Ben is the novel’s primary antagonist, whose charming facade conceals manipulative, violent, and deeply self-serving tendencies. He initially presents himself as a wealthy, charismatic suitor, using his money and good looks to win over Emmy and ingratiate himself with her family. This calculated performance is a central element of The Dangers of Misplaced Trust, as his generosity and seemingly considerate actions mask his willingness to manipulate others for his own benefit. His introduction of himself as “Ben” to Hannah but “Bennett Mulholland” to Emmy is an early indicator of his awareness of status and his tendency to tailor his self-presentation to different audiences. His decision to charter the poorly maintained Be-Yacht-Ch despite warnings about the weather and safety of the trip reflects the poor judgment and entitlement that contribute to the group’s ordeal.

Ben’s true character is revealed through a series of escalating actions driven by a relentless focus on protecting himself from consequences. When Captain Keith’s negligence threatens to expose Ben’s poor judgment, Ben’s response is violence and intimidation, culminating in the confrontation that sends the captain overboard. Hannah later comes to believe that Ben deliberately allowed the incident to occur in order to avoid accountability for his actions. This event marks a turning point, transforming the narrative from a survival story into a psychological thriller. His subsequent actions, such as cutting the boat’s radio wires and setting a fire to create a diversion, demonstrate his willingness to endanger everyone to protect himself. He operates under a twisted version of The Moral Ambiguity of Survival, where his own future is the only thing worth preserving. His threat to the group, “If I go down for this, I’m taking the three of you with me” (75), reveals that his charm is merely a tool, readily discarded in favor of intimidation when his control is challenged.

Throughout the ordeal, Ben remains fundamentally unchanged, continuing to place his own interests above the safety and well-being of others. He consistently refuses to accept responsibility, framing himself as a victim of circumstance and the incompetence of others. Even after washing ashore, he focuses on protecting himself rather than working cooperatively with the other survivors. His systematic sabotage of the group’s resources, from stealing food to puncturing their raft, underscores his willingness to sacrifice others for his own survival. His final confrontation with Hannah reveals the extent of his self-interest and lack of remorse, as he justifies actions that place the lives of the others at risk and treats them as obstacles to his own freedom. Ben’s character is closely tied to the novel’s exploration of unchecked privilege, as he repeatedly assumes that his wealth and status will shield him from the consequences of his actions. He maintains this belief until his death.

Jackson functions as the story’s principal deuteragonist and an important source of emotional support for the protagonist, Hannah. Over the course of the novel, he develops from a quiet and observant teenager into a more protective and decisive figure. Initially, he’s characterized by his quiet and reserved demeanor, often seen with his nose in a true-crime book. This interest reflects his observant nature and contributes to his skepticism toward Ben from early in the novel. His role as a foil to Ben clarifies Jackson’s concern for others, especially as Ben’s reliance on charm and manipulation becomes increasingly dangerous.

Jackson’s protective instinct is his primary motivation. He reluctantly agrees to the boat trip largely because he wants to keep an eye on Emmy, but as the situation deteriorates, his focus expands to protecting the entire group from Ben’s escalating volatility. He consistently attempts to de-escalate conflict, stepping between Ben and Captain Keith and later trying to restrain Ben after the fire. One of his defining moments comes when he pretends dolphins are sharks in an effort to regain control of a dangerous situation involving a panicked Ben. This act showcases his intelligence and his ability to think strategically under pressure. His relationship with Hannah also undergoes a significant change over the course of the novel. The backstory of their near romance reveals that his earlier distance was born from a misguided attempt to protect her, a decision he comes to regret. This unresolved tension adds depth to his character and makes his eventual sacrifice more meaningful.

Ultimately, Jackson’s protective nature leads to his death. In the final storm, he gives Hannah his life vest and attempts to protect both Hannah and Emmy, placing their safety above his own. Even after his death, his presence lingers as a hallucination created by Hannah’s traumatized mind. These imagined conversations reflect Hannah’s efforts to process grief, loss, and uncertainty while struggling to survive. Through these interactions, Jackson continues to provide the encouragement she needs to persevere. His consistent concern for others throughout the novel highlights an approach to survival shaped by responsibility and care for the people around him. As a result, his loss has a significant impact on both Hannah’s emotional journey and the novel’s final stages.

Emmy is a deuteragonist who serves as a foil to Hannah and plays an important role in shaping the events of the novel. Over the course of the story, she develops from an impulsive and trusting teenager into someone who approaches people and situations with greater caution and awareness. At the outset, Emmy is portrayed as vivacious, adventurous, and impulsive, providing a contrast to Hannah’s cautious nature. Her desire to “[s]ee where the wind takes [her]” defines her worldview and leads her to embrace the spontaneity of a vacation romance with Ben (4). This trusting and carefree attitude makes her susceptible to Ben’s manipulations, and her insistence on proceeding with the sailing trip, despite warnings about the weather and the trip, directly precipitates the group’s predicament. Her initial naivete is a powerful illustration of The Dangers of Misplaced Trust, as she readily accepts Ben’s charming facade and overlooks several warning signs.

As the crisis unfolds, Emmy is forced to confront the consequences of her impulsiveness and misplaced trust. The trauma of the events on the boat challenges many of her earlier assumptions, compelling her to become more cautious and strategic in her decision-making. While she initially defends Ben, the reality of his violence becomes undeniable. Her character pivots when she decides to feign allegiance to him, a strategic choice to manipulate him for information and survival. This marks a significant development from the trusting teenager introduced at the beginning of the novel. Despite the horrific circumstances, her deep loyalty to Hannah remains, most notably when she intervenes to save Hannah from Ben during the second storm. The friendship bracelets that the girls wear emphasize the strength of their friendship throughout the ordeal. After her rescue, Emmy’s decision to proceed with her world tour signifies a continuation of her desire to explore the world, shaped by the experiences she has endured and survived.

Mr. and Mrs. Cole are Emmy and Jackson’s parents, whose brief presence helps establish the family context surrounding the central characters. They’re affectionate, trusting, and protective, though their judgment is shaped by Ben’s polished self-presentation. Ben gains their approval partly through his family’s connection to their college circle, which leads them to view the Mulhollands as “good eggs.” Their trust in Ben is tempered by caution: Mrs. Cole initially hesitates over the sailboat excursion, and Mr. Cole permits the trip only after requiring Jackson to accompany the group. This compromise shows that they recognize some risk, while also revealing how social familiarity and respectability can make danger appear manageable.

The Coles’ role becomes more emotionally significant after the disaster. Because Jackson joins the trip as a condition of Emmy’s participation, his death gives their earlier attempt at caution greater emotional weight. Hannah later describes Jackson’s parents as devastated and hollow eyed, and their memorial for him shows how the effects of the trip extend beyond the immediate survivors. Though the Coles remain minor figures, they reinforce the novel’s treatment of misplaced trust by showing how protective concern can be limited by incomplete information when danger arrives through charm, privilege, and respectability.