Amanda is a middle-class preteen struggling with the transition of moving to a new town and leaving her best friend behind. She is observant and imaginative, noticing strange occurrences in the inherited house almost immediately. Her interest in mundane tasks, like washing dishes, provides her comfort when the unfamiliar environment causes her stress.

Josh is Amanda's younger brother by one year. He is firm in his decisions and outwardly vocal about his dislike for the move to Dark Falls. He acts stubbornly, refusing to let issues drop when he feels uncomfortable in the new house.

Mr. Dawes is the local real estate agent responsible for showing the Bensons around Dead House. He maintains a friendly, professional demeanor that comforts the parents and helps ease the initial tension of the move. He acts as the family's primary introduction to the town's community.

Ray is a blonde-haired boy living in the Dark Falls neighborhood. He approaches Amanda and Josh shortly after they move in. He introduces them to the local group of children, acting as their initial peer contact.

Amanda and Josh's parents are optimistic adults looking forward to a fresh start. Mr. Benson plans to leave his corporate job to focus on writing in their new, larger home. They focus heavily on the practicalities of moving, frequently interpreting their children's anxieties as standard relocation stress rather than genuine cause for concern.

Karen is a young girl in Dark Falls who extends a friendly welcome to Amanda. She presents the possibility of a normal social life in the new town. Her presence temporarily eases Amanda's homesickness.

The Benson family's normally mild-mannered pet experiences drastic mood swings upon arriving in the new town. The animal fluctuates between frantic excitement and fearful growling. He reacts strongly to the new environment and strangers in ways the human family members do not fully understand.