Nathan Freeling is the quintessential "lovable underdog," characterized by a relentless, almost pathologically sunny disposition that masks a deep-seated desire for purpose. Before his death and the move to the Undervale Hotel, Nathan was a man in his 40s living a quiet, somewhat aimless life. Physically, he is defined by his messy brown hair, earnest green eyes, and a prominent mustache he grew to cover a childhood insecurity—a detail that perfectly encapsulates his "fake it 'til you make it" confidence. He is defined by "Golden Retriever energy": fiercely loyal, easily excitable, and incredibly resilient. While his sister Katherine is the pragmatic one, Nathan is the dreamer who follows his gut, even when it leads him into trouble. His defining trait is his radical empathy; he is the kind of person who sees a "demon child" in a cave and worries about him catching a cold rather than losing his soul. Though he struggled with his mental health and a sense of belonging while alive, his accidental fatherhood of Abbadon gave him a sense of responsibility he never knew he wanted, transforming his aimless optimism into a grounding, protective love.

Before Nathan's death, Katherine Freeling was a hardworking, highly stressed, and deeply sensible woman navigating a difficult life. As Nathan's younger sister, she was always the more pragmatic and responsible of the two. While managing a messy divorce and raising her two kids, Ben and Esther, she even completed her college degree online. Katherine's personality was business-minded and protective, though she harbored hidden exhaustion and resentment over Nathan's reckless antics—like the time he tricked her into a loan for a racehorse. Despite her sharp, high-strung exterior, she cared deeply for her family and constantly tried to anchor them.

Before Nathan's death, Ben Freeling was a typical, sweet preteen boy. He was relatively quiet and observant, often caught in the middle of his mother Katherine's stressful divorce. He loved his uncle Nathan's fun energy but craved stability.

Before Nathan's death, Esther Freeling was a fearless, eccentric preteen with a sharp wit. Unlike her anxious older brother Ben, she was a natural thrill-seeker fascinated by the macabre and supernatural. Defiant and brash, danger never unfazed her. Esther Freeling was a confident, fearless, and eccentric preteen girl.