Gary is a former teacher from Castle Rock, Maine, who recalls a traumatic event from when he was a nine-year-old boy living on a farm in Motton. As a child, he is obedient, quick-witted, and raised in a devoutly Methodist household. He struggles with the recent loss of his older brother and a mysterious encounter while fishing at Castle Stream.

Albion is Gary's father, functioning as a practical and protective patriarch on their family farm in Motton. Deeply distraught by the sudden loss of his older son, he tries to shield his remaining son from physical danger while maintaining an appearance of normalcy. He approaches unusual situations with cautious skepticism.

Loretta is Gary's 35-year-old mother, acting as the nurturing head of the household. She struggles deeply with the sudden death of her eldest son, living in a state of denial regarding the cause of his passing. Her grief has caused her to stop attending church and leaves her carrying a pervasive sense of worry for her surviving child.

A mysterious, terrifying figure who emerges from the woods to confront nine-year-old Gary. He possesses a long, pale face, slick black hair, orange eyes, and long white fingers ending in talons. Emitting a strong odor of sulfur, he behaves with a disturbing mix of childish mockery and lethal threats.

Dan is Gary's older brother who died from anaphylactic shock. Though no longer living during the events at Castle Stream, his tragic passing casts a long shadow over the entire family, shaping their fears and responses to danger.

Candy Bill is the family's black Scottish terrier. Normally a constant companion to Gary, the dog exhibits uncharacteristic behavior on the day of the fishing trip, sensing something amiss and refusing to approach the woods.