Corinne is an eleven-year-old girl who lives with her father at the edge of the island's dense mahogany forest. She grows and sells the sweetest oranges at the local marketplace, tending a garden inherited from her late mother. Bold and practical, she initially dismisses the island's superstitions about folklore creatures, choosing to trust logic over fear.

Pierre is a hardworking fisherman who raises his daughter alone after his wife's passing. He actively discourages Corinne from believing in supernatural creatures, teaching her that stories about spirits are merely fiction. His rational mindset makes him particularly vulnerable to magical manipulation when a beautiful stranger visits their home.

Severine is a hostile supernatural entity who despises the human presence on the island. Disguised as a beautiful woman draped in green fabric, she arrives at the village marketplace seeking magical assistance to maintain her human form. She holds a deep-seated grudge against humans for their historical encroachment on her territory.

Dru is a cautious girl from a large farming family who firmly believes in the island's old folklore. She knows the rules regarding local spirits and constantly tries to warn her skeptical new friend about the dangers of the mahogany forest. She usually stays close to her protective mother.

Bouki is an orphaned boy living in a rugged cave in the hills above the village. He survives by his wits, often stealing food or playing pranks on the local wildlife. He uses a tough, mocking exterior to mask his vulnerability and protect his younger sibling.

Malik is Bouki's younger brother and constant companion in their hill-dwelling existence. He speaks less than his older sibling, preferring to observe his surroundings and follow Bouki's lead during their daily foraging and mischief-making.

The White Witch is an ancient, white-haired woman who sells remedies to the villagers. She lives in a rotting shack situated in the middle of a dense mangrove swamp. She strictly adheres to a philosophy of maintaining balance on the island, refusing to use her abilities to favor either humans or magical creatures.

Nicole is Corinne's late mother, who died when Corinne was four years old. She left behind a thriving garden, a special protective pendant, and valuable lessons about nurturing seeds. Her presence lingers heavily over the La Mer household.

Hugo is the friendly village baker who works hard to feed the community. He quietly looks out for the island's vulnerable residents, establishing a silent routine of leaving fresh pastries on his counter at closing time for hungry orphans to take.

Mrs. Rootsingh is a vendor at the marketplace and a mother to eight children. She wears a yellow sari and keeps a very close eye on her family, particularly her daughter Dru, warning her against staying out when rain or darkness approaches.

Mr. Rootsingh is Dru's father. He works as a sugarcane farmer, providing for his large family of eight children through his agricultural labor.

Victor is one of the local fishermen who works along the island's coast. He actively participates in the village's defense when trouble strikes the community.

Pierre's father and Corinne's grandfather. He was lost to the sea long ago, leading Pierre to tell Corinne that he now lives as the king of the fish-folk in the ocean's depths.

A small, sentient amphibian living near the edge of the mahogany forest. His terrifying experience in the dry well demonstrates the vulnerability of the island's wildlife to human mischief.