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Barbara Van Laar 

The protagonist, a missing 13-year-old camper and daughter of the Van Laars. Before her disappearance, she resided in Balsam cabin and loved music. Ignored by her parents and overshadowed by her missing brother, Barbara is known to act out and rebel, dyeing her hair black and adopting a punk style. She is resourceful and independent, a strong swimmer with sharp survival skills. As the leader of her Survival Group, she ultimately proves capable of living off the land on her own. 

Peter “Bear” Van Laar IV 

Peter and Alice’s only son, who went missing at 8 years old, his disappearance shaking the town of Shattuck and the Van Laar reputation. He is Alice’s sole source of joy, and their bond is one of deep, unconditional love. Kind, curious, and a quick learner, Bear masters fishing, whittling, and hunting at a young age. Everyone on the Preserve adores him and watches him grow up.  

Alice Van Laar 

Peter III’s wife, Bear and Barbara’s mother, and Delphine’s sister. Married at 18, she spent her life being controlled and manipulated by those around her, especially by her husband, Peter. She relies on prescription pills and alcohol to calm her nerves, and she has a strained relationship with Barbara due to her devastation from Bear’s disappearance.  

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Investigator Judyta “Judy” Luptack 

A junior investigator on the Barbara Van Laar case, Judy is among the nation's first female state troopers, and is the daughter of Polish immigrants. She lives with her family in Schenectady, but she’s eager to move out and be independent. Despite having to endure sexist comments from fellow troopers and the Van Laars, Judy’s bravery, curiosity, and determination help her discover the truth behind Barbara’s disappearance, proving the underdog can become the hero.  

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Tessie Jo “T.J.”  Hewitt  

The confident director of Camp Emerson and Vic's daughter. T.J. serves as the preserve's groundskeeper in the off-season and camp director in the summer. She lives year-round in the Director’s Cabin, caring for her ill father, who taught her survival skills and self-sufficiency. Having grown up with the Van Laars, especially Bear, T.J. has become a motherly figure to Barbara. Due to her appearance and her position of authority, she is seen as an outcast by others in Shattuck and the Preserve. 

Louise Donnadieu 

Barbara’s camp counselor, John Paul’s fiancée, and Jesse’s older sister. She takes her responsibilities seriously, protecting those she cares about, especially her brother. A hardworking Shattuck local, she is often the topic of gossip due to her alcoholic mother. She is in an abusive relationship with John Paul but flirts with Lee Towson.  

Peter Van Laar III 

An antagonist, father to Bear and Barbara, and Alice’s intimidating, dismissive husband. His top priority is the family bank and its success, which he values above everything else. Emotionally abusive and manipulative, he controls Alice’s behavior and their marriage. 

Peter Van Laar II 

An antagonist, grandfather to Bear and Barbara, and father to Peter III. He will do whatever it takes to protect the Van Laar family name and their bank.  

Victor “Vic” Hewitt 

T.J’s father, long-time camp director, and employee of the Van Laars. He is stoic, kind, and a bit mysterious. Vic suffers from illness and dementia, and T.J. is his caregiver. He plays an important role in Bear’s disappearance.  

Tracy Jewell 

A socially awkward 12-year-old and new camper in Balsam. She is Barbara’s bunkmate and closest friend. Shy but fiercely loyal, she knows Barbara’s secrets and also has a crush on Lowell. 

Investigator Denny Hayes 

A senior investigator on the Barbara Van Laar case, and Judy’s mentor. He grows increasingly confident in Judy’s investigator abilities, encouraging her along the way. In the past, he briefly dated Louise’s mother. 

Jacob “Slitter” Sluiter 

A serial killer arrested for his crimes in the Adirondacks during the 1960s. Sluiter was accused of eleven murders, and using his survival skills and knowledge of the woods, he evaded capture until he was imprisoned in 1964. Rumors spread that he was responsible for Bear’s disappearance, and campers talk about him like a scary legend. He escapes from prison and some suspect that he is responsible for Barbara’s disappearance. 

John Paul McLellan Jr.  

An antagonist, a drug user, Louise’s fiancé and abuser, and the Van Laar’s privileged godson. He encourages Louise to take the summer camp job and falsely promises to marry her. John Paul is set to take over the Van Laar bank since they no longer have a son.  

John Paul McLellan Sr.  

Close friend and lawyer of the Van Laars, and father of John Paul Jr. Stuck-up and wealthy, he is just as corrupt as the Van Laars. Despite having met Louise before, he repeatedly fails to recognize her, and he refuses to help her when she needs a lawyer.  

Annabel Southworth 

A 17-year-old counselor-in-training under Louise. Annabel is privileged and irresponsible, and her family is friends with the Van Laars. She got drunk the night Barbara went missing. She is naive and is either unaware or unconcerned about the consequences of her actions. 

Carl Stoddard 

The gardener at the Preserve, a member of the fire brigade, and one of the leads in Bear’s disappearance case. Carl is sensitive and caring, forming a friendship with Bear after losing his own son, Scotty, to a terminal illness. Carl is the last person to see Bear before he disappears. 

Maryanne “Scary Mary” Stoddard 

A Sunday School teacher and Carl’s devoted wife who helps search for Bear during the investigation. Her gray hair and ghostly distant presence inspire the camp legend "Scary Mary."  

Lee Towson 

Camp Emerson's prep cook and dishwasher, and Louise's romantic interest. Though kind and helpful, he carries a false record of statutory rape, making him a suspect in Barbara’s disappearance.  

Captain LaRochelle 

Captain of New York’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). He is a commanding and secretive figure who protects the Van Laar family’s reputation. Intimidating and strategic, he leveraged his involvement in Bear Van Laar’s case to secure a promotion.

Next section Judyta “Judy” Luptack

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