Cole is a wealthy, renowned sculptor operating at the center of San Francisco's competitive art world. He masks his predatory, emotionless nature behind carefully curated public personas and social charm. His meticulous need for control dictates his artistic creations, which secretly incorporate dark, violent origins. Upon discovering Mara's survival of an attack, his initial detachment shifts into an intense, consuming obsession that challenges his highly structured existence.

Mara is a struggling artist living in a shared Victorian house in the Mission District. She works multiple low-paying jobs, including waitressing and dog walking, to fund her creative pursuits. She maintains a fierce independence despite her severe economic struggles and a traumatic upbringing. After surviving a brutal abduction and near-death experience, she channels her trauma into raw, authentic artwork while drawing the attention of dangerous men in the art scene.

Alastor is a popular, self-promoting artist known for his unrestrained, expressive work. Beneath his charismatic public image and manipulative charm, he operates as a highly impulsive and chaotic predator. He views violence as an extension of his art, acting as a direct foil to Cole's methodical nature.

Sonia is Cole's highly competent assistant and gallery manager. She executes his instructions with efficiency and unquestioning discretion, acting as the intermediary between Cole's immense wealth and the struggling artists he sponsors. She occasionally shows glimpses of genuine concern for her employer's well-being.

Erin is Mara's sensual, confident roommate and closest friend. She fiercely defends Mara's interests and provides emotional support as Mara recovers from her attack. Her willingness to engage with the darker elements of the art world's social scene puts her in close proximity to dangerous individuals.

Officer Hawks is the lead detective handling violent crimes in San Francisco. He maintains a professional skepticism toward unusual stories, relying strictly on physical evidence and alibis. His presence represents the limitations of the traditional justice system in dealing with sophisticated predators.

Joanna is the practical, organized roommate in Mara's shared Victorian house. She manages the subletting arrangements and provides a sense of stability within the chaotic household of struggling artists.

Frank is another of Mara's roommates, providing a laidback presence in their shared home. His casual attitude offers a lighter contrast to the intense situations surrounding Mara's life in the art community.

Arthur is Mara's gruff but caring boss at the Sweet Maple cafe. He provides her with employment and a sense of community, though he is easily charmed by the wealth and status of figures from the upper echelons of the art world.

Carl is a petty and biased art critic operating in the San Francisco scene. His professional critiques often stem from personal vendettas, making him a target for artists who resent his gatekeeping influence over their careers.

Logan is an acquaintance of Mara's who works as a tattoo artist at the Paint It Black parlor. He unwittingly becomes a pawn in the psychological power struggles between the elite artists of the city.

Jack is a wealthy art curator and collector in the San Francisco scene. He persistently attempts to purchase Cole's prized sculptures, viewing art primarily as a commodity to acquire.

Josh is a photographer who briefly dates Mara. His insensitive behavior and failure to read her boundaries trigger her post-trauma anxiety, demonstrating her difficulties in returning to normal social situations.

Marcus is a city planner involved in commissioning public art projects. He represents the bureaucratic and civic side of the art world that established artists must engage with.

Betsy is an event organizer and art seller in San Francisco. She facilitates the commercial aspects of the artists' careers, including arranging sales and managing gallery events.