Harry is a talented but self-destructive detective inspector for the Oslo police. Grieving the unsolved murder of his former partner, he battles severe alcohol addiction and faces imminent dismissal from the force. He relies on his intuitive approach to criminal psychology, which often puts him at odds with strict procedural rules. His obsessive nature alienates those he loves most, leaving him isolated as he investigates the city's latest string of murders.

Tom is a decorated, highly respected inspector on the fast track to becoming Chief Inspector. He projects a pristine public image of discipline and success, making him the department's golden boy. Beneath this polished facade, he operates with ruthless pragmatism and attempts to recruit struggling officers into his shadow activities, believing his own judgment supersedes standard laws.

Wilhelm is a successful, slightly flamboyant theatrical producer currently directing a stage production of *My Fair Lady*. He appears as a devastated, emotional artist when his beautiful younger wife vanishes without a trace. He relies on his professional success and articulate nature to present a composed front while interacting with investigating detectives.

Beate is a quiet, unassuming, and highly competent forensics specialist for the Oslo police. She utilizes a methodical, evidence-based approach to police work that balances out her colleagues' intuitive methods. Despite immense pressure from the department hierarchy, she maintains a steadfast loyalty to Harry and often supplies him with crucial data off the record.

Bjarne is the Chief Inspector of the Crime Squad. He serves as a weary but fundamentally decent boss who recognizes Harry's exceptional investigative talents. The immense stress of managing his volatile detective and handling department politics frequently manifests as severe physical stomach pains.

Rakel is an intelligent, perceptive woman who recently ended her relationship with Harry Hole. Having previously dealt with an addicted partner, she refuses to subject herself or her young son to Harry's escalating alcoholism and erratic behavior. She remains a strong moral anchor for him from afar.

Oleg is Rakel's young son. He shares a genuine, trusting bond with Harry, looking up to the troubled detective as a father figure. His presence represents the domestic normalcy and familial stability that Harry desperately craves but struggles to maintain.

Vibeke is a worldly graphic designer and former cook who lives in the apartment below Camilla Loen. She intuitively recognizes that the liquid dripping into her kitchen is coagulated blood, which initiates the police investigation. She feels deeply unfulfilled and stifled in her current romantic relationship.

Anders is Vibeke Knutsen's partner, projecting a quiet, ascetic, and highly moralistic intensity. He holds rigid, judgmental views about female sexuality and expects complete obedience in his own domestic life. His controlling behavior creates a strained, uncomfortable environment in the apartment he shares with Vibeke.

Sven is an aging smuggler living in Prague. Being of half-German and half-Norwegian descent, he frequently travels to Oslo, ostensibly to visit his elderly mother. His illicit courier activities eventually draw the attention of the Oslo police, pulling him into the center of a massive criminal investigation.

Camilla is a graphic designer in her late twenties who lives in the apartment above Vibeke and Anders. She is the first discovered victim of the serial killer, found with a severed index finger and a star-shaped red diamond left behind at the scene.

Lisbeth is a beautiful, talented singer married to an older theatrical producer. She recently starred alongside her husband in professional stage productions. Her sudden disappearance escalates the police investigation into a confirmed serial killer case.

Barbara is a twenty-eight-year-old receptionist at the law firm Halle, Thune & Wetterlid. She finds her quiet, mundane workday violently interrupted when a mysterious man enters the office requesting a glass of water.

Øystein is a taxi driver and Harry's trusted, lifelong friend. Having known the detective since childhood, he operates safely outside the corrupt police system. He communicates with blunt honesty and refuses to blindly enable Harry's self-destructive habits.

Olaug is an elderly woman residing in a historic house near Oslo's central train station. She worked as a maid in the house during World War II, harboring a complicated past from the occupation era. She eagerly shares stories with her young lodger.

Ellen was Harry's former partner and close friend on the police force. Her unsolved murder deeply traumatizes Harry, pushing him into alcoholism and a relentless obsession with finding the person who ordered her death.

Toya is Lisbeth's sister. Following Lisbeth's disappearance, she steps into the lead role of Eliza Doolittle in the theatrical production directed by her brother-in-law.

Otto is the owner of a surveillance company called Harry Sounds. He possesses undeclared equipment hidden in a barn, which makes him highly vulnerable to police intimidation and forces him to comply with off-the-books requests.

Ståle is a psychologist brought in to profile the serial killer for the Crime Squad. He provides the team with behavioral frameworks regarding sociopathy, helping them predict escalating violence patterns.

Eva is a young woman living in Prague and expecting a child. She worries constantly about her partner's frequent trips abroad and secretive nature, but she remains dedicated to their relationship.

Sverre was a neo-Nazi criminal involved in previous events. His death at the hands of Tom Waaler during a violent arrest remains a massive source of suspicion and conflict for the police department, particularly for Harry.

Sis is Harry's sister. During their childhood, she suffered a traumatic accident when her hair became caught in an elevator grille. Witnessing this event severely traumatized Harry, resulting in his lifelong phobia of lifts.