Edmund is an eleven-year-old boy from London living in a cramped tenement in Providence. He travels to America with his aunt and twin sister in search of his missing mother. As a conscientious rule-follower, he tries to act responsibly but feels limited by his age and frail stature. When his family members vanish, he must rely on strangers in the unfamiliar city for help.

An impoverished American writer who introduces himself to Edmund as Auguste Dupin, a fictional detective from his own stories. He arrives in Providence seeking literary inspiration and hoping to court a local wealthy woman. Haunted by his past and struggling with alcoholism, he finds Edmund's circumstances fascinating and views the boy's life as potential material for a new tale.

Edmund's stepfather who stole his wife's money and abandoned the family in London. In Providence, he works to establish himself as a wealthy, proper gentleman. He cares deeply about his social image and reputation, spending considerable effort to present himself favorably to the local upper class.

An energetic young accountant at the Providence Bank with bright blue eyes, round red cheeks, and distinctive white-blond hair. He admires detective stories and offers his services locally as an aspiring investigator. He guides visitors through the bank and assists his associates with discreet business matters.

Edmund's eleven-year-old twin sister. She shares a rented room in Providence with her brother and aunt. Less concerned with strict rules than her brother, she successfully convinces him to leave their room to buy food. She enjoys reading fairytales like Hansel and Gretel, drawing practical inspiration from the stories she consumes.

Edmund and Sis's aunt who brings them from London to Providence. She acts as the children's primary guardian, establishing strict rules to keep them safe in the unfamiliar urban environment. She is devoted to finding her twin sister, actively posting rewards and meeting with strangers who claim to have information.

Edmund and Sis's mother, and Aunty Pru's twin sister. Following the death of her first husband, she remarries a man who drains her finances. Her determination to retrieve her stolen money prompts her to travel to Providence, a journey that eventually draws her entire family to the United States.

A powerfully built member of the Providence Night Watch with a facial scar and a military background. He presents himself as a dedicated professional who always sees his cases through to the end. His intimidating physical presence makes him a formidable figure on the city's foggy waterfront.

A wealthy woman living in an upper-class home on Benefit Street. She is infatuated with Poe's writing and views him as a romantic genius. At the same time, she is highly sensitive to social expectations and worries about the potential scandal his erratic behavior might bring to her respectable household.

Helen's mother, a woman deeply invested in maintaining her family's upper-class social standing. She strongly disapproves of impoverished and unpredictable suitors. She actively maneuvers to secure a stable, established gentleman for her daughter instead.

A ship watchman aboard The Lady Liberty with distinctive white hair. He is dutiful in his job, frequently scanning the water during his shifts, and reports his findings directly to the local authorities.

A friendly dockhand working at the Providence wharf. He is familiar with Edmund and his family from their time wandering the waterfront and shares local news with the boy.

A servant working at the Whitman residence on Benefit Street. She answers the door for visitors and runs errands around town on behalf of the family.

The head of accounting at the Providence Bank. He is known to be highly communicative, freely sharing information about the bank's operations with his clerks.