preliminary evidence on the reservation.

The local coroner who works alongside Law and Order. He tends to look for the most straightforward, readily apparent medical explanations during his examinations.

A sergeant with Law and Order who discusses cases with Joe and provides updates on community movements and ongoing ceremonies.

A local resident who shares gossip about strange sightings in the Lukachukai region, contributing to the growing unease about a possible supernatural figure.

The head of the anthropology department at the University of New Mexico, serving as Bergen and Jeremy's academic superior.