Rafe is a quiet, reclusive artist living in his late father's cabin in the woods. He creates elaborate wood carvings and murals based on suppressed memories of an alternate world he visited as a teenager. Carrying physical and emotional scars from his upbringing, he is deeply connected to nature and struggles to communicate his feelings verbally.

Jeremy is a highly successful search-and-rescue expert who specializes in locating missing women and children. Unlike Rafe, he retains full memories of their shared magical experiences but is bound by a spell that prevents him from discussing them openly. He presents a brash and confident exterior that masks his persistent longing for the magical kingdom and his enduring feelings for Rafe.

Emilie is a 23-year-old former veterinary technician who recently lost her adoptive mother. Seeking a biological connection, she discovers the existence of an older half-sister who disappeared years ago. Often anxious and quick to speak her mind, she finds comfort in Fleetwood Mac songs and gradually discovers her own bravery during her journey into the forest.

Born Shannon Yates, Skya is the queen of Shanandoah, a magical kingdom accessed through the West Virginia woods. After escaping a traumatic kidnapping as a teenager, she built a lush, vibrant world out of her imagination and childhood stories. She governs her land with wisdom and authority, patiently awaiting the day she can reunite with her younger sister.

Bill is Rafe's deceased father, a strict and controlling electrician who demanded conformity from his son. He viewed Rafe's artistic talents and close bond with Jeremy as unacceptable, enforcing his worldview through severe physical abuse. His actions heavily influenced Rafe's desire to escape reality and remain a central source of trauma for his son.

Bobbi is Rafe's mother, a resilient woman who provides her son with unconditional love. Despite living under her husband's oppressive rule for years, she secretly supported Rafe's art and continues to encourage his independence. She treats Jeremy like a second son and happily accepts Emilie into their circle.

Theresa was a loving single mother who adopted Emilie and raised her in a comfortable, affectionate environment. Her recent death from breast cancer leaves Emilie feeling lost and prompts the young woman to search for biological relatives.

Mrs. Adler was Skya's fifth-grade English teacher. She encouraged her student's early writing efforts and gifted her a distinctive mechanical pencil, telling her it possessed the magic to make stories come true.

Maggie is a nurse who accidentally discovers Jeremy and Rafe returning from their six-month disappearance. She provides initial medical assessment and observes strange, magical occurrences surrounding their return that she chooses to keep secret.

Tom is Maggie's boyfriend who is present when the missing boys are discovered in the forest. He runs to get help while Maggie tends to Rafe's injuries.

Tempest is the leader of Queen Skya's Valkyrie guard. She is a fierce, highly skilled warrior who protects the kingdom from dark creatures. She maintains strict security protocols, demanding proof of identity even from old friends.

Winter is a member of the Valkyrie guard who protects Skya's palace. She is pale, capable, and fond of the stories the real-world visitors bring to the kingdom.

Ripper is one of the Bright Boys, malicious creatures made of smoke that feed on human fear. He takes the form of a teenage boy in ragged clothes and acts as an aggressive foot soldier against the protagonists.

Aurora is a magical red crow that serves as an essential guide and messenger between worlds. She acts as Queen Skya's primary spy and provides crucial assistance to the heroes during their journeys.

Fritz is a pet rat Emilie rescued from euthanasia at the veterinary clinic where she worked. He travels with Emilie in her pocket and proves surprisingly helpful in difficult situations.

Dr. Mary Cox was a music professor and concert pianist who raised Jeremy as a single mother following her husband's death. She relocated Jeremy to England after his return from the woods, silently suspecting he was hiding the truth about his disappearance.

Thomas was Jeremy's father who died by suicide before Jeremy was born. His memory represents a source of unresolved grief for Jeremy, which dark entities attempt to exploit.

Granny Apple is a wise resident of Shanandoah who cultivates an orchard near the edge of the kingdom. She provides Rafe and Jeremy with crucial advice and magical sunlight-infused apples before they leave on a dangerous mission.