Drew is Gabie and Kayla's classmate who works at Pete’s Pizza to support his family while dealing with his mother's addiction. He becomes closely involved in the search for Kayla through his friendship with Gabie.

Kayla is Gabie and Drew's popular and athletic classmate whose disappearance serves as a central catalyst for the story. Her character is resilient, and she works to survive while captured.

Ronald Hewett, known publicly as John Robertson, is a seemingly mild-mannered model builder who harbors a dark secret as a sociopathic murderer. He is the novel’s main antagonist.

Sergeant Thayer is the police officer in charge of the investigation into Kayla's disappearance. His actions and the police department's handling of the case are shaped by his biases.

Cody is a young man who becomes the prime suspect in Kayla's disappearance due to his troubled past and a series of circumstantial evidence. His character illustrates issues with prejudice and the consequences of false accusations.