Wren is a nineteen-year-old woman who has lived her entire life in a secluded forest homestead. Raised to fear the outside world, she takes her responsibilities to her younger sisters seriously. As their food supplies dwindle and a mysterious stranger threatens them, she begins to question the strict rules that have defined her existence.

Nicolette is a wealthy woman living in Upstate New York who longs to become a mother. She carries trauma from a past medical emergency that required a hysterectomy, frequently experiencing unsettling dreams about an empty stroller. Though she lives in luxurious comfort, she increasingly suspects her husband is keeping a devastating secret from her.

Maggie is the strict mother of Wren and her sisters, enforcing complete isolation at their remote forest homestead. She instills a deep fear of the outside world in her daughters by claiming civilization has fallen into ruin. Her prolonged absence seeking medical care forces her daughters into a desperate survival situation.

Brant is a highly regarded photographer who prefers the seclusion of his Upstate New York hometown. He expresses deep love for his wife Nicolette, but his recent distraction and mysterious bank withdrawals create a growing distance between them. He claims to be preparing for an upcoming gallery show in Manhattan.

Davis is Brant's semi-estranged younger brother, known for his reclusive tendencies and history of personal struggles. He resents Nicolette and frequently asks his brother for money. He maintains a strained relationship with the Gideons after being kicked out of their home following a rude comment about fostering children.

Eighteen-year-old Sage is Wren's younger sister, known for her gentle and naive temperament. Her sheltered upbringing has left her somewhat childlike, relying heavily on Wren for guidance as they endure isolation and starvation. She frequently uses a handmade doll to soothe herself during stressful moments.

Evie is the youngest sister in the Sharp family, described as having distinctive sea-green eyes and dimples. Her severe illness causes Maggie to risk a trip into the dangerous outside world, leaving Wren and Sage anxiously awaiting her return at the isolated cabin.

Chuck is a mysterious, scarred man who carries a bag of survival gear into the Stillwater Forest. He invades the sisters' cabin, eating their supplies and questioning them about their mother. His casual references to electricity and cell phones prompt Wren to reconsider everything she has been taught.

Deputy May is a local law enforcement officer in Stillwater Hills who responds to Nicolette's emergency call. She handles Wren and Sage's sudden appearance with quiet kindness, ensuring they receive sensitive medical treatment while attempting to uncover the truth about their living situation.

Cate is a close friend of Nicolette who lives in Florida. She serves as a confidante, expressing concern when Nicolette abruptly cancels her annual winter visit to remain in New York and investigate Brant's behavior.

Beth is a woman connected to a phone number that Brant calls consistently on Friday mornings. Nicolette discovers these records and suspects Beth is involved in Brant's hidden life.

Hannah is a nine-year-old girl seen in a photograph hidden among Brant's possessions. She shares Brant's distinctive eye color, sparking Nicolette's desperate investigation into her husband's potential infidelity.

Dr. Halifax is a medical professional at the local hospital. She evaluates Wren and Sage after they emerge from the forest, working gently to assess their physical condition and ensure their safety.

Sharon is a social worker assigned to assist Wren and Sage at the hospital. She helps manage the sisters' introduction to modern society and delivers critical updates regarding the search for their missing family members.

Dr. Pettigrew is a psychiatrist who works with Wren and Sage during their initial hospital visit. She provides emotional support and professional guidance, accompanying them on a private shopping trip as they experience the modern world for the first time.

Marin is a former colleague of Nicolette who attends Brant's gallery opening in Manhattan. She catches up with Nicolette at the event, expressing surprise at the Gideons' choice to live in secluded Upstate New York.

Ray is the late husband of Maggie Sharp. According to the family history told to Wren, he was killed by an intruder when Wren was very young, a story Maggie uses to illustrate the perils of civilization.

Imogen is Maggie's deceased eldest daughter, who died before Wren was born. Maggie claims she is buried beneath a willow tree near the cabin alongside their father.