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Millie Calloway
The protagonist of the novel, Millie is a young woman struggling to make ends meet when she lands a job as a live-in housemaid for the Winchester family. Initially grateful for the opportunity, she soon realizes that the household is fraught with tension and secrets. But she has a troubled past of her own, which makes her a key player in the dark game unfolding around her.
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Nina Winchester
The glamorous but unstable wife of the household, Nina exhibits erratic behavior and mood swings that keep Millie on edge. At times charming and generous, Nina can quickly become cold and volatile, and she seems to take pleasure in exerting her power over Millie. Her unpredictable nature masks deeper secrets that are gradually revealed as the story progresses.
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Andrew Winchester
Nina’s wealthy, manipulative husband, and the novel’s true antagonist. Initially charming, his refined demeanor masks a sadistic streak. Andrew’s need for dominance and control reflects deep insecurities and an unrelenting desire to exert power over others.
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Enzo
The Winchesters’ landscaper and key ally. He is marginalized as an outsider because he is an immigrant and pretends not to speak English, but he understands much more than he’s saying. Enzo appears detached but is deeply concerned about the dangerous dynamics within the Winchester household. His tragic backstory involving his sister’s abuse shapes his protective instincts toward Nina and Millie.
Cecelia Winchester
Andrew and Nina’s young daughter, caught in the crossfire of her parents' toxic relationship. Cece exhibits signs of trauma, strictly adhering to her father’s expectations for perfection and obedience. She’s close to her mother but distant from Andrew, indicating her awareness of his darker nature.
Detective Connors
The detective who saves Nina from prosecution. He has personal knowledge of Andrew’s abusive tendencies due to his daughter’s previous engagement to Andrew, which ended mysteriously.
Evelyn Winchester
Andrew’s cold and controlling mother. Evelyn’s harsh treatment of Andrew as a child hints at the cycle of abuse within the family, contributing to Andrew’s later behavior.
Lisa Killefer
A wealthy woman who interviews Millie in the epilogue. Lisa shows signs of abuse, leading Millie to recognize that she’s trapped in a situation similar to Nina’s. Millie is positioned to help her, continuing the novel’s theme of the ongoing cycle of abuse.
Suzanne
Nina’s friend from the PTA, who plays a minor role as a gossip and representative of Nina’s social circle. She is one of the few outsiders to notice the cracks in the Winchesters’ marriage.
Patrice
A PTA member who engages with Millie early in the novel and unknowingly highlights the surveillance Nina has been under.
Amanda
A fellow nanny who alerts Millie that Nina tried to murder her child.
Dr. Hewitt
Nina’s psychiatrist who convinces her that she imagined Andrew’s imprisonment.
Pam
Millie’s parole officer, a supportive figure who encourages Millie to improve her life.
Robert Winchester
Andrew’s father, who remains supportive of Nina after Andrew’s death but is largely detached from the deeper family dynamics.
Antonia
Enzo’s late sister, who was killed by her abusive husband, driving Enzo’s sense of justice and his desire to protect women in abusive situations.
