Mildred is a bright, curious, and imaginative young girl with a huge love for books, fantasy, and adventure. She’s intelligent and observant, often taking things more seriously than the adults around her, and she has a strong imagination that makes even the wildest stories feel completely possible. Mildred can be stubborn and outspoken when she believes she’s right, but underneath her confidence she’s sensitive, independent, and deeply cares about the people close to her. She’s adventurous, resourceful, and determined, especially when something sparks her curiosity.

Strawn Wise is Mildred’s eccentric, adventurous, and somewhat unpredictable father, a former magician with a larger-than-life personality. He’s confident, clever, and charismatic, often approaching dangerous situations with an oddly calm attitude and a joke ready to go. Strawn can be reckless and impulsive, but he genuinely cares about Mildred and wants to reconnect with her after being absent from her life. Beneath his goofy, carefree exterior, he’s protective, resourceful, and surprisingly capable when things get serious.

Zo is Mildred’s caring, practical, and protective mother. She’s responsible and grounded, often acting as the sensible counterbalance to Strawn’s eccentric personality. Zo loves Mildred deeply and wants to make sure she’s safe, supported, and doing well, even when Mildred’s curiosity and adventurous nature get her into trouble. She can be firm when necessary, but she’s warm, patient, and understanding, especially when it comes to her daughter, in a coma.

Arnold is a deceptive, manipulative, and criminal man who initially pretends to be a friendly backpacker before revealing his true nature. He and Angelina are con artists and thieves who target unsuspecting travelers, using intimidation and deception to steal their belongings. Arnold is also a kidnapper who threatens a child’s life to force Strawn into giving him everything they have. He’s a liar, a cheat, and an arrogant bully who enjoys acting tougher and more dangerous than he really is. He even lies about his identity and supposed skills to intimidate people. Despite his threatening behavior, Arnold is also sleazy, cowardly, and somewhat ridiculous, especially when his plans start falling apart

Angelina is a deceptive, manipulative, and morally questionable woman who travels with Arnold while posing as an innocent, friendly hiker. She’s involved in their schemes and helps Arnold deceive and rob unsuspecting people they meet in the wilderness. Angelina can initially come across as bubbly and harmless, but that friendliness is part of what makes her so deceptive. She’s opportunistic, dishonest, and willing to go along with Arnold’s increasingly threatening behavior when it benefits them. She has a strange, almost cheerful quality that makes her villainy even more unsettling.