Laura, commonly known as Lo, is a British-American dual citizen and travel journalist living in New York City. Having spent six years as a stay-at-home mother, she is eager to reenter the workforce to reclaim her professional identity and show her sons that mothers can work. She experiences severe nightmares and physical panic attacks stemming from her traumatic imprisonment on the cruise ship Aurora ten years ago. Her compassionate nature makes her highly protective of other women in distress, often prioritizing their safety over her own.

Carrie is a thin, wealthy-looking woman with whom Lo shares a traumatic history from their time aboard the Aurora. Once Lo's captor, Carrie ultimately saved her life, forging a complex bond between them. She resides in Suite 11 at the Grand Hotel du Lac as Marcus's romantic partner. This glamorous exterior masks a highly restrictive relationship, leading her to reach out to Lo for assistance.

Marcus is the billionaire CEO of the Leidmann Group, a highly successful international company founded by his family. Known for being reclusive and refusing media interviews, his sudden willingness to speak with Lo presents a massive career opportunity for her. He uses his immense wealth and influence to maintain absolute control over his personal and professional spheres.

Pieter is the 35-year-old son of Marcus and the head of the Journeys subdivision of the Leidmann Group. Lacking his father's natural charisma and commanding physical presence, Pieter works hard to impress Marcus and secure his unconfirmed succession to the family fortune. He operates the Grand Hotel du Lac and actively scouts for talent to boost his hospitality division.

Judah is an American journalist working for the New York Times. He is a supportive partner who willingly takes on childcare responsibilities so his wife can attend international press events. Grounded and intensely loyal, he provides Lo with emotional stability and practical help when she travels abroad.

Eli is Lo and Judah's kindergarten-aged son. He lives in New York City with his family and is cared for by his father and grandmother while his mother travels to Switzerland for work.

Teddy is Lo and Judah's pre-K-aged son. Because his mother has stayed home for his entire life, he genuinely believes that mothers do not have jobs, a perception Lo is determined to change by restarting her writing career.

Pamela, who goes by Pam or Granny, is Lo's fiercely independent British mother. She lives in the UK and exhibits a tough, self-reliant attitude, often minimizing her own health problems to avoid feeling vulnerable or burdening her family.

Filippo introduces himself as an Inspector from Interpol. He is an exceptionally handsome man with a slight Italian accent who approaches Lo to ask questions regarding her connections to Marcus and the events surrounding the hotel.

Ben is a freelance travel writer and Lo's ex-boyfriend from over a decade ago. He previously treated Lo poorly during their time on the Aurora. Having read her published memoir about the experience, he approaches her at the new hotel to offer a sincere apology for his past behavior.

Alexander is a food critic and travel writer who was a passenger on the Aurora ten years prior. He has read Lo's memoir and appreciates her bravery, though he warns her that exposing the secrets of the wealthy can provoke dangerous enemies.

Cole is a photographer in his fifties with striking looks who shares Lo's history aboard the Aurora. He is currently divorced and shares a son with his ex-wife. He is friendly toward Lo and eager to make amends for doubting her in the past.

Adeline serves as the head of international relations for the Leidmann Group. She acts as a professional gatekeeper for Marcus, managing his schedule and interrupting interviews when he is needed elsewhere.

Heinrich is Marcus Leidmann's imposing personal bodyguard. He accompanies his employer during travel and remains a constant, silent presence protecting the billionaire's interests.

Gail is Judah's mother and the grandmother of Eli and Teddy. She lives in New York and happily spoils her grandsons with museum trips and movie outings when their parents are occupied.

Rowan is Lo's contact at the Financial Times. She provides Lo with the assignment and professional backing needed to justify her trip to the Grand Hotel du Lac, seeking an exclusive feature on its reclusive owner.

Gottfried is a local guide hired by the Grand Hotel du Lac. He leads the hotel guests on an upscale foraging expedition, teaching them how to harvest wild mushrooms safely in the surrounding wilderness.

Elke is Marcus's deceased wife and Pieter's mother. According to Marcus, her life was entirely consumed by motherhood until she died from complications during a high-risk second pregnancy.

Cavendish is a professional employee at the luxurious Old Manor hotel in England who assists Lo with her accommodations and luggage when she arrives from Switzerland.

Bella is a hotel employee at the Old Manor who delivers room service. She is highly attentive to the guests' needs and becomes extremely anxious at the thought of the kitchen staff being blamed for any disruptions.

Dickers is a police detective investigating a major incident at the Old Manor hotel. He conducts formal interviews, scrutinizes physical evidence, and places heavy pressure on witnesses to verify their timelines.

DC Wright is a police officer who assists Sergeant Dickers with the investigation at the Old Manor hotel, specifically requesting physical evidence and statements from witnesses.

Dan is a defense attorney connected to Lo through her acquaintance Cole. He is a sharp, fiercely protective lawyer who immediately goes to work analyzing hotel door logs and demanding fair treatment for his client during a crisis.

Chloe is a former passenger of the Aurora and Cole's ex-wife. She left their marriage to pursue a relationship with a wealthier man, resulting in a divorce.

Eddie is the young son of Cole and his ex-wife Chloe, caught between his parents following their divorce.