Maggie is a recently divorced crime writer who struggles with the deep self-doubt caused by her gaslighting ex-husband. Despite her lingering insecurities, she is highly observant and deeply knowledgeable about the mystery genre. She views her favorite author, Eleanor Ashley, as an idol and seeks to emulate her strength.

Ethan is a highly successful "golden boy" author known for his action-heavy thrillers and carefully curated public image. Beneath his smooth, confident exterior, he is competent, observant, and carries physical scars from a past accident. He uses his charisma to mask his insecurities and a painful family history.

Eleanor is an 81-year-old, self-made literary legend known as the "Duchess of Death." She is a prolific mystery author who compensates for her physical frailty with a razor-sharp intellect and a penchant for orchestrating elaborate scenarios. She is highly perceptive and seemingly always one step ahead of her guests.

A burly police inspector who struggles with a swollen ankle after hiking through the blizzard to reach the estate. He is an old acquaintance of the host and exhibits a stubborn, demanding demeanor when questioning the stranded guests about the strange occurrences.

Eleanor’s niece and companion, who recently connected with her famous aunt. She appears helpful around the house but occasionally lets slip confidential information about Eleanor's current writing projects.

Eleanor’s nephew who manages aspects of her financial accounts. He is dismissive of his aunt's mental acuity and frequently attempts to assert his own authority over the other guests.

Rupert's wife and a former nurse. She tries to plan holiday activities for the guests and relies on her professional background to tend to sudden medical emergencies in the house.

A psychiatrist who claims to be visiting simply for the holiday. His presence raises questions, as Eleanor does not initially recognize him and he seems reluctant to handle the medical emergencies that arise.

The snobbish Duke of Stratford. He projects an air of entitlement and shows an intense interest in the logistical and financial details of the estate.

The Duchess of Stratford. She has a complicated history with Eleanor's eccentric gift-giving habits and presents a demanding, aristocratic demeanor to the other guests.

A young lawyer representing the firm that handles Eleanor's affairs. He is nervous about his standing at his father's firm and protective of client confidentiality amid the chaos.

A six-foot-five-inch fellow mystery writer invited to the manor. He provides a literary peer for the other authors before suffering a sudden medical emergency that escalates the tension in the house.

Maggie’s ex-husband, whose persistent gaslighting and emotional manipulation left lasting psychological scars. He profited heavily from her success before abandoning her for her best friend.

Maggie’s former best friend who offered her a place to belong after a family tragedy, only to later fracture their relationship by initiating an affair with Maggie's husband.

The estate's dedicated driver and house manager. He has run the household for three decades and knows the property's quirks and limitations well.

A formidable publishing executive known as the most feared woman in the industry. She orchestrates Maggie's invitation to England and pushes her out of her comfort zone.

A sharp, methodical law enforcement officer trying to untangle the chaotic events at Mistletoe Manor during a post-incident interview with the surviving guests.