Emily is a former marketing director recovering from a near-fatal cliff fall in Ibiza. The accident left her with severe physical injuries, a stint in a coma, and the eventual loss of her job. She hopes the isolated country house will offer a fresh start, though she quickly begins experiencing eerie sights and rotting smells that no one else notices. She carries intense guilt regarding a past workplace indiscretion and doubts her own perception of reality.

Freddie moves to the remote Devon coast with his wife while waiting for a work transfer to Exeter. He attributes Emily's unusual sensory experiences to her fragile mental state following her accident. Beneath his supportive exterior, he hides a severe gambling addiction and mounting financial debts owed to dangerous individuals. He harbors growing resentment toward his wife and views her vulnerabilities as an annoyance.

Sally is a friendly local who lived at Larkin Lodge twenty years earlier. She appears completely at ease with her husband's habit of painting nude models. Her calm demeanor contrasts sharply with local rumors about her intensely jealous past, creating a mystery about how she changed so drastically overnight.

Joe is a professional artist who frequently paints young women. He lived at Larkin Lodge two decades ago with his wife. He possesses a charismatic personality and openly enjoys a liberated lifestyle with Sally's apparent blessing.

Fortuna is a former actor in her nineties who purchased Larkin Lodge in the 1950s. She keeps a strange collection of her late husband's personal items in a box. She becomes immediately hostile when questioned about the house's history.

The Raven is a wild bird holding a vigil over the remote property. He refuses to leave the area because his mate flew down the house's chimney and never returned. He experiences conflicting feelings of loyalty and resentment regarding his lost partner.

Paul is the vicar of Saint Olaf's church in the nearby village of Wiveliscoombe. He runs a local book club and provides the Bennetts with historical information about their property. He views human nature as a mixture of good and evil.

Dr. Canning is Emily's consultant physician following her severe bout of sepsis. The doctor warns Emily about the potential for post-sepsis hallucinations and memory loss, creating doubt about the unusual events occurring in the house.

Cat is a friend from London who visits the Bennetts. She quickly notices the growing tension between Emily and Freddie, offering practical advice about teamwork within a marriage.

Russell is a psychology lecturer married to Cat. He openly discusses the unrealistic expectations people bring to long-term relationships, pointing out the performative nature of early romance.

Iso is an enthusiastic friend of the Bennetts who suggests bringing out a Ouija board for entertainment. She leaves a notebook and pen for Emily to use as a diary.

Mark is part of the Bennetts' friend circle from London. He traveled with them during the Ibiza trip where Emily had her accident.

Mrs. Tucker is a local woman recommended by the vicar. Her father worked as a gardener for the Carmichaels, and she spent time playing in the house as a child.

Merrily is a local gardener. She provides Emily with local gossip, specifically regarding Sally Carter's dramatic personality change years prior.

Pete is a local gardener who works alongside his wife. He focuses on the exterior improvements of the Bennetts' new home.

Broken Wing is a female raven who flew down the chimney of Larkin Lodge. Her damaged wing suggests she was shot by a farmer prior to her entrapment.

Bright Wing is a new female raven in the area. She attempts to draw The Raven's attention away from his vigil.

Christopher Hopper was a renowned 19th-century surgeon who rebuilt Larkin Lodge. He left behind a hidden diary detailing his extreme actions and marital disillusionment.

Hannah was Christopher Hopper's wife in the 19th century. Her husband resented her lack of support for his dream of building a missionary hospital.

James was an old friend of Christopher Hopper. He suffered from alcohol addiction and aggressive tendencies before being invited to Larkin Lodge.

Gerald was an actor who bought Larkin Lodge in the 1950s with his wife. He eventually died of cancer years after a dramatic domestic incident.

Georgina is an art teacher who was once suspected of having an affair with Joe Carter. She abruptly left the area following threats and is now a famous artist in the United States.

Neil is Emily's former boss. He plays a central role in the secret she keeps regarding the time leading up to her promotion and subsequent accident.