Becker is a curator and creative director at the Fairburn Foundation. Coming from a working-class background, he often feels insecure around the wealthier Lennox family, despite his professional success. He views himself as a passionate expert on Vanessa Chapman's art, eager to uncover the history behind her creative process and preserve her legacy.

Grace is an educated former medical doctor who serves as the executor of Vanessa Chapman's artistic estate. Having lived on the remote island of Eris for over two decades, she leads an isolated life following Vanessa's death. She acts as a gatekeeper to Vanessa's journals and unreleased artworks, curating exactly what information the outside world receives about her late friend.

Vanessa was a highly successful British contemporary artist who spent the latter part of her life creating sculptures and ceramics on the remote island of Eris. She maintained an abrasive public persona to protect her independence and artistic freedom. Despite her need for solitude, she maintained intense, complicated connections with her gallerist and her close companions.

Sebastian is the wealthy, charismatic head of the Fairburn Foundation. He inherited the organization and an extensive art collection from his late father. He uses his position of privilege to advocate for the foundation's public interests, pressuring Becker to secure the remaining Chapman artworks from the island of Eris.

Helena is Becker's pragmatic, pleasure-loving wife who is currently seven months pregnant. Coming from an upper-class background similar to the Lennox family, she handles the social dynamics of the estate with ease. She provides keen insight into the reputational struggles of ambitious women.

Emmeline is the elegant, socially conscious widow of Douglas Lennox. She carries deep resentment over her late husband's infidelities, particularly his involvement with Vanessa Chapman. She actively attempts to undermine Becker's work at the foundation, hoping to erase Vanessa's lingering influence over her family's legacy.

Douglas was a prominent gallerist who previously represented Vanessa Chapman before an explosive professional falling out. He carried on a tumultuous affair with the artist, which deeply affected his marriage to Emmeline. Following a lengthy legal battle over a canceled exhibition, he unexpectedly became the sole beneficiary of Vanessa's artistic estate.

Julian is Vanessa's estranged husband, whose unexplained disappearance on the island of Eris in 2002 casts a long shadow over her legacy. Prior to his disappearance, he frequently clashed with his wife over her artistic success and his own financial dependence.

Celia is a wealthy woman who was preparing to marry Julian Chapman prior to her fatal car accident. Julian's financial dependence on her wealth causes concern for his estranged wife.

Isabel is Julian Chapman's sister. Following his strange disappearance, she gives public interviews portraying her sister-in-law, Vanessa, in a highly negative light.

Nick was a close companion to Grace during their time as students. His abrupt departure from her life without explanation left a lasting emotional wound that deeply shaped her ability to trust others. He later resurfaces at her medical clinic while struggling with addiction.

Marguerite is a long-time resident of the local area who suffers from dementia. Despite her confusion, she remains observant of the comings and goings around Grace's isolated cottage.

Stuart is Marguerite's abusive husband who performs repairs around the local properties. His threatening behavior prompts Vanessa to seek ways to defend herself on the isolated island.

Audrey is a university student who lives with Grace and Nick Riley. She abruptly vanishes from Grace's life alongside Nick, creating a lasting sense of abandonment for Grace.

Benjamin is a forensic anthropologist who visits an art exhibition. He brings his professional expertise to bear when viewing Vanessa Chapman's sculpture, contacting the gallery to report an anomaly in the materials.