Philip Marlowe is a resourceful, cynical private detective operating out of Los Angeles. He handles cases that wealthy clients wish to keep away from the public eye, relying on his sharp instincts to uncover the truth. Used to working alone, he views the official police force with a mixture of skepticism and pragmatism.

Derace Kingsley is a wealthy businessman and executive at the Gillerlain Company. He cares deeply about protecting his reputation and shielding his private life from public scrutiny. He prefers to handle problems quietly using his financial resources rather than involving official authorities.

Al Degarmo is a detective-lieutenant for the Bay City police department. He uses aggression and intimidation to control investigations within his jurisdiction. He holds a deep disdain for private investigators and aggressively defends his territory against outsiders.

Adrienne Fromsett is the secretary and assistant at the Gillerlain Company. She is highly capable and fiercely loyal to her boss, Derry Kingsley. She possesses a sharp memory and pays close attention to the visitors and affairs intersecting with the company.

Crystal Kingsley is the wife of Derace Kingsley. Known for her erratic behavior, including a history of shoplifting and drinking, she has been missing for several weeks. Her recent disappearance after sending a telegram about running off to Mexico sets the primary investigation in motion.

Chris Lavery is an attractive playboy living in the coastal town of Bay City. He enjoys a carefree lifestyle and frequently dates multiple women. He displays an open contempt for private detectives and actively resists questioning regarding his personal associations.

Doctor Almore is a medical practitioner residing in Bay City. Following the suspicious death of his wife, he has become highly defensive regarding his privacy. He relies on local police connections to quickly dispatch anyone loitering near his home.

Florence Almore is the deceased wife of Doctor Almore. Before her death, she attended local gambling establishments and maintained a strained relationship with her husband. Her passing remains an ongoing source of tension for her surviving family members.

Captain Webber is a commanding police officer in Bay City. He attempts to manage his aggressive subordinates while acknowledging the limits of his authority over deep-rooted institutional problems. He presents a weary but approachable demeanor when dealing with independent investigators.

Bill Chess is the caretaker of Derace Kingsley's mountain property at Little Fawn Lake. He struggles with alcohol use following the sudden departure of his wife. He performs his maintenance duties while nursing a deep sense of resentment and grief over his ruined marriage.

Muriel Chess is the missing wife of Bill Chess. She left her husband abruptly after a dispute, leaving behind a harsh note stating her desire to disappear. Her absence mirrors Crystal Kingsley's disappearance, bringing tension to the small mountain community of Little Fawn Lake.

Sheriff Patton is the local law enforcement officer overseeing the area around Little Fawn Lake. He uses a folksy, relaxed approach to policing that masks a sharp intellect and a keen eye for physical evidence. He operates with patience, refusing to rush to conclusions.

Andy is a deputy working under Sheriff Patton at Little Fawn Lake. He assists in managing the mountainous jurisdiction but lacks the seasoned composure of his superior when faced with grim situations.

Eustace Grayson is an accountant and the father of Florence Almore. He harbors intense suspicions regarding his daughter's demise. He actively funds independent investigations to bypass the local police, whom he completely distrusts.

Lettie Grayson is the mother of Florence Almore. She shares her husband's grief and suspicion over their daughter's passing. She maintains the records of the investigators they previously hired and assists Marlowe with tracking them down.

Mildred Haviland is a former nurse at Doctor Almore's practice. She was connected to the Almore household during the time of Florence's death. Her past associations make her a subject of interest for both private and official investigators looking into Bay City's secrets.

Birdie Keppel is a hairdresser and reporter for the local Puma Point Banner. She is highly talkative and eager to share local gossip. She provides Marlowe with contextual information about the police presence in the mountain community.

George Talley is a private detective operating out of Bay City. He was previously hired by the Graysons to investigate their daughter's death. His abrupt departure from the case strongly suggests he faced external intimidation from local authorities.

Mrs. Talley is the wife of private investigator George Talley. She is deeply anxious and unwilling to engage with anyone asking questions about her husband's former cases. She actively wards off visitors attempting to dig into the past.

Cooney is a uniformed police officer in Bay City. He is highly violent and eager to abuse his official power. He enjoys inflicting physical harm on those he considers a threat to his department's authority.

Dobbs is a uniformed police officer in Bay City. He operates alongside Cooney but displays slightly more restraint. He participates in departmental intimidation but attempts to limit the excessive physical violence his partner desires.